It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Mary Rose Visitor on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the age of 76 years. She passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital with her daughter and close family members by her side.
Mary was born on the Albany River on June 19, 1945 to David and Nellie Baxter. One (1) of 12 children, she was raised on the trap line and grew up in a log cabin built by her father on Makokibatan Lake, ON. A Residential School Survivor, Granny met the love of her life and soulmate, Clifford Visitor (Papa) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. They married on June 22, 1968 and had two (2) children, Bruce (Trish) and Sharon; three (3) grandchildren, Wynona, Jenna and Brandon; and, her special friend Dora (family dog). She was so proud of her grandkids and loved them with all of her heart.
She also leaves behind her sisters Caroline (late Joe), Zelda (late Donald) and Dorothy (Roger); her brothers Stanley (Rebecca), Chuckster (late Betty) and Joe B (late Karen); and, so many cousins, nephews and nieces, sisters- and brothers-in-laws and great friends. She has joined her parents, her brothers John George and Sammy and sister Daisy on her journey home.
She loved the outdoors as she loved being on the land with her husband. She enjoyed fishing, hunting and rough camping. They spent countless weekends together fishing for walleye at their camp in the summer and fishing for Lake Trout on Ranger Lake in the winter. She was the head “Chef” at our annual family Moose Hunts and Spring Goose Hunts. She loved to cook big meals for her immediate and extended family at home or on the land. She was an expert at harvesting, cleaning and cooking her game. She also enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, listening to music, spending time with her grandkids (spoiling them), talking on the phone with family and friends and unwinding at the end of the day with a few Carling Light!
Granny was a special person. She taught us the importance of opening both your heart and your home to family and friends and to those in need. She went out of her way to make everyone that she met feel special and welcome and was such a generous and caring person. We will miss her smile; laughter; hugs and kisses; late night talks; sharing secrets; telephone calls; awesome cooking; singing; dancing; bravery; strength; thoughtfulness; and, sense of humour … most of all, we will miss her love.
Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there
And His smile drives their sorrows away
And they tell me that no tears will ever come again
In that lovely land of unclouded day
Family and friends are invited to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, 705-759-2522) on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The visitation is open to all family and friends and social distancing and mask wearing are required. The Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel from 3:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. Please note that due to pandemic restrictions, we must limit the service to some family and close friends. We ask that only those specifically invited attend the service taking place inside the Chapel. Members of the same household are welcome to sit together and those who are not are asked to distance appropriately. Those who are unable to attend the service in person can view the live webcast on-line. Please go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Mary's name to view the service. The service may be viewed at any time for up to 90 days.
The reception will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Rink (The Machine Shop) located at 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON immediately following the service. We invite all family and friends to come together to celebrate the life of our wonderful wife, mom and Granny. Light refreshments will be available. As the venue is outdoors, we ask that everyone respect social distancing rules, however, masks will not be required. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions (payable by cheque on-line) to the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association would be greatly appreciated.
Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence or a memory as a keepsake for Mary's family.