Mary Eleanor (Cornish) Barkway
Mary died peacefully at Southbridge Cornwall’s Long Term Care facility on May 11, 2025, after several years of decreasing functioning due to Alzheimers disease. She was in her 85th year.
Mary was an accomplished musical talent. As a teenager, she was a church organist while earning her credentials as an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She became a cherished music teacher in many schools throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry after she and her husband Peter moved to Cornwall in 1963.
Adding to her very busy life as a mother of growing children, her community service, her music teaching in various schools, and her diligence with her friends, she managed to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa [Cornwall campus] as the top graduate among part-time students in 1977-78.
Mary continued to contribute to the musical heritage of our community. She was very active in helping to create and fund the Cornwall Concert series in the late 1980s. She also was an active part of Cornwall choirs for many years.
Her continuing interest in young people led her to become one of the pioneers in Early Childhood Education as she taught at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, from 1979-1982.
Mary loved travelling, and especially enjoyed many cruises, a year spent in New Zealand, and any musical adventures found elsewhere in the world.
Predeceased by chosen sons David [New York on 9/11] and Stephen [Cornwall in 2021], she is survived by Peter, her husband of nearly 65 years: 5 grandchildren, Peter James, Rosanna, Justin, Jamie and David: her daughter-in-law Cindy: sisters Margaret [Cornish-Blackburn] and Helen [Kalil}, as well as countless friends.
Mary remained very grateful and pleased with her many friends who expressed their concern and love until the last few hours of her life.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a Celebration of Mary’s life and friendships at a later date.
Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimers Society or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes West Branch 20 Seventh Street West (613-932-8482). Messages of condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com
Mary died peacefully at Southbridge Cornwall’s Long Term Care facility on May 11, 2025, after several years of decreasing functioning due to Alzheimers disease. She was in her 85th year.
Mary was an accomplished musical talent. As a teenager, she was a church organist while earning her credentials as an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She became a cherished music teacher in many schools throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry after she and her husband Peter moved to Cornwall in 1963.
Adding to her very busy life as a mother of growing children, her community service, her music teaching in various schools, and her diligence with her friends, she managed to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa [Cornwall campus] as the top graduate among part-time students in 1977-78.
Mary continued to contribute to the musical heritage of our community. She was very active in helping to create and fund the Cornwall Concert series in the late 1980s. She also was an active part of Cornwall choirs for many years.
Her continuing interest in young people led her to become one of the pioneers in Early Childhood Education as she taught at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, from 1979-1982.
Mary loved travelling, and especially enjoyed many cruises, a year spent in New Zealand, and any musical adventures found elsewhere in the world.
Predeceased by chosen sons David [New York on 9/11] and Stephen [Cornwall in 2021], she is survived by Peter, her husband of nearly 65 years: 5 grandchildren, Peter James, Rosanna, Justin, Jamie and David: her daughter-in-law Cindy: sisters Margaret [Cornish-Blackburn] and Helen [Kalil}, as well as countless friends.
Mary remained very grateful and pleased with her many friends who expressed their concern and love until the last few hours of her life.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a Celebration of Mary’s life and friendships at a later date.
Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimers Society or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes West Branch 20 Seventh Street West (613-932-8482). Messages of condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com