Wife, mother, grandmother, baker, knitter, bridge player, community volunteer, woman of faith
Born February 22, 1923 in Ferryland. Passed peacefully away on April 8, 2020 at her residence. Aged 97
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred (2005), infant son Michael, sons, Stephen (1982) and David (2014). Brothers: Howard, Vincent, Clarence, Ernie, Thomas, and Peter Hynes and sister, Marie Cleary.
Left with a lifetime of memories to cherish are daughter Heather, sons Brian (Adele Rosenbloom) Toronto, Kenneth (Christine Molloy), Ian (Rhonda), adored grandchildren Stephen, Jesse, Erin, Colin, Jennifer, Erica and Ella, cherished daughter in law Sharon Tiller and elder siblings Aiden Hynes (Edna) and Rita Maddock. She also leaves special family members Elroy Hynes(Maureen) and family, sisters in law Veronica Hynes (Ferryland), Delories MacKinnon(Sydney, NS) Freddie MacKinnon(Phoenix, AZ) and Alberta MacKinnon(Toronto) and a large circle of nieces and nephews of the Hynes family and Mc/MacKinnon clan of Sydney NS.
Like many women of her generation who did not work outside the home, mom used her God given talents for the power of good. Mornings would find her in the kitchen baking for her children and their friends, and also for the many charity bake sales who would request her much sought after baked goods. In the background was her constant companion, CBC’s Morningside with host Peter Gzowski, whom she adored. Despite a medical condition that robbed her of her hearing and a complete loss of balance in later years, she baked her last apple pie at age 95 and donated 13 cherry cakes to the Cdn Cancer Society Festival of Trees at age 93.
In the afternoons, she would sit by the dining room window and knit at a pace that would defy belief. In modern day parlance, she was a “machine”. She would churn out babies pram suits, cardigans, blankets and other layette pieces all bound for the General Hospital Foundation gift shops. Hundreds of pieces were produced faithfully every year and mom was recognized with a Lifetime Contribution Award for her efforts. She was a member of the St. Clare’s Ladies Auxiliary.
She faithfully volunteered at her children’s schools – St. Pius X, St. Bon’s where she headed up the Ladies Auxiliary overseeing the iconic Sports Day, and Gonzaga where she co-chaired the PTA for many years alongside Father McKenna SJ.
Mom loved a game of bridge and played in many groups. She also played in the IODE marathon in aid of St. Luke’s Home and won the high single score for 13 years running.
She was devoted to her parish – Mary Queen of Peace and she served in many capacities, but most notably chaired the Turkey Tea Committee for the annual Garden Party for over 35 years. She only stepped aside when the event was discontinued. The Knights of Columbus bestowed on her a lifetime recognition for her incredible contribution.
Mom knew much sorrow in her life burying two sons in their prime but she tried very hard to not let it define her, and if you asked, she would say she had a joyous life. Her strong faith guided her and she was certain in the belief that they would all be reunited. She had a 55 year romance with her dashing Wilfred who was her one great love. Theirs was a love story for the ages. They enjoyed an active social life and could regularly be seen commandeering the dance floor displaying their dance skills and romance for all to see.
Thanks to Denise Cahill NP for her many years of attentive care that extended to her palliative care and to good friend Dr Marie O’Dea for palliative consult. We express sincere gratitude to those who offered Mom friendship and kindness in her elder years, especially Marie Whelan, Margot Reid OC, Lucy and Fred Conway and the residents of 7 Tiffany Lane condominiums, as well as her caregivers and friends Elizabeth Prince and most especially Marie Clouter. We are grateful to Very Reverend Monsignor Francis Puddister VG, who visited frequently and who blessed Mom with the final sacrament just a few weeks ago and to Mr Tom Lawlor who brought Holy Communion every Saturday and prayed and then chatted with Mom.
As it was her wish to not be cremated, a private burial will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations can be made to Mary Queen of Peace Food Bank or NL Autism Society. Arrangements entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Cecilia Katherine Hynes McKinnon April 8 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N