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Bronwyn Tutchell on 26 March, 2024 at 11:01am

Such a blessing to have known Mary, and to call her my friend. 60 years ago, I grew up in Noble Park my mum friends with Mary, went to school with Joanne. Years later moved to Pearcedale, my daughter went to school with Chris. I think my daughter went to High School with Chris’s wife. I taught RE, for 11 years with Mary,went to same church and socialised with Mary. Mary has sewn for my family, prayed for us, and blessed me with a rich friendship that I truly valued and will miss. My love to you all at this time, and heartfelt thoughts.
Love from Bronwyn and family ❤️

Christina Lomulder on 23 March, 2024 at 2:39pm

It was such a privilege to be with all of you yesterday. A beautiful send off for a lovely lady. I only met her 8 years ago being part of a Gateway Life group who met in her home fortnightly.
She had nurtured a wonderful family as it showed in your loving tributes to her.
Looking after all of you was her joy in life.
We will miss her greatly as will you.
Love to all

Samantha Smolenaars on 22 March, 2024 at 2:58pm

It is rare for me to leave a celebration of a persons life with new convictions as to the type of person I want to be. I did today. I imagine Mary would smile about that. She was such a beautiful lady. And no, I’m not referring to taking up smacking my kids (although it is tempting!)
It is beautiful to hear so many people say they felt loved by Mary. I think that is true success in life.
Much love and condolences to all her family

Mark Ansell on 22 March, 2024 at 1:33pm

Mary was such a gracious, godly woman. Patient, gentle, faithful, considerate and loyal to her God, family, and friends.
Mary, we will miss your warm smile and positive attitude around Gateway.
Mark

Laurise Dickson on 21 March, 2024 at 7:17pm

Dearest Aunty Mary
You were an amazing woman who I admired for many years. As a small child I have fond memories of our sleepovers at your house and many years of fun together with our cousins.
You were always happy, always busy especially sewing. I will forever be in awe of your skills.
And as others have said your door was always open and you made time for everyone. You were the centre of your very large family and you leave behind a rich and loving legacy.
I am sorry I can’t be there to say goodbye.
You will always be much loved and adored. 💕

Terri Walsh on 21 March, 2024 at 12:45pm

Aunty Mary
You were the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever known.
Nothing was ever too much trouble.
You were loved by so many and will be missed forever.
Rest in peace beautiful lady ❤️

Ryan Arbuthnott on 20 March, 2024 at 9:58pm

Dear Mary
You were not my grandma through blood but you were still my grandma, you were always kind, caring, loving and never the less grateful and empathetic I only knew you for half my life but you brought so much more as well I will forever miss our conversations we had I will miss you
to the greatest memories
Rest in peace

Bronte Odell on 20 March, 2024 at 9:43pm

Dearest Grandma,
The world will be a sadder place without your wonderful smile and personality in it. You were kind to everyone, had an ear to listen, and your door was always open to anyone who needed you.
You had so much love to give and a wicked passion for sewing, as so many others have already said.
Most recently I called in to see you after finishing work locally one afternoon, and I will forever grateful that I did. That last hug goodbye is what I will hold onto forever, until we meet again. Love you always. ❤️

Fay Bourke (Rodoni) on 20 March, 2024 at 9:18am

Dearest Mary, we played together as little girls, just months apart in age. My holidays spent in Heatherton with you, Graham & Robert were memorable. We played “hidey” amongst the corn in your Dad’s market garden. You were my special cousin. As adults we shared stories of our children. Your sewing talent was exceptional. I will miss your smile, your humor, your happy nature. Gentle Mary, I remember you with love & will miss you. Your cousin Fay

Caroliene Bypost on 19 March, 2024 at 2:03pm

Oh Mary
I’ve known you for over 30 years.Many many memories.You loved to talk and I loved to listen to the many stories.
The times you would bring afternoon tea out to the workers in the paddock.Working in the shed side by side.Looking after Brenton so I could work.Embracing my two older boys into your family
The many sewing requests from simply sewing on a button or taking up a hem on a pair of jeans to replacing a zip you could do it all.
Most recently (6weeks ago) you finished of a quilt for me
I am so glad and it was a real privilege to have known you.
You lived and did everything for everyone else it’s now your time to rest

Doreen Madeley on 18 March, 2024 at 9:21pm

Mary you will be sadly missed we visited the grandchildren at kindergarten and then at school and now it will not be the same without you there. you always had a lovely smile and you were very talented with sewing and knitting.
I will miss you and may God take care of you.
Doreen Madeley.

