Mary Percival lived a full and exciting life. She grew up in Muskoka, completed her education at Trafalgar Castle in Whitby and later graduated from Moulton College, in Toronto. Mary’s attachment to Algonquin Park started in the early 1920s with her first visit to Taylor Statten Camps. Her love of the out of doors, kindled by the north wood’s spirit of camping became her lifelong devotion. The family has had a summer cottage lease in the park since 1947. Mary studied Commercial & Fine Arts, Dress Design, Illustration and Interior Design in New York. Her first one-woman show was in 1946 at ‘Lord & Taylor’ where she worked as Interior Window Designer 1945-47.

Mary’s true beauty spread to their four daughters Karyn (deceased 2000), Heather, Sandra and Cynthia after she was married to Keith in 1947. They lived in British Guiana, South America (now Guyana) for three years, amongst the jungle, along the Demerara River. In 1954 they moved to London, England and returned to Canada in 1958, living in Rosemere, Quebec, north of Montreal. Throughout their moves and travels Mary handmade many of her children’s clothes and she had a tradition of hand painting their Christmas cards for over 60 years. Living in Montreal, Mary’s foundation of creativity continued with her talents and expertise being utilized by the Women’s Committee of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and with her arts group. She continued playing violin with a local orchestra and she loved to be physically active. Mary was a regular tournament golfer, bonspiel curler and she was an avid downhill skier, going every winter weekend into the Laurentian Mountains.

In 1978 Mary designed their family dream home when they settled, amongst long time friends, in Mono, near Orangeville. On the farm, she loved the birds, the gardens and the wild creatures that came to visit. Mary’s painting continued to flourish as she studied with watercolour artists and shared several mother-daughter shows with her daughter Karyn in the 1980s and 90s. Mary and Keith’s extended travels, for over 30 years, were colourfully documented in dozens of sketchbooks, many of which were later completed as full size paintings. Mary’s life is reflected in her diverse assortment of images and unique locations.

Mary’s fondest place to be was their cabin on Canoe Lake, in Algonquin Park. Just as Mary adored the world’s wild places, it was here that she felt most at home amongst the habitat of nature, trees, lakes and wild animals.

You never forget a person like Mary. She was always happy, optimistic and energetic. Mary was a patient and peaceful lady. Beyond being talented with her hands, Mary had a heart that just never quit. Mary you are the breezes, the crisp morning air, and the ripples of waves on shorelines. We remember the happy times; they will shape our reality forever. Thank you for your sunshine. Your family shall never forget you. Your ever loving; Keith Percival, Heather and Guy Bull, Sandra and Wally Kaczmarek, Cynthia Percival and Jim Colquhoun, John Ardill and Joanne Grant; Colin, Brigitte and Rowan Ardill; Ian, Sarah, Mackenzie and Madison Ardill; Lindsay, Chris and Payge Warner; Lauren Bull; Justin Kaczmarek and Brennon Kaczmarek.

Thank you to the kind souls at the Headwaters HCC who eased her way in her final days.

Mary, who passed away peacefully on October 8, 2010, will rest at the Kettleby Cemetery, King Twp., Ontario with an immediate family graveside service. At Mary’s request, donations may be made to ‘In Memoriam’ to ‘Friends of Algonquin’, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2MO (613) 637-2828 ext 239 or through Egan Funeral Home Baxter & Giles Chapel, Orangeville (519) 941-2630 or www.EganFuneralHome.com

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