Margaret Monica Chesney
May 21st, 2018
After spending the holiday Monday with both family and friends, Mona passed suddenly, yet peacefully, into the arms of Jesus at 10:08 PM at Langley Hospital with family members by her side.
She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Greta Laird and her husbands, George Campbell and David Chesney. She leaves to mourn: her brother Tom (Shelia) Laird their family. Her sister-in-law, Marion Gibbons. Her children, David (Lael) Campbell, Ruth (John) Gallinger, Elizabeth (David) Busch and Lois (James) Williamson. Her grandchildren: Douglas (Grace), Hilary and Gregory; Amber and Kayla; Matthew (Natalie), Brianna and Brenden; Laird and Kesson. Her great-grandchildren, Maverick, Kylan and Barrett. And an extended family that deeply cared for her.
Mona was born in Langholm, Scotland and grew up through the hardships of WW2, often without her father who was in the Services. Her love of people was evidenced early in life in her choice of nursing and teaching as a career. She studied nursing in Dumfries, Scotland. On the Easter Sunday of 1955, in her senior year she attended a Billy Graham Association event at Greyfriars’s Church. After listening intently to the message delivered that night, she chose to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and to follow him. That decision set the course for the rest of her life. She served as a midwife in Glasgow’s slums, studied tropical medicine in London with the view to overseas medical missions, taught nursing and ultimately responded to the need for a nurse at a cottage hospital in Markland, Newfoundland. Responding to the call for a relief nurse in Forteau Labrador, she went and met a young preacher named George Campbell…
They married in Lance au Loup, Labrador in 1961 and by 1969 George and Mona moved to Corner Brook, Newfoundland with their four children. In 1984 they moved across the country to Richmond, British Columbia. George passed away in 1985 and in 1988 she married David Chesney and settled in Langley with him and remained there after his passing in 2011.
Her life was too full to do it justice in a few paragraphs. So maybe it is best summarized in her passions. Her faith. The people, like you, who intersected her life. Labrador. Zambians who received the containers she helped fill. Skip-bo. Scotland. Grandchildren. Residents at Hilltop. Buttered toast with jam. Breaking Bread at Langley Gospel Hall. Did we say Labrador? Family History. New Canadians. Anyone that was important to YOU. Great-grandchildren. Letter writing. Scrabble. Her children. Knitting you a sweater. The daily news. Thank-you cards. Keeping a visitors parking tag on your car. Telephone calls on your special day. Truly a most inspiring woman!
If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to:
Lighthouse Harbour Ministries, #1-260 Esplanade, North Vancouver BC V7L 1A3
“Well done…good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”
Messages:
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mona,my cousin but learned of her through the love my mother had for her. I chatted with Mona on many occasions and loved hearing about her large and well loved family. She will be missed.
David, Ruth, Elizabeth and Lois and family: so sorry to hear of your dear Mother's passing; she was such a special much loved lady. My mother Mary and Mona were such good Christian friends, and every Christmas I'd hear from Mona after Mum passed about how much she missed her and what great times they had. That was just so like Mona; always thinking about, and caring for, others. I'm so glad I had a telephone visit with her just a short time ago; she sounded great and so it was quite the shock to hear the news. How much you will miss her goes without saying; but I trust the many lovely memories will be a comfort as will the knowledge she is with with our Saviour now. Thinking of you all.... Jean (Foote) Humphreys
To the Campbell and Chesney families. Please accept our deepest sympathy from Alex and I. We were saddened to hear of the sudden “Home call” of dear Mona. We many fond memories of times spent with George and Mona. They were an inspiration to us when we went to Labrador in the work of the Lord. She was a a true “ Mother in Israel” We loved her stories! Much love in the Lord , Alex and Irene Dryburgh
Dear Dave, Lael, and Family You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Your mother was a truly remarkable woman. Her brave and adventurous spirit was used of the Lord throughout her life. Your Mom was a very caring person and a committed Christian. She knew much of the presence of the Lord; His presence strengthened her and His grace brought her through the challenges she faced. May the precious memories she has left behind comfort you and continue to inspire you. With deepest sympathy, Uncle Rae & Aunt Lillian
Still retain memories of Mrs. Chesney/Campbell; staying at her house during conference in Corner Brook, her house in Richmond (85) and again while visiting in BC where she took our family to Harrison Hot Springs. She was a woman dedicated to showing kindness. My deepest sympathy to Dave, Elizabeth, Ruth, Lois and families.
Just tonight I was rummaging through our family history and came across information and letters that Mona had sent to my uncles, Hugh and Gordon. I had a very pleasant conversation with Mona a few years ago and I was hoping to reconnect but sadly this will not happen now. I offer sympathies and best wishes to her family. She was well liked by those here who had met her. All the best, Robert