Gerald Madeley on 18 March, 2024 at 9:16pm

Mary I will miss your smile when going to the Grandparents days at the kindergarten and school and the comfort and affection you showed to everyone including Doreen who used to look so forward to your visits to both.
Fondest memories Mary.
Gerald Madeley.

Victoria Odell on 18 March, 2024 at 12:24pm

My dear Mary,

You were not just my mother in law, but also my mum and grandma; three remarkable roles embodied in one extraordinary woman. The ache in my heart is profound, and the silence now feels deafening, often engulfed by grief when it catches me off guard. The simple acts, like bringing you bread or sharing photos of Harry & Will, are constant reminders of the things I can no longer do.

You never judged me; you embraced me wholeheartedly, as if I were your own daughter. You extended this love to Ella & Ryan, treating them as your biological grandchildren. I am grateful for the family dinners, the stories you read to the boys, the costumes you sewed, and the endless time you devoted to them and to us. Your love for your grandchildren was boundless; everything you did was for them, and you showed us all what truly matters in life – family.

In my eyes, you left this world too soon, but I must accept that God had other plans for you. May you rest in peace, knowing that you were loved beyond measure by all of us. I will forever cherish every moment we spent together, especially our chats at your bench while I worked. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever.

Rest in peace, dear Mary. You will always be in our hearts.

Chris and Liz Tidmas on 17 March, 2024 at 9:48pm

Both Chris and I have known Mary for over 20 years.She has been an inspiration for us in the way she has faced numerous challenges in her life.I (Liz) did KYB and RE together with Mary for a number of years.Mary was always available for a chat and was our regular coffee buddy.She had a great sense of humour and a practical attitude towards life.We will miss her greatly and she leaves a void in our lives in so many ways.Mary showed us so much Godly wisdom and always led by example with her walk with the Lord.We loved her dearly.Love from Chris and Liz Tidmas.

Brenton Odell on 17 March, 2024 at 8:19pm

Thank you for being such an amazing grandmother! No one could have loved has hard or as much as you! Always willing to give up time for a chat or more, to sew. The amount of sewing you did for myself over the years has been incredible. Hope Pa’s jokes are still just as good! You and Pa have a lot to catch up and enjoy being back in each others company again

Keith and Yvonne Barrot on 17 March, 2024 at 7:56pm

Beautiful memories of a gentle loving woman nothing was ever too much trouble always had a smile and a kind word. It was so nice to catch up recently and have a chat , love and prayers to all the family.

Sook Wei Cosby on 17 March, 2024 at 5:27pm

Amazing lady. I learnt so much from you from following you to RE classes , sewing quilts, beading, making cards to name a few. Nothing is too much for you and the kids loved you at RE. You are an inspiration to me in all the things you do but most of all for the love you pour out to your family and even your extended family (my girls). I will truly miss you but I know you are at peace now with our Lord and Brian.

Dana Holder on 17 March, 2024 at 4:56pm

Best person 10/10 I wouldn’t change a single memory with her.

Eleisha Cosby on 17 March, 2024 at 4:12pm

Such a lovely lady who was amazing at sewing. You will always be remembered for your kindness and willingness to help with sewing and countless dress alterations. My honorary grandmother as when we were together in spotlight people always thought you were. You will be missed.

Phyl Hunter on 17 March, 2024 at 3:03pm

Loving memories of a special lady, Mary we will miss our laughs chats and special times shared, and all the sewing advice and help. Rest peacefully say hi to Brian for us. Love Phyl Gordon And the girls.

Julianne Reardon on 17 March, 2024 at 12:40pm

Auntie Mary
You helped my mum so many times with our uniforms. It's your beautiful sewing that inspired my love of sewing. Your elegant Debutante dress you helped for my daughter has been added to my glory box. Thank you for your warmth and Kind and caring heart.

Joan Odell on 17 March, 2024 at 11:28am

You were the best mother in law I could ever have asked for but as I've said more than that you have been my great friend of 30 years. I know we both enjoyed our long talks and I think that is where I will find an empty hole hard to fill. I've loved and enjoyed you and will miss you dearly. This is the end of an era.

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