Mary Josephine Fynes

September 23rd, 2022

Mary Josephine (Maureen) Fynes (nee Campbell) passed away on the evening of Friday, September 23, 2022 after a short illness.   Maureen, as she was known to all, was the 97-year-old matriarch of her family of six children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased in 2012 by her husband of 69 years, John Fynes; sadly, she was also predeceased by her son-in-law Myles Waite and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Fynes (nee Furlong).

She is missed by her children across Canada from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia: Raymond (Mary), Shaun (Sheila), Paul (Lillian), Garnet, Patrick and Adrian (Christine) and all her grandchildren: Brenna, Bronagh, Corena, Cormac, Conor, Fiona, Gordon, Justin, Linda, Mireille, Moira, Niall and Shamus.

Maureen was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 28th 1925, the first-born daughter of James Campbell and Isabella nee O’Kane. When WW II was declared the family arranged for her to move to Dublin where her sewing skills landed her a dress-making job with a fashion house there.  She met her husband to-be while visiting her parents who had been evacuated to Ballymoney, Co Antrim to escape the German Blitz.  After she and John were married in Dervock, Co Antrim on December 26th, 1943, they moved to Ballymena to begin their married life and raise their family.  Many Ballymena brides wore dresses that Maureen made.   In 1971 she and Johnny made the decision to sell up the shop they had bought and emigrate with their family to Canada. Toronto became their new home until time for retirement.

Maureen was an accomplished singer and loved music.  From her dress-making days and her time working at Birks in Toronto, she had an eye for fashion and jewelry, and loved to look her best, but her greatest passion was for her family.  Our loss is measured by the depth of that passion.

The family are grateful for the compassionate and expert care delivered by the doctors and staff of Foundation Lodge and Hogg Pavilion.

Messages:

“Maureen” was a beautiful woman in every respect. My sister Cheryl always spoke lovingly of her mother-in-law. She was so very talented and a lovely woman to visit. My deepest sympathies to all the family, including the grandchildren who lived their gran so much. With loving memories Carol Anne

Garnet, Larry and I would like to send you and all your family heart felt condolences on the loss of you mom. I would love to hear from you again after all these years (perhaps on Facebook?)

I did not know this beautiful Lady, but I have known one of her children for about 30 years. I can share that through my friendship with Patrick and his dear late wife, that Honour, Integrity, and Morality have shown to me over the years the purest Light of Friendship. I am very very grateful to Mrs. Maureen Fynes for being a Paragon for the Fynes family, and for God and Maureen Fynes allowing me the privilege of Friendship with one of her children. Thank you.

She was a dear lady. A lady in every way. And a cherished friend. She always remembered me on holidays. I still have a suit she made me. Forever in my heart. May she rest in peace, with Johnny.

Ray, Garnet, Mary. and Family May God be near you at this time, of deepest Sorrow, and grant you strength to meet each new tomorrow:

A sad time for you Ray. Your Mum, yourself and the whole family are in my prayers. Maureen must have been a very special lady, so clearly reflected in the words of condolence and her obituary. Such a varied life and a big happy family to go with it. God bless you all and may Maureen rest well in the eternal company of our Maker.

Mrs. Fynes was a lovely lady, warm, fun, friendly, selfless and incredibly generous. She was a great neighbour and best-friend to our late mum. The Atlantic didn’t take away their closeness and ease in each other’s company. We remember her as a wonderful human being and a great example of how to live!

Paul, Lillian, Linda, Justin. Treasure your memories. Thinking of you all❤️

So sad to hear that Maureen has passed...she was a beautiful kind lady. Condolences to all my cousins and family circle .

Very sorry to hear of your Mums Death Ray. Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you at this sad time.

So very sorry for your loss Raymond, your mother had a very interesting life and reared a wonderful family rest in peace Maureen ❤️

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