Mary MacKay passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 98 on April 26, 2025, a date that held special meaning for her, as it was her beloved mother’s birthday.
Born on February 3, 1927, in New York State, Mary was the eldest daughter of Mary Kathleen Junkin and Robert Alexander MacKay. She lovingly cared for her parents in their later years, reflecting her deep sense of loyalty and family devotion.
Mary led an extraordinary life. As an Executive Assistant for Global Affairs for over 40 years, she worked and lived all over the world. Along the way, she collected treasured keepsakes—jewelry, pottery, fine dining dishes, art, photographs, and cherished family heirlooms—all thoughtfully arranged and proudly displayed in her home.
She was a woman of many talents: a gifted visual artist who painted in watercolours, a skilled seamstress, and a gourmet cook. Mary was a true hostess at heart, known for the memorable dinner parties she held in her apartment at Rideau Terrace—a beloved gathering place for over 30 years. During her stay at the Rockcliffe, she enjoyed hosting family pizza parties and other frequent gatherings with family and friends.
Mary had a mischievous sense of humour. She was famous for wrapping gifts in cracker boxes (sometimes with crackers still inside!) and for “forgetting” her hearing aids. She had more nicknames than one could count and often signed cards with her iconic ant doodle.
Her connection with people across generations was one of her most cherished gifts. She was especially close to her dear friend Sandy and was the kind of person who made everyone feel they shared a special bond with her. As a natural storyteller and proud family historian, Mary was independent, kind and a brilliant role model—particularly to the young women in her life. Her curious, observant nature and good sense of humour stayed with her to the very end.
Mary took great pride in her appearance and surroundings. She had a keen visual eye and thoughtfully curated her living space with elegance. Each day, she selected a stylish outfit—complete with jewelry and a scarf—with care and intention.
Even as her physical health declined, Mary remained upbeat and realistic, keeping up her social life and continuing to enjoy the things she loved: fine art, a good glass of wine, gatherings surrounded by family and friends and writing her legendary annual Christmas letter.
Mary was predeceased by her siblings Janet (Roger) of Ottawa and Andrew (Alexa) of Halifax. She leaves behind her beloved sister Edith (Gordon); beloved nieces and nephews Margaret (Bob), Geoffrey (Carrie), Carolyn (Peter), Sheila (Rob), Max (Mark), Rachel (Vasilis), and Alec; as well as numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her deeply.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Mary recognized how truly special she was. Her warmth, wit, and generosity of spirit were unforgettable. Her passing is a profound loss—she is already missed beyond measure.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on May 4, 2025, at MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Road, Ottawa. A reception to will follow in the church hall. As per Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation.
The service will be live-streamed at 3 pm EST on Sunday, May 4 here: https://vimeo.com/event/5103557
Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to MacKay United Church (mackayunited.ca).
Digital Guestbook
Christine Hart
Norah Topping
What a wonderful description of Mary’s life! I knew her a little as the middle daughter of six. My mother, Catherine MacKinnon, was a lifetime friend of Mary’s from an early age. Mary told me the story of returning on a ship from Europe after the war and arriving at the Pier in Halifax. My parents hadn’t even been married when she had gone away. Now here they were on the shore to greet her with three children! My sister and niece and I met up with Mary about ten years ago and she told us of a few of her adventures. She also added us to her Christmas letter distribution list which has been much appreciated and I tried to respond in kind to give her our news. Thank you everyone of her friends and family who made it possible for this wonderful woman to keep living life to the fullest right to the end of her long eventful life. She was a marvel!
Mary and I shared a birthday along with my aunt and her dear friend, Margaret Ellen Verge. Mary and my mother, Catherine (MacKinnon Hart) , and her sisters Elizabeth and Margaret Ellen were friends as girls and remained so all their lives. Mary and I became correspondents after I grew up and moved to Ontario. My daughter, Katie and my sister, Norah, and I had several memorable visits with Mary, one just last summer. In between we had our letters. We will all miss Mary’s sparkle, her love of a gathering and news from “home”. Christine Hart