MELONG, Mary “Nana“

Suddenly in her home on Thursday July 12, 2007 in her 83rd year. Predeceased by her husband Henry in 1966, sister Veronica McKinnon and brother Bill Tkoch. Mary was the loving mother of Norman and wife Rolande of Kirkland Lake, Nancy and the late Robert Blanchfield of Kirkland Lake, Michael and wife Gillian of London, Henry and wife Sally of Kirkland Lake, Darlene and husband Wayne Hopf of Cambridge, David of Kirkland Lake, Kathy and husband Peter Klimtschuck of Sudbury, Kevin and wife Angela of North Bay and Theresa Tofflemire of Elko Nevada. Nana's famous home cooking and hugs will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Jason and wife Tia, Robin, Ian and wife Shannon, Angela and husband Daryl, Duker and wife Raina, Nicole, Sadie Rose, Natasha and her partner Frank, Adam, Kayla, Alissa, Callan, Nicholas, Malcolm, Erin and 10 great grandchildren. Mary devoted herself to her 9 children after her husband Henry passed away, when their youngest child, Theresa, was the tender age of 4 days old.



She was always happiest when her family was around her, and took great pride in each and every one of them. Nana was a hero to all of them, and had strength of character one could only hope to emulate. Family meals were always an event, and it was amazing how seamlessly she could prepare fabulous dinners for large groups. Even more astonishing was the number of new faces that tended to show up at these meals. Her love for cooking stayed with her until her last day. She touched the lives of a huge extended family, and was a great example of humanity at its best. Her home was always welcoming to all who entered, and no matter how tough things would be, always found the positive in any situation. Her empathy and sensitivity helped guide the lives of many of that extended family. She will forever be held fondly in the hearts of all who knew her. We know that she will continue to watch over us, as she has always done, never worrying about herself, but ensuring others are looked after. Thank you Nana, we love you and miss you dearly already.



The family will receive relatives and friends at the MONETTE & FRENCH FUNERAL HOME on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the “Teck-Hughes Chapel“ of the Monette & French Funeral Home. Mary will be laid to rest in the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Kirkland & District Hospital Foundation (P.O. Box 3000 Kirkland Lake, ON. P2N 3P4).