MARY MADELINE MITCHELL
DECEMBER 5, 1938 – NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Mary Madeline Mitchell (nee Bavington) passed away unexpectedly at Health Sciences North in Sudbury on November 7, 2023. Mary was in her 85th year. Beloved spouse and constant companion of Don Mitchell (June 5, 1938 – September 23, 2023), Don and Mary were apart for 45 days since Don’s passing on September 23rd, the longest period of time they had spent away from each other in over 63 years of marriage. Our family is heartbroken but able to take some solace in knowing that Mom-Gma and Dad-Gpa are together again.
Mary will be missed immensely by her loving children, Wendy (Peter), Wanda (Jorge), Mark (Lisa). Mary was the cherished and proud grandmother of Jennifer (Adam), Danica, Gary (Catherine), Jordan (Camille), Bianca, Tanya, Zachary and Elisabeth. Mary is survived by her brother Bill (Grace) Bavington.
Mary was born December 5, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario to James and Bethene Bavington. Just over two years later, Mary became big sister to Bill. The Bavington family enjoyed summers in the late 1940’s and 1950’s in Port Sydney on Mary Lake. The family explored the lake in a small cedar strip boat with a five horsepower motor. Thanks to Mary’s weekly swimming classes at the YWCA she was able to teach young Bill how to swim. Her mom and dad were proud and relieved, when, in 1949, she earned her Royal Life Saving Society certification and could guard the waterfront at Mary Lake. Mary was well prepared for her future on the water at Mitchells’ Camp. Swimming in Lake Huron always brought her joy.
Mary was top of her class at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute all the years she attended. When she graduated high school in 1957 she won three scholarships for her outstanding academic achievement. Mary attended Graceland College (now known as Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa and graduated in 1959 with an Associate in Arts degree. In 1960, Mary graduated from Lakeshore Teachers’ College in Toronto with first class standing.
While at Graceland, Mary and Don began their journey as life companions. According to friends, they were inseparable, an invisible bond constantly pulling them together. Their relationship was deeply rooted in shared faith and love. Mary and Don began their married life together on June 4, 1960 and shortly thereafter started their family. Around the same time they launched their teaching careers together in Northern Ontario and Quebec.
In 1975, while working part-time and raising three children, Mary earned her Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Music (A.R.C.T.) in piano teaching with first class honours. In 1979, with much encouragement from her mother, Bethene, Mary graduated from Nipissing University College (now Nipissing University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 1980, Mary was awarded the Silver Medal from the Royal Conservatory with the highest marks in Ontario for Grade 6 singing. Mary went on to achieve her A.R.C.T. in singing as a performer in 1984 and teacher in 1985. Her examiners commented on her excellent ear and perfect pitch! Mary was also an accomplished cellist, taking up this instrument in high school. Those who heard her play and listened to her sing were blessed, as they heard the voice of an angel.
Mary taught both piano and voice lessons in her home for about 25 years sharing her talents and passion for music with students of all ages. Mary was a member of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA) for close to 50 years. She was recognized for her dedicated service and commitment to ORMTA in 1994. Mary was a member of the North Bay Choral Society. She was also a dedicated contributor to the Community of Christ’s online choir. Mary could often be found playing and singing at family gatherings, church and Camp Noronto (our church campgrounds) in Monetville, Ontario. One of Mary’s favourite quotes by Victor Hugo, aptly expresses her philosophy of music. “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent”. Her love of music and knowledge of its power was evident in everything she did.
Always generously giving of her time and efforts, Mary was a volunteer for the North Bay Literacy Council for many years. She not only taught her students to read, in some cases she developed life-long friendships. Mary was a representative of the Northern Ontario District of what is now known as the Community of Christ Church. She was recognized for years of volunteer service as World Church Recorder. Mary was also the recipient of “World Community International Youth Service Award” in 1985 for her dedication to enriching the lives of young people through her ministry. Mary and Don also worked with friends to develop camps, held each summer at Camp Noronto, to celebrate, teach and preserve indigenous culture.
Mary’s dedicated volunteerism was nationally recognized in 1993 when she was awarded the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal. This Outstanding Achievement Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada, to their community or their fellow Canadians through their countless hours of service for the benefit of others.
Retirement in 1994 did not slow Mary and Don down. They continued their ministry together throughout their lives. In 1996, they were recognized by Graceland College for their outstanding contribution in the area of Campus Congregation. Mary and Don also participated in numerous Habitat for Humanity builds in Florida, Kansas City and Texas. They worked together on World Accord projects to build schools and homes in Honduras and El Salvador.
Mary enjoyed baking and had signature recipes that will always flood us with warm memories. Mary and Don were avid birders, travelling the world with friends to bird watch and keeping the feeders full to enjoy feathered friends who visited at their homes. Mary was rarely without a quilt or knitting project on the go. Many a prayer shawl has been knit or quilt sewn with love to be sent to comfort someone in their time of need. Mary was a voracious reader, engaging in books for pleasure and to feed her desire for life-long learning.
Faith, family and friends were everything to Mary. She loved a good gathering with fellowship, conversation, music and laughter. Mary lived a life rooted in family, service to others and unconditional love for all persons and all of God’s creation. Her bright smile and her gentle loving spirit always took the opportunity to teach and to guide. Mary was a positive light to her family, her friends and to everyone around her. The world will be a little darker without her light.
The Mitchell and Bavington families wish to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date.