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Mary Margaret (Tufts) Calnan RN

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Mary Margaret (Tufts) Calnan RN

July 16, 1923 - September 22, 2020

Departed this life after being lovingly cared for by her husband Philip Calnan and her daughter Monica Verwey in her own home. The mother of Charles deceased), David, Monica, and Gregory. She was a most caring grandmother of Anneliese, Charles, Joseph Calnan and Christopher and Alexander Verwey. A gracious and refined lady who was born in Cobourg General Hospital and worked as a night supervisor of nurses in the same hospital. She went to high school in Cobourg and trained as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Peterborough and at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Montreal. After nursing she worked as a case worker for the Northumberland and Durham Children’s Aid. Her Catholic faith and her children and grandchildren were her greatest love. When she went on a holiday, she found it most difficult to leave her children at home, so they went with her, whether wandering through old castles in Ireland, skiing in Austria and Quebec, or a trip to Florida. She also derived great pleasure in exploring the history of the Tufts family whose first member in North America was Peter Tufts who came to Boston in 1638. After the American war of Independence, the Tufts who remained loyal to the crown were removed to Halifax which was the birth place of her father. After the first world war her father came to Cobourg and married Minnie Oulehan. Mary was pre-deceased by her two sisters Theresa MacNeil and Anna Northcott. A heartfelt thank you to the St. Elizabeth Society, Dr. Philip Stratford and Josie Calip who were most generous in their care giving. Because of the current desire to restrict the spread of the virus there will be a private mass of Christian burial for the family with interment at St.Michaels Cemetery. The family will make a donation to the Nothumberland Hills Hospital foundation and hope well-wishers will support our hospital. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Mary Jane McLaren - October 8, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Kathy McMurdo - October 8, 2020

Dear Monica and Family, My heart reaches out to you (in these times of restriction to in-person condolences) in sorrow and sympathy at your loss. I remember your kind and lovely mother who always appeared stately ... mothering at home or leading class in the high school greenhouse or in church. Sending my respects.

Mary Keenan - October 7, 2020

Dear Father Phil and family I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was such a lovely lady. I hope it helps to know that you are in my thoughts and heart. As you struggle through this difficult time wrap yourself in the love and warmth off your family and friends and get your strength from those around you. My love to you all. Mary Keenan (Calnan Motors)

Bill &Everil Alls - October 5, 2020

We are saddened Phil to hear of Mary’s passing. She certainly had a very full life & we know you were always very close. Bill & Everil

Linda Jim, Wong - October 3, 2020

Deepest sympathy to the Calnan family Mary was a special person and I sure will be missed by many. Just this week I had repeated something Mary told me back in the seventies. Linda, you have to visit Ireland some day. As you fly over you will see 52 shades green, beautiful. I have made it yet, but know when I do, Mary will be the first person I think of Prayers to you all Jim and Linda

James Worden - October 2, 2020

Phillip and family I just found out that Mary had passed and wanted to send my condolences and and to let you know I was thinking of you at this time . She was a very special person and I know you will all miss her so very much .

Ruth and Brad Shehan - October 1, 2020

To the Calnan Family. Thinking of you at this difficult time. May your many happy memories bring you comfort and peace. Ruth and Brad

Andrea Sharp - September 30, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Joe and Lynn Poirier (nee Bibeau) - September 29, 2020

Please accept our sincerest condolences. Our prayers are with the family.

Mary Ellen Lawless - September 29, 2020

Philip and family: Thank you Philip for your telephone message informing me that Mary had died as she and you wished: in her own home being lovingly cared for by you and family. What an example of family support, love and caring you both exhibited over so many years together! As a youngster I well remember seeing Mary and her two sisters at Mass in Grafton when I would be down there visiting at Uncle Din's and Aunt Lill's. I recall how tall, elegant and beautifully dressed they were and, always so gracious and friendly as well! I also remember what a calming influence Mary was when she was the nurse on duty at the Cobourg hospital. My sister Christine had an unfortunate accident when she sat on a chamber pot which broke, giving her a nasty cut to her bum. Under Mary's calming care Christine was soon all fixed up and back home. Thanks too Philip for arranging for me to have those recent chats with Mary on the phone. Even though she might seem a bit uncertain at first it amazed me how quickly she could respond to a question "Do you remember"?, and thus we had some great conversations. I regard those times as gifts given that Mary was always so gracious and seemed so delighted to be chatting about "old times". I share this thought: Grief is the last act of love we have to give and it is not a sign of weakness or a lack of Faith. It is the price of love. It is a passage, not a place to stay... Life is just a dress rehearsal, Now, it is time for opening night.

