Obituary of Mary Anna Follett
Mary Anna (nee Smith) Follett
1926-2020
It is with great sadness that the family of the late Mary Anna Follett announce her passing on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Corner Brook Long Term Care, Corner Brook, NL at the age of 94 years.
Daughter of Violet and John Smith born September 11, 1926 in Spaniards Bay, Dominion of Newfoundland. Married Henry Follett on April 6, 1949 in Corner Brook, NL and had five children. Having lived a rich life of 94 years, Mary was the pillar of her family and spent a lifetime involved in her community, church and politics.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are her children: Ruth (Don) Trenholm, Amherst, NS, Jeffrey (Emeline) Follett, Corner Brook, NL, Janet (Michael) Bate, Halifax, NS; grandchildren: Meredith and Stacey Follett, Robbie (Sheila) Trenholm, Susan (Robert) Spence, Heidi Rodgers, Jason (Gisèle) Follett, Krista Rodgers and Matthew Follett (J.S. Pigeon); and great grandchildren: Jackson and Eva Follett, Elijah and Ben Calder, Emily and Daniel Trenholm, Megan (JD) Fine; sisters: Marjorie Bennett Corner Brook, NL, Florence Mercer, Upper Island Cove, NL and Shirley Jones, St. John, NB; sister in-law: Myrtle Purchase, British Columbia; and special niece Donna (Wayne) Hicks; and many other nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband Henry; sons, Robert (Bob) and Derek; parents, Violet and John Smith; parents in-law, Debra and Albert Follett; Sister, Clara (John) Coombs; brothers, Eric (Dorothy) Smith, Fred (Doris) Barrett, Warren (Masie) Smith, Baxter (Carmel) Smith; brother in-laws, Colin Bennett, Joseph Mercer and Elizer Jones; grandson, Jason Trenholm; and many other relatives and friends.
Shortly after moving to Corner Brook in 1946, Mary began working at the Glynmill Inn. During her first day at work she met, Reverend Arby Greene, who introduced her to First United Church, where she would become an active member in all aspects of church life, notably as a member of the United Church Women (UCW). Later in her career, Mary was hired by the T. Eaton Co. and over the course of 13 years, she attended night school, earning her high school diploma. In her next position she worked at the Interfaith Home for Senior Citizens as Executive Housekeeper. Throughout that time, she worked closely with residents and staff and played a central role in hiring youth at risk.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Mary was a lifelong supporter of the Liberal Party, starting her involvement at the young age of 13. She worked at polling stations, on various campaigns and served as a delegate for the party at many provincial and federal leadership conventions – notably working with Joey Smallwood and the pro-Confederation campaign during the 1948 Referendums. The recipient of the J. Aiden Hennebury Award for her outstanding volunteer work and dedication to the party, she remained a proud wearer of red until her final day.
In retirement, Mary devoted much of her time to family and volunteering at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital, undertaking a number of grief counselling courses to better aid those dealing with the loss of a loved one. She spent many Christmas seasons volunteering for the Tree of Memories fundraiser and selling bulbs. She found endless joy as a member of First United Church and as a member of UCW. As a member of the church community she played the chimes, served as an usher and was a constant presence at many fundraisers and gatherings. Her involvement in the broader community extended to her family and included many friends, who she cherished and loved dearly.
The Follett family wishes to extend special thanks for Dr. Robert Young for his devotion to Mary and for the care he provided for many years; and additional thanks to the WMRH and Corner Brook Long Term Care Home (3 North) who always provided support and outstanding care.
Our hearts are overflowing with memories, laughs and love. Mary’s love and dedication to her husband, children and family were beyond measure – she will be missed by many whose lives she touched with her joy, energy and zeal. Please hang an ornament on your Christmas tree in memory of a loved one this year.
Due to Covid-19 government restrictions a visitation by invitation only will be held at Fillatre’s Funeral Home (4 St. Mark’s Ave.) on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a funeral service by invitation only on Sunday, December 27, 2020. Internment will follow at Mount Patricia Cemetery.
At a later date, once pandemic restrictions are eased, the family will host a celebration of Mary’s life to pay tribute to her love and dedication.
Flowers graciously accepted, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to First United Church or charity of one’s choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary
Anna
Follett 1926 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Corner-Brook, Province: T-N