Passed away peacefully at Trillium Court Seniors Community, on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the age of 104, after a year of declining health. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Sanborn (1985) for 40 years. Cherished mother of John (Karen) of Kincardine and Margaret (Gail) of Chatsworth. Much loved grandmother of Tim Sanborn (Nycole), and Karlee Holroyd (Brent) and great-grandma to Jillian, Jessie Mary, Maryn, Macy, and Edyn. Dear sister-in-law of Jean Hill (Billy) of Scotland. Fondly remembered by her nephews Paul, and Stephen Sanborn and John, and Colin Miller. Predeceased by brother Manson Miller and special friends Wendy and Murray Wood and Ed Elston.
Born in Scotland a few weeks after the end of WW1, Mary came to Canada as a war bride in 1946 and lived in her own home until age 102. She will be remembered for her love of a good joke, her hospitality and generosity to friends and family, and her resilience.
The family is grateful to her many caregivers including Karin, Maxine, Melissa and team, and friends Mary Thomson, Norm Gleason and Leah Wood.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Saturday, January 14, 2022 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, where the funeral service will be held at 1 PM.
For those unable to attend, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. Spring interment to be held at a later date.
Donations to the London Food Bank or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Hazel Matthews
So sorry to hear that Mary has passed away. My mother, Frances Mardlin, and Mary were very good friends and good buddies! They volunteered together at a school in Lucan, and then always had their lunch at Elginfield. I, too, remember Mary’s hospitality and her generosity to her many friends in the community. What a wonderful life and example she set for others!
Our sincere sympathy, Wayne and Hazel Matthews.
barbara holmes
Deepest condolences to Mary’s family. She was a good neighbor and a very interesting woman. We shared many cups of tea made the correct way with a pre-warmed pot, of course.
Pat & Peter Pryde
Our sincere condolences to the Sanborn Family.
Mary was a Grand Lady.
Ann and Don Thompson
John and Family:
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. She will be missed.
Barb Sinclair
Marg, John and families.
May the sharing of your many memories bring you some comfort at this most difficult time.
Please accept our sincerest sympathies in the passing of your beloved Mom.
Paul and Barb (Patterson) Sinclair
Gay (Stewart) Slinger
I well remember Mrs. Sanborn with great fondness from my times spent in their home with my very good friend, Marg, in our long-past youth. From her obituary and others’ comments, she has led a long rich life filled with loving family and friends. My deepest sympathy to Marg, John and the rest of their family.
Colin M Miller
My dad’s big sister was always a very generous Aunty to John and I. As boys my brother and I always looked forward to what was coming from Canada for Xmas even including the big box of apples that came many years. It was great when Mary would come over for a few weeks at a time in the summers and we’d get to actually meet her. Mary came over several times, even timing it well both for my first graduation and also my wedding (when she was aged 93). She loved a good wedding? I remember her telling us about 2 she’d been to with Ed in one weekend about a year after ours. The first time I went to Canada to visit her was a long 13hr train journey from New York to London (Ont.) which is nothing compared to some of the trips she made across the Atlantic. I managed to see both the farm she had lived on and the new house she was just moving into on that trip. I was glad I made it over another two times, our delayed honeymoon and again a few years later with our first son. Mary always made us feel at home and was very generous. She insisted on doing everything for us. Jenny, my wife, was so amazed at her resolve to do things well into her nineties and was so pleased to be able to spend time with her. From their stories, my mum and Billy clearly had a great trip when they were over visiting her too and I know my dad would have loved Canada had he managed to get across. Her stories were great, as was her memory and nothing got past her. We will miss her very much.
Condolences to Marg, John, Tim and Karlee and all the other family and friends.
Colin M Miller
David and Joan Elston and family
We would like to offer our condolences to the Sanborn family. We were very fortunate to have Mary in our lives. Not only was she great company for Dad but she also helped our family celebrate many special occasions. She had an amazing memory. We enjoyed hearing her life stories and she was always interested in hearing ours. She was a wonderful lady and she will be missed.
Joan Robson
Sorry for your loss.
We were planning to attend the service tomorrow, but unfortunately yesterday we tested positive for Covid.
We are thinking of you and your family.
Joan and Ralph
Grace Rollings
Grace Rollings
Remembering Mary fondly from times spent together at community events. Our condolences to John and Margaret and families.
Clarke and Grace Rollings
Steven and Jane (Elston) and family
We truly loved Mary being a big part of our family and being best friend for and to dad. She blended in without hesitation. She knew us as well as her delicious scone recipe. Mary was a very loving and caring person. She will be missed very much.
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences with the passing of this wonderful lady.
Dona
Rest in peace Mary, it was my pleasure to care for you🙏💕
Joan Robson
Thinking of you today…a wonderful generation is passed on.
Joan and Ralph
Judy Wherry
What an amazing lady! I had the privilege of living next door to Mary over the last 10 years. I truly loved my teatime visits with her chatting about her life and family and Mary was so interested in knowing about mine. As her mobility declined, my husband and I happily offered our services. I was the mail girl and he became the garbage guy. I appreciated her willingness to call us if she needed assistance.
Mary celebrated with joy the birth of our granddaughter and lovingly supported and comforted me after the passing of my husband Dave. Her compassionate nature and positive outlook on life were outstanding aspects of her wonderful personality. She loved cuddle time in her favourite chair with our little schnauzer Otto. Mary was truly a very special friend and my memories of her will be forever in my heart.
My sincere condolences to the Sanborn family. It’s been great getting know you over the years as well.
Love, Judy & Otto
Karin Seer
I cherished my time with Mary…her sense of humour, kindness and her sharp mind….nothing got by Mary. I have wonderful memories and wiil hold her dear to my heart. Always “Your Lady”….rest in peace.
Karin
Allan and Ellen Holroyd
John Margaret and family ,
So sorry for your loss of your mother,grandmother and great grandmother.
Mary was an amazing lady that lived a long and amazing life.
Treasure all the special memories that you have .
Bruce and Nancy (Elston) Young and Family
We have been blessed to have had Mary, a truly remarkable lady, in our midst for an amazing number of years. Mary’s quiet and sensible demeanour allowed her to live, laugh and love throughout all the changes she experienced in her wonderful life. She will continue to inspire us. Warmest sympathies to John and Karen, Marg and Gail, and to all of Mary’s other beloved family members.
Diane O'Shea
Remembering fondly a lovely lady. Sympathy to Margaret and family.
Diane O’Shea