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![Mary Lee Wilson McKenna](/tribute-images/2159/Ultra/Mary-Lee-Wilson-McKenna.jpg)
Tribute Wall
Friday
3
February
Visitation
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, February 3, 2023
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church
75 Main Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Saturday
4
February
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Saturday, February 4, 2023
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church
75 Main Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Livestream: https://www.75mainstreet.org/ (click on link in obituary text)
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Gisèle Caron posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Bruce and Catherine - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You may not remember me. I lived with Dave and Brenda Haney on the other side of your house. I hold fond memories of visits with you. I loved our visits. My fondest was singing "the Lord Loves Me" to Catherine when babysitting. I often thought of that when I sang it to my children and now sing it to my grandchildren.
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Allie Lou (Palmer) Bunn posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Bruce and Catherine, I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mary Lee. I remember her well from Christ Church Parish Church where she played the organ and directed the girls choir. I also remember her beautiful voice as she did some solos. May God comfort you and give you his peace at this time. Much love to you both.
Allie Lou (Palmer) Bunn
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John Kershaw posted a condolence
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Mary Lee transformed my daughter, Hannah's, music pathway. Mary Lee was a gifted and caring teacher. My sincere condolences to the family.
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Shirley I. Munn posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
Bruce and Catherine - and ALL Members of Mary Lee's Family -
With shock and deepest sadness, I am sending this message to you, Having known Mary Lee for many, many years through our connection with Christ Church (Parish) Church, I feel so very blessed to have been a member of our Church Choir when she was our Choir Director - AND Friend - always joyful and uplifting. encouraging us to enjoy our time together making music - and she most certainly "led by example", with her "voice like no other", leaving us with cherished memories to forever carry in our hearts . - Mary Lee is truly an example of "A LIFE WELL LIVED" - I am so grateful for her friendship and (like countless others) I certainly share in your loss . My thoughts and prayers are and will continue to..be with you all.
- Most sincerely sent, Shirley Munn.
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Diane Milbury MacRae posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
From the time I was very young I remember Mary Lee singing in church. My admiration for her vocal talents was one factor that led me to study music education at Acadia where I was a voice student of Mary Lee’s for a year. When my daughter moved to Fredericton, she too studied voice with Mary Lee. She was a vibrant personality with a zest for life. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Jane Addison posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
Dear Bruce, Catherine and Family,
Joseph and I send our deepest condolences as we grieve with you for the passing of dear Mary Lee. We are blessed to have known her for over 40 years, starting with those UNB days when you Bruce and Joe were students and relationships were forming.
We have lots of fond memories and always in our visits Mary Lee was thoughtful and insightful with her listening ear and kind ways. Plus she was fun! Laughter came easily to her.
I was still single, and I remember visiting you and being so impressed with how she and you cared for you, little Catherine, demonstrating to me the tenderness and attentiveness that is involved in parenting. Mary Lee was a good mother example to me!
Mary Lee was lovely and loved by so many. We hold you all in our prayers.
Joseph and Jane Addison
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Pat Watson posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
I first met Mary Lee in the mid 1970's when she came to Fredericton and became the organist and choir director at Grace Memorial and soon after took up directing Sure Life, a young adult choir.
We quickly became friends, spending many memorable times together and when she and Bruce were married, I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids.
In the spring of 1979 I was invited to Mary Lee and Bruce's home, along with a young university student Bruce had befriended, for Easter dinner. Although we were told matchmaking was not the intention, the university student, Gord, and I were married the following March with Bruce as Best Man and Mary Lee as Matron of Honor, blessing with her beautiful voice as she sang the Wedding Prayer.
Soon after the wedding, Gord and I moved away from Fredericton and although distance has kept us apart over the years, Mary Lee continued and will continue to have a special place in my memories and in my heart.
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you Bruce and Catherine, both now and in the future.
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Wendy Baldwin posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Bruce and Catherine. Mary Lee was a wonderful person and I so enjoyed being a member of the Christ Church Parish Church Girls' Choir. She taught all of us so much, not just music. After all of these years, I have never forgotten her. God bless you both. So nice to know we know that Mary Lee is with our Creator singing His praises.
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the Rev. Robyn Cuming posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Bruce and Catherine. Mary Lee was such a gift to the music world, she will be greatly missed.
the Rev. Robyn Cuming
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Dave McPherson posted a condolence
Friday, February 3, 2023
Deepest Condolences to all. Fond memories of teaching with Mary Lee at SJHS
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Jenny Yoston posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Catherine, I feel so lucky to known and shared our time with Rotary carpooling and High School Music together. Her love and passion for anything musical certainly played a role in encouraging me to fulfil and share my love of music with others. Her passion and joy was truly memorable and infectious. Thinking of you.