Margaret Murray (Mulhall) - September 29, 2020

Dear Philip and Family What a wonderful love story your life together with Mary has been. You will miss Mary every day. Just know that where she is, she is watching over all of you with the same love and caring that she always had for all of you.

marilyn clarke - September 28, 2020

Dear Philip, Monica, David and Gregory, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences at the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I remember Mary as an affectionate, caring, loving and gracious person. She and my mother shared a true friendship, one of mutual respect and support & plenty of boisterous laughter. I have vivid memories of visits to your lakeshore home where Mom and Mary, always deep in animated conversation, exemplified what friendship truly means. Mary was always so welcoming. The love & light of your beautiful Mary, will live on in all of you. Blessings, Peace and Grace. With affection, Marilyn Clarke

Stewart Raynor - September 28, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

stephen Redmond - September 26, 2020

Dear Philip, Monica, David and Gregory: We we so very sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Calnan. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother to all of her family. We thank you for the friendship through the years to our parents Mary and Jim Redmond and your support of them. May God bless her. With our deepest Sympathy. Stephen, Anne and Catherine The Redmond's

Ed & Marg Godawa - September 26, 2020

Phil & Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Fond memories of Mary, just so beautiful in every way. Wonderful wife, mother and friend. We all have our roots in Grafton and Cobourg. If at any time we can help please call. Donation has been made to NHH Foundation. Ed and Marg

Patricia Andersen - September 26, 2020

Our most sincere sympathies to the family. She will be missed. May you find Peace and Comfort in the company of family and friends. God bless you all. Patricia

Joan and Don Diminie and family - September 26, 2020

We were saddened to learn of Mary passing on, she was a lovely, caring lady. Both Mary and Phil always had time for a chat, she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phil and the family at this difficult time.

Anthony, Mary, Benjamin, David, Catherine - September 26, 2020

Aunt Mary was always so kind and gentle to us. Even when we would show up late at night after watching fireworks at Cobourg Harbour, Aunt Mary would get out of bed to make us late night snacks despite our protestations to the contrary. She and Philip always made us feel welcome.

Brian and Jackie Driscoll - September 25, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to you Phil and your family on Mary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

frank and sandra lauria - September 25, 2020

It is difficult to imagine you,whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for so long,burying your wife.Please Phil accept my sincere condolences.

Allan and Debbie Elder - September 25, 2020

Sincere condolences to Mr Calnan and family at this very sad time. Allan and Debbie Elder

Ursula Clark - September 25, 2020

Sincere condolences Philip and family. Mary was a gracious beautiful woman and I know you will miss her dearly.

Chuck Skitch - September 25, 2020

thoughts are with you all at this difficult time

Bob Boutin - September 25, 2020

Phil, I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I want you to know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere and deepest condolences. ... Bob Boutin and Nikki Trotter

Joanne Dillon-McKay - September 25, 2020

Our condolences to all the Calnan family on the passing of Mrs. Calnan. She was a great friend to our parents over the years and was always so kind to all of our family. As kids growing up in Cobourg, we enjoyed having the Calnans as our neighbours. Our thoughts go to Mr. Calnan, David, Monica and Greg. We are so sorry for you loss. Joanne Dillon-McKay and all the Dillon Family

Jay Sherwin - September 24, 2020

Dear Phil, Dave, Dinah, Monica and Greg: Please accept my sympathies on the passing of Mary. I will always remember Mary's kindness and elegance, a beautiful woman in so many ways. Mary always made me feel welcome in your home and I enjoyed our conversations. I am sorry for your loss. Jay Sherwin

Peter Dunn - September 24, 2020

Sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Susan Giddings - September 24, 2020

Dear Phil and family. Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy in your loss. I will miss seeing you at Foodland and asking how you are doing (to which you always replied "Oh, not very well." Treasure all your fond memories and keep well. Susan (Birney) Giddings. (The lady from the Cobourg Daily Star).

Melissa Lilje (nee Boreham) - September 24, 2020

I was very saddened to see that Mary had passed away! Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers! May God hold you in the palm of His hand!! Deepest Condolences! Melissa, John, Sarah & Rebekah

Jane Penney - September 24, 2020

Philip know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I am having a Mass said for Mary which I hope to attend. I will remember you all in my prayers. Jane

Steve and Becky Brown - September 24, 2020

Phil and your family we are sorry for your loss. Till our paths cross once more, perhaps at groceries again. Steve and Becky

Alan Clough, Rear Commodore, CYC - September 24, 2020

Phil, Please accept my condolences on your loss. It's very sad and a great shock even when we are expecting it. A long life well lived is something to be most thankful for. I hope we will see you at the club and on the racecourse in 2021. Best Wishes from the "young whipper-snapper" (now 71).

