Obituary for Fern Mary Melinda Proctor (Hess)
Fern Mary Melinda Proctor (n. Hess), in her 90th Year, passed away peacefully with family at her side on March 5, 2019 at Point Grey Private Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
My Mother shall be remembered for her infectious smile. A true Taurus, Mom was uncompromisingly strong, principled, creative, a bit of a prankster, and, most of all, incredibly caring to those around her.
Mom was born on May 16, 1929 at South Mountain, ON to Lyman and Vera (Colborne) Hess. Sister to the late Henry (Eileen), Orman (Patricia), Ivan (Norma), Jessie Lavender, and George (Marlene) and survived by sister Lilah (Joseph Drew). Predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, William Purvis Proctor. Sister-in-law to Betty (Robert), Ron (Helen), Diane (Richard), Doreen (George), Linda (Doug), Marlene (George), Beverly (Walter) and the late Cindy. Dear cousin to Helen, Barbara, Patricia, and the late William. Loving Aunt to 26 nieces and nephews and their children.
My mother was a high achiever at everything she set out to do--from scholastics, to raising a family, to her bookkeeping career, to baking wonderfully complicated cakes, to knitting jackets and sweaters for family and friends, creating prize-winning quilts, to being a formidable opponent at card games. She also exceled at turning prime roast into shoe leather like no other.
Mom’s fondest memories were of the 42 years living in rural Orono and Oshawa. Always active in the local community, Mom was a devoted member of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church for over 30 years including serving as a Warden and on its ACW. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and longtime volunteer with the Oshawa General Hospital Auxiliary.
When I was born, Mom paused her working career to raise her only child. She taught me the wonders of nature—regularly trekking together though the back woods to visit the snapping turtle, scooping up pollywogs in mason jars to watch them miraculously transform into frogs, and creating wonderment by secretly colouring all the eggs in our henhouse one Easter. When I was twelve I dismissed the idea of becoming a doctor, disappointed by my surgeon wearing hospital greens instead of his usual suit. Mom advised that lawyers always wear suits and proceeded to arrange my first courthouse visit to watch a full day trial. From that point my mind was made up…and with Mom and Dad’s support, I became one. I would not be where I am today without her wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support.
A public Memorial Service will be held at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Orono, ON this Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:00pm. Luncheon to follow hosted by St. Saviour’s ACW. Internment at Bethesda Cemetery will follow on a later date.
May my Mother’s smile and presence forever live in us all! --Roger Proctor
My Mother shall be remembered for her infectious smile. A true Taurus, Mom was uncompromisingly strong, principled, creative, a bit of a prankster, and, most of all, incredibly caring to those around her.
Mom was born on May 16, 1929 at South Mountain, ON to Lyman and Vera (Colborne) Hess. Sister to the late Henry (Eileen), Orman (Patricia), Ivan (Norma), Jessie Lavender, and George (Marlene) and survived by sister Lilah (Joseph Drew). Predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, William Purvis Proctor. Sister-in-law to Betty (Robert), Ron (Helen), Diane (Richard), Doreen (George), Linda (Doug), Marlene (George), Beverly (Walter) and the late Cindy. Dear cousin to Helen, Barbara, Patricia, and the late William. Loving Aunt to 26 nieces and nephews and their children.
My mother was a high achiever at everything she set out to do--from scholastics, to raising a family, to her bookkeeping career, to baking wonderfully complicated cakes, to knitting jackets and sweaters for family and friends, creating prize-winning quilts, to being a formidable opponent at card games. She also exceled at turning prime roast into shoe leather like no other.
Mom’s fondest memories were of the 42 years living in rural Orono and Oshawa. Always active in the local community, Mom was a devoted member of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church for over 30 years including serving as a Warden and on its ACW. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and longtime volunteer with the Oshawa General Hospital Auxiliary.
When I was born, Mom paused her working career to raise her only child. She taught me the wonders of nature—regularly trekking together though the back woods to visit the snapping turtle, scooping up pollywogs in mason jars to watch them miraculously transform into frogs, and creating wonderment by secretly colouring all the eggs in our henhouse one Easter. When I was twelve I dismissed the idea of becoming a doctor, disappointed by my surgeon wearing hospital greens instead of his usual suit. Mom advised that lawyers always wear suits and proceeded to arrange my first courthouse visit to watch a full day trial. From that point my mind was made up…and with Mom and Dad’s support, I became one. I would not be where I am today without her wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support.
A public Memorial Service will be held at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Orono, ON this Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:00pm. Luncheon to follow hosted by St. Saviour’s ACW. Internment at Bethesda Cemetery will follow on a later date.
May my Mother’s smile and presence forever live in us all! --Roger Proctor