Jenny (Ryan)
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Jennifer Petrovich posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Catherine,
Wishing you comfort and remembering the kind spirit that was your mom. My condolences for your loss.
S
Sue McDonald posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Bruce & Catherine,
May the care & love of those around you provide comfort & peace to get you through the days ahead.
Our most sincere condolences.
Mary Nicol & Familly
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Emily Chedore posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Catherine my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Your mother was one of my favourite teachers at Saint John Highschool the passion she brought into the classroom, choir room and stage was immeasurable.
J
John and Audrey Titus posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
To Bruce and Kathryn we wish to express our deepest sympathy on the death of Mary Lee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all family members at this difficult time
T
The Rev. Canon David Barrett and Alexandra Barrett posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
We are so very sorry for your loss and are keep you in our prayers.
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Lynn Currie posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Bruce, So Sorry to hear of Mary Lee's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss.
Lynn & Alan Currie
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David Olive posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine, Such wonderful memories of your dear wife and mother. I have know her since her engagement to Bruce many years ago when Rev Doug Patstone called her Mary Lee Wilson still! She was such a gracious hostess for all your wonderful gatherings and she always was my favourite singer! I will truly miss her enthusiasm and zest for life! - David and Dianne Olive
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David and Alice Hatfield posted a condolence
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine,
We have such good memories when you were all at Saint James. Mary Lee had such a beautiful music talent. A friend to every one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Jane Lange posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bruce and Catherine, you are all in my heart and prayers at this very sad time.I have such beautiful memories of MarlyLee who was in our very first bible study.Her warm personality,sense of humour,faith and talent were infectious. I'm hoping she and my Steve are singing together in Heaven ♥️
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The Odd Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bruce & Catherine, so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathies. Love from your cousins the Odd family.
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Pastor Roger and Roxanne Graham posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
We are filled with thanksgiving for the privilege of knowing Mary Lee, an authentic follower of our Lord Jesus Christ and a genuinely delightful person. We know that you are experiencing peace from on high as you walk this journey of grief and so we are asking for our Risen Savior to continue to walk with you in hope and heavenly perspective.
With our Love,
Roger and Roxanne Graham and the Forest Hills Baptist Church Family, Saint John, NB
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Fran Miles posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
May the Spirit hold you and your family very close at this time, Bruce. Having met Mary Lee only a couple of times, it was clear that laughter and joy were very much a part of who she was and she shared those qualities so generously. What a wonderful gift the Lord gave to you and your daughter. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Fran Miles, Former Office Administrator
Christ Church Cathedral
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you …”. John 14:27
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Patti Daley posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine - What beautiful words describing your dear Mary Lee, wife and mother. Her life, a beautiful story of love, energy, encouraging others and sharing her gifts. I will attend the on-line live service on Saturday and will keep you both in my prayers for these and the days ahead. Much love, Patti
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Rev Bob & Rev Bonnie LeBlanc posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bruce, please accept our prayers and sincere condolences at this time. We uphold you and your family in prayer each day. May Mary Lee rest in peace and rise in glory.....Rev Bob & Rev Bonnie LeBlanc.
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Joel Calabrese posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
There are no words that provide comfort but stories and memories certainly soothe. A long time ago, Mary Lee helped a rag tag group of boys at the Parish Church sing. She cared for us and encouraged us and taught us about the importance of regular practice and how tradition helps people. All the memories are good ones.
J
James Strieby posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
I never met your mom, Catherine, but I have listened to you speak of her with love and admiration, and I have seen the remarkable daughter she raised. She was obviously an amazing, talented, and deeply caring woman. I know--believe me--how hard it is right now, but her life lives on in you and everyone she touched, and that is no inconsiderable legacy.
I wish you and your dad peace and the comfort of every joyful, painful, silly, and beautiful memory you have. Much love.
S
Santui Zilcan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bruce and Family,
My deepest condolences to you. I am shocked to read Mary Lee's passing. She was full of life, joy and laughter. Each time Mary Lee and Bruce brought their Toyotas to dealership, I was so happy to see her, she was such a sweet soul. She will be greatly missed.
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Marje & Bev Harrison posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine, Please accept our most sincere condolences, Mary Lee was a a good friend and an exceptional music teacher at Saint John High School, it was a privilege and a joy to work with her. Although we lost touch for a while, Marje and I have very fornd memories of her. She is at peace now and may God grant both of you solice in the knowledge which the Lord brings.
