Dear editor,
Our heartfelt thanks and praise to everyone who pulled together for a Celebration of Life for our precious sister, Mary Sherlock.
Mary called Port Hardy home and we are so happy she found one. Meeting the people in this community, the family, friends, and coworkers who have stood by us and helped, and hearing the words spoken at her celebration make it easy for us to understand why Mary found her home here. We will be bringing that love we felt back to our homes and will carry it with us always.
Thank you to Mayor Bev Parnham for acknowledging Mary’s contribution to what she saw as her civic duty — to make the world a better place for everyone.
Thank you to North Island Community Services for acknowledging that Mary went above and beyond in her work with NICS and her ability to think outside the box – and sometimes push the boundaries to make things the best they could be for the people she was supporting.
Thank you to everyone from SD 85 for acknowledging Mary’s commitment and sheer joy in working with the kids at PHSS and her delight in being involved in every event – especially if there was a costume involved!
Thank you to North Island College for acknowledging Mary’s love of learning, her commitment to her personal goals, and the camaraderie she nurtured with fellow students, faculty and staff.
Thank you to North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society for acknowledging Mary’s involvement with the Crisis Line and her continued commitment to the work you do.
Thank you to the Lighthouse Resource Centre for acknowledging Mary’s volunteering as bell ringer for the Christmas Hamper Fund; we can see her standing there in her Santa hat smiling and chatting with everyone. Thank you so much for sharing some of the words on the card for Mary from the folks at the Centre and for letting us imagine the lineup of people to sign that card and share a thought of Mary.
Thank you to Mary’s fellow students, friends, coworkers and community members who came in to share the day. All the speakers shared “a Mary story” that came from the heart.
Thank you to Providence Place for facilitating the venue that was so warm to host the celebration of Mary’s life. Many hands make light work; special kudos to the organizers: Bob Cadwell, Nikki Shaw and family, Joan Holm, and baking from Mary’s coworkers from NICS.
Thank you/Gi’lakasla Port Hardy for giving our sister a place to call home.
We’ll be back!
Tom Sherlock, Surrey
Susan Sherlock, Pottstown, Pennsylvania