Agnes Gillies Hendry

Agnes Gillies Hendry (McArthur) passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Peterborough, Ontario, in her 90th year. Agnes was born on a farm her parents, Donald and Johan, ran in what is now Mississauga. She graduated from the University of Toronto and went to work as a lab technologist  at the Banting Institute in Toronto. She met her husband, Boyd, and began a family, first in Peterborough and then for many years in Cobourg. She raised her family and was active in the Cobourg community, taking leading roles in the Kinette club and the local Progressive Conservative riding association. Later she served as president of the Lioness Club and helped found and run their successful Waterfront Art Festival. As her children grew older she went back to school and then returned to work at the hospital for the developmentally challenged on University Ave. Over time her skills and management ability were recognized and she retired as manager of the children's services side of the hospital, by that time renamed D'Arcy Place.Agnes will be remembered by family, friends and co-workers as a warm, compassionate woman with a strong will and dry sense of humour.  She was firm but fair and preferred to get life’s tasks done efficiently and without fanfare.Agnes is survived by her children Steve (Rachel), Jim (Judi), Ian (Ellen) and Ruth (Rob) and was predeceased by her son Geoff. She is also survived by her brother David (Penny) and predeceased by her sister Janet (Bernie) and brother John (Shirley). She was a much loved and cherished grandmother to Kate, Beth, Reid, Ben, Bryce, Natalie, Will and Jack.Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at both St. Joseph’s at Fleming in Peterborough and Palisade Gardens in Cobourg. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. at Trinity United Church, Cobourg.