Mary Catherine Woodill Obituary in Dartmouth at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors

Mary Catherine Woodill

Passed 07/30/2023

Obituary For Mary Catherine Woodill

The world has lost a beautiful soul with the passing of our mother, Mary Catherine Woodill. She was born in Sydney Nova Scotia, the youngest daughter of Charles and Della McDougall.

It is difficult to find words powerful yet gentle enough to adequately describe our mother. “To know her was to love her.”

Mom radiated a pure light of love to anyone who was lucky enough to be in her presence. You were never judged but only made to feel special and accepted for who you were. She was an exceptional listener, and took a personal interest in the lives of all. Together with her husband, Fred, they opened their home to all such that their front door was a revolving one that turned away no one - where food and communion with their family and friends was foremost and of prime importance in their every day lives.

Mom grew up in a family surrounded by the love of others. She was devoted to her siblings and bonded tightly with them. At the age of 13, she lost her mother at which point her formal education came to an end and she stayed home to help care for her father and two younger brothers. These formative years were challenging , but created in her a strong resilience and sense of responsibility that lasted a lifetime. Mom had a wonderful sense of humor, and had the ability to find laughter in all situations.

Mom later left home to live with her older sisters, and was employed by MacLeod‘s bookstore in Sydney and subsequently spent several years working as an operator for Maritime Tel & Tel. At the age of 26 she married our father, Fred Woodill, also from Sydney, and started a beautiful family of three children: Fred (Pam) of Wellington (grandchildren Sean (Lisa), Erin Rose (Graeme) and Chad (Kayla) and great grandchildren Olivia, Alyssa, Reece, and Ainslie);Debbie Miller (Rob) ( grandchildren Cory) of Halifax; and Earle (Lois) of Mulgrave (Grandchildren Breanna Bryant (John) , Robert and Riley and great grandchildren Levi, Lennon, and Leira). Upon the death of her sister Ruth, she took her special needs niece Della into their loving family who lived in the family home for 57 years.

“Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty stories tell,

Then kissed the spot to make it well.

My Mother!”

“ Love you as far as the sky goes”

The family particularly wishes to thank the staff at Ivany House for their incredible kindness, care and dedication to her care during the last few years of her life.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the gravesite.

Photos & Video

Photos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

08/10/2023

Pam Waterhouse

Such a lovely obituary, sending condolences to the the family. Pam W.
08/10/2023

Bruce and Terry Caldwell

Beautiful pictures of a wonderful family that Mary and Fred created. Our condolences to you all. We will always remember her laugh.
08/10/2023

Rob Miller

It was my good fortune to have come to know Mary when I married her daughter Debbie and became embraced by their beautiful family. Mary always had such style and grace, and always spoke so kindly of all the people she knew. She was so thoughtful and appreciative of anything done for her and showed those feelings with love and affection to those around her. I often told Mary how fortunate she was to have three outstanding children who displayed the same compassion and empathy as she had and personally I must say that I have never seen a more loving family. During the last 4 months of her life she was always surrounded by her loving family and dear friends of which she had many. Truly there was no one as dearly loved as Mary and she will be greatly missed.
08/10/2023

Connie Shay

Dear Fred, Pam & family, I was sad to read of Fred's Mum's passing. Throughout our lives we remain our parent's child. I hope your memories bring you great comfort. Connie Shay
08/10/2023

Don & Norma Hippern

Fred, Pam and families, so sorry to to hear of Mary's passing. I remember the wonderful time we had when we visited in LA. Mary was such a sweet person and will be missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Don & Norma
08/10/2023

Carol Stewart

Dearest Family, I was heart-broken to read of the passing of your precious Mary and I wish to convey my deepest sympathies. I was introduced to this lovely family through her special niece, Della. She invited me to meet her Aunt Mary. Indeed, Mary made me feel like one of the family and I enjoyed the conversations and yummy food immensely. I shall cherish those times always. Mary was an incredible human being who brought much joy into the lives of others. She was a great role model for us all. Thank you, Mary, for the beauty of who you were, I will always remember you and carry you in my heart with gratitude. Remember you gave her the best - your time and your love for these are the greatest gifts to give another. Please take the time you need to heal from this tremendous loss. May the family photos, times together, and conversations with Mary your times remain as wonderful and memorable keepsakes as each day unfolds. Sending much love, warm hugs and prayers in all that you need. Please take care and God bless!
08/10/2023

Rosemary Lind

DEAR MARY -WAS A 1ST COUSIN... I DID VISIT HER AT HER APTMENT IN BEDFORD...IT WAS A FEW YEARS BACK, BUT I DO REMEMBER THE WONDERFUL CHAT WE HAD ABOUT FAMILY BACK IN CAPE BRETON... I AM HER UNCLE MURCDOCK MACDOUGALL'S DAUGHTER FROM DUTCH BROOK,BUT.. NOW FOR MANY YEARS HERE IN DARTMOUTH....I ALWAYS THOUGH THAT I RESEBLED MARY IN FACIAL LOOKS... SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER AS A LOVELY, KIND, CHRISTIAN WITH A LOVING FAMILY....YOU WILL ALL HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES TO COMFORT YOU... MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU ALL AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.. SHE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED ....ROSEMARY MACDOUGALL ..LIND
08/10/2023

Janet Lugar Miller

Fred, Pam amd Mary's grandson Cory..I am sorry to hear of your mom passing Fred..what a beautiful tribute the obituary is. Many hugs to all the family. Janet Lugar Miller
08/10/2023

Nina Waite

What a lovely obituary celebrating your wonderful mother ! The family photos show how loved she was. Sending our deepest condolences to Debbie & family. Love from Nina & David
08/10/2023

Dean MacDonald

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom Fred. Our deepest condolances. Dean and Heather MacDonald
08/10/2023

Rod Hadley

Earle and family, Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother. Reading the well written obituary gives on a small view of how special she was to you and all your family. I hope your Dad is doing ok in these terrible times. Take care Rod Hadley
08/10/2023

Greg Nearing

My most sincere condolences to all the family. Mary will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Greg Nearing
08/09/2023

Gary Parks

Fred and Pam, sincere condolences to you and your entire family on the passing of your mom. Gary Parks, Halifax
08/09/2023

Cathy Trites

I've loved her forever. She was a wonderful sister to my Dad . The whole family were the best of the best and taught us what love really is. The numerous memories from my childhood to adulthood are filled with Aunt Mary and her unconditional love for all of us. She gave this wonderful gift to all her children. A life filled with meaning and lots of love. She was so incredibly interested in all we did. To say she will be missed is to say the sun will rise everyday. God Bless Cathy &Don
08/09/2023

Lynn Butland

My sincere condolences to all of the family I will miss Mary I spent time with Mary and we had lots of great conversations wonderful stories and shared hot tea and donuts. Miss you❤️😢
08/09/2023

Lynn Butland
08/09/2023

Doug MacDougall

I'll really miss visiting Aunt Mary on my trips to Bedford,when she was in her apartment she always made sure to have t-biscuits when she knew I was coming. Love you Aunt Mary.
08/08/2023

Linda Bishop

A beautiful obituary honouring your Mom's life. Sincere condolences Debbie & family on the passing of your dear mother. May her wonderful memories bring comfort and solace. ❤️❤️❤️