Bev & Marje Harrison
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Robert Taylor posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Many of us who were colleagues of Mary Lee at Saint John High School are now retired, but we all share warm memories of her "joie de vivre" and her contributions to the musical life of the school and the community. Now she is sharing her talents with the angels, and they are well pleased to have her in their midst.
R
Rebecca Ellis posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine,
Thank you for this testament to Mary Lee’s remarkable life. Her story, her love for family, and her accomplishments were all lived through the light of the Gospel.
Becky
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Betty Lou Craig posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Bruce and Catherine, we are remembering you. As you know, Mary Lee sang at many family special occasions. One of my memories is that she graciously agreed to sing at our wedding. The song was one that met something to us- Sunshine on my Shoulder. I remember standing at the back of the church waiting to walk down the aisle and listening to her lovely voice. I also remember thinking- there are more verses to this song than I thought!! Perhaps a little eager for the wedding ceremony. At any rate, it brings a smile to my face.
I also remember her at the last family reunion. She was asked to read some history and she made it so interesting and fun- especially for the kids.
Sorry but one more memory- talking to her on the phone as she related her teas for her music students. Special teacups and all the trimmings. I loved the idea.
We all will miss her smille, her laugh and the way she cared.
Betty Lou and John Craig
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Rev. Wally & Iris Collett posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Bruce & Catherine:
We are very sorry to learn of Mary Lee’s passing and we send you both our love and deepest sympathy. We have very fond memories of Mary Lee’s gift of music when in our early ministry she graciously lead us in our Sunday evening Prayer & Praise. May you both know the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ which heals and comforts beyond all understanding.
Rev. Wally & Iris Collett.
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Lorraine & Harland Cook posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Mary Lee's passing. She sang "Love Divine, All Love Excelling" at our wedding in 1963 and we were so impressed with her rendition, as were all of our guests. As the years slip by so quickly, we have never forgotten her angelic voice.
Now she is singing with the angels. Please know her family are in our prayers as you cope with the sadness of her leaving this earth for her Heavenly Home. May you find comfort and peace in the days and months ahead.
Lorraine & Harland Cook
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Janice Lockett posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Dear Bruce and Catherine,
Mom and I were saddened to learn of Mary Lee’s Homecall but know you are rejoicing that she is now with the Lord she loved and singing His praises. May you know God’s presence, peace and comfort in your loss.
Janice and Bea Lockett
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Gisele McKnight posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Bruce & family, I didn't know Mary Lee well or for very long. But when I heard her playing and singing at one of Bishop Bill Hockin's Advent Talks at the Crowne Plaza, I was blessed and my heart warmed by her talent and enthusiasm. I experienced just a tiny fraction of her talent, but it has stayed with me.
My prayer for you is for courage, peace and strength, and for happy memories that heal your hearts.
Gisele McKnight, Diocese of Fredericton
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Murray & Kathy Watt posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
I first met Mary Lee when she was working at FIrst Baptist in Middleton, along side Murray’s brother, David. I was in absolute awe of her voice, and, oh, the way she played the organ - with such heart and so rhythmic! She could make that thing dance! (Even in a Baptist Church!!) And her complete abandon when she laughed and turned her head in that way she did. Even though I have not seen her for many, many years, I cannot forget her energy! She sang at Murray’s dad’s funeral, and none of us has lost the memory of how honoured we were that such a voice could grace the celebration of his life. Our sincere sympathies to Bruce and Catherine, and all of the family.
Murray and Kathy Watt
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Carolyn Turney posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
We are all so sorry to hear about Mary Lee. What a lovely person she was, and how she delighted us all with her beautiful voice. My husband Bill was one of her teachers, and was always so proud of her. We send our deepest sympathy to Bruce and Catherine and to all the family, and send loving prayers your way.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Turney and family
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David and Brenda Haney posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Bruce and Catherine, we send our heartfelt condolences. Our mutual friend, Adrian Thompson, informed us a few days ago of Mary Lee's passing. We smile as we remember Mary Lee's and Brenda's tea breaks on the front porch of the house shared with you on George Street, supporting one another as new mothers. Now living in Alberta these past eight years, we are grateful for the availability of the funeral service being livestreamed; we will be there through that link.
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The family of Mary Lee Merle Wilson McKenna uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
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Mcadam's funeral home & Crematorium
160 York St.
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3N7
Ph: 506-458-9170
E-mail: McAdams@McAdamsFH.com