Anne Jones - September 24, 2020

Phil, I am very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was a beautful lady. I will remember her in my prays as well as you and your family. May God bless you all. Anne

Malcolm and Myrtle Wardman - September 24, 2020

Phil: Our thoughts are with you at this difficult and sad time. Malcolm and Myrtle Wardman

Rodger Harp - September 24, 2020

Sorry to hear of your loss Phil and family. On behalf of the Harp family, we have many fond memories of the Calnan's

Phelan Scanlon - September 24, 2020

Sorry to hear about your mother's passing, Greg.

Marg Hannah - September 24, 2020

My sincere sympathy to Phil and the Calnan Family. Marg Hannah

Carl Jeptha - September 24, 2020

Hi Old Man, Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. Carl

Bill MacDonald - September 24, 2020

Phil, I offer to you and your family my most heartfelt condolences on the death of your bride. I did not know Mary having met her but a few times but she sounds like she was a loving and caring person who made the world a better place. Your love and care for her was obvious in all that you said about her and did for her over the years of her failing health. As a husband, you have done well and good. Be at peace knowing that she has gone to her maker in grace and love.

Paul Pearse - September 24, 2020

Condolences to you Phil and family. I first met (Miss Tufts) your dear wife when I had my appendix removed at Cobourg General Hospital. She was the night nurse who let me sleep rather than give me that every three hour shot of penicillin. Wonderful nurse and lady. Phil I’m sure you feel blessed to have had her for a wife and partner.Keep well my friend.

Siobhan Kenny - September 24, 2020

To the Calnan Family: Please accept my sincere condolences. God blrss you.

Liz and Dean McCaughey - September 24, 2020

Dear Phil, We are thinking of you at this time. Mary was a lovely woman and a gracious host. We are so fortunate to have spent time with both of you over the years. Our deepest sympathy. Liz and Dean

Duane & Rick Hoffman - September 24, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Jackie Innis - September 23, 2020

My sincere sympathy to Philip and the Calnan family. Have known Mary since she lived in the house across from Grafton Legion. May she Rest in Peace.

Bernadette Gatien - September 23, 2020

Philip & Family my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a lovely lady. I am sure that after having been blessed with such a long and happy marriage you will have many wonderful memories to help you through this trying time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely Bernadette Lawless Gatien

Susan Calnan Ashe - September 23, 2020

Brian and I send heartfelt condolences to my Uncle Phil and cousins David, Monica and Greg and their families. Susan My mother, Barbara Calnan sends her thoughts, prayers and love.

Brenda Jensen - September 23, 2020

My condolences to Phill and Mary's family. I remember Mary. When she used to bake cookies for the guys at CalanMotors. My late husband worked there and just adored Mary and Phill. She was a beautiful lady which I had grate respect. Rest In Peace Mary. Your an Angel now. My love to yourfamily

Patrick Calnan - September 23, 2020

Heartfelt condolences from Jack, Nancy, and I. I will always remember Aunt Mary’s kindness and hospitality and the cream of broccoli soup she made for Christoffer and I when we passing through on a road trip many years ago.

Barry & Therese May - September 23, 2020

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Mary. As a CWL fellow member, I found Mary very encouraging and gracious in all that we did for God and Canada. Her 70 years as a CWL member was a testament to her faith and Church. She will be missed.

Beth and Paul Lawson - September 23, 2020

Condolences to the Calnan family on the loss of your sweet wife, mother, grandmother...such a lovely, gracious lady. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Beth and Paul

Monica Sheridan - September 23, 2020

Phil I can’t imagine how you will go forward after this long journey. But go forward you will. My deepest sympathy at your very great loss. Sixty seven years is a very long time with one person. My heart is with you.

Paul & Sherry Sweet - September 23, 2020

My deepest sympathies to the Calnan Family on Mary’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I have such fond memories of her when She lived on Walton St. not far from where I grew up. Paul

Lois-Anne Johns - September 23, 2020

Deepest sympathy to Mary's family. Lois simpson

Genevieve Palmer - September 23, 2020

Dear Philip, David, Monica and Family, My heartfelt condolences to all of you at this time of great loss! Gracious, beautiful and naturally elegant are the words that come to mind whenever I think of Mary and yet these words do not really do justice to describe her. Sending love and prayers. Gen