We Remember

TOIJONEN, Mervi “Mary” Sylvia

October 18, 1952 — October 31, 2019

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Mary. She died at home surrounded by her family on October 31, 2019. She leaves behind her partner Robin Durrant, sons Devin Durrant (Caitlin) and Andrew Durrant, and daughter Anna Durrant (Kevin). She is also survived by her sister Margett Goward, brother Paul Toijonen, and their families.

Mary was an avid gardener; she spent countless hours – rain or shine – creating her beautiful sanctuary. When she wasn’t gardening, she enjoyed playing tennis with friends, scenic bike rides and summertime swimming. Mary was a seasoned traveler, always seeking adventure and meeting news friends along the way. But more than anything, she loved being with her family.

Mary made everything more beautiful and was loved by many. She will be missed.

Mary’s celebration of life in the form of a garden party will be held in Spring 2020. Details to be provided by the family at a later date. If you have memories, photos, or stories to share, the family would love to read them. (If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”)

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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The family encourages you to make a donation to a charity of your choice

 


 


Condolences

  • Kathy Butler says:

    Such a truly beautiful person inside and out. So sorry for your loss.

  • Rhonda and Larry says:

    An absolutely beautiful picture of Mary. It’s her smile. Robin, Devin, Andrew, Anna, and all of Mary’s family; it’s a sad day to read of Mary’s passing, We share your heartache, and we try to find comforting words at such a difficult time. You truly are in our thoughts. Sending our love and support,
    Rhonda and Larry

  • Anita McKinnon says:

    My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Mary. Gone way too soon. I will always remember when my husband was ill and Mary brought homemade soup, so very thoughtful of her and that is how I will always remember her. Such a wonderful person and loved by many. Anita McKinnon, former CIBC co-worker and lunch friend. She will never be forgotten.

  • Judy and John Faragini says:

    Robin, Devin, Andrew and Anna., our hearts and prayers are with you. Mary was truly a wonderful person and dear friend that will never be forgotten.

  • Herb & Dawn Fallow says:

    Robin and family – our deepest condolences. Mary was one very special person. I worked with Mary at CIBC – always that smile – she made my job a lot easier. She touched so many people.
    Our thoughts are with you – Herb & Dawn

  • Peter & Heather Brenneman says:

    Robin&Family: We are very saddened to hear of your loss of Mary. She was a kind & gentle soul. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you.

  • Deborah Cochrane says:

    Dear Robin and Family, Sometimes there are just no words. We are so, so sorry for your loss. We hope you find some comfort knowing others care. Larry, Deb Cochrane and Family

  • Sharon Sorensen says:

    Robin, family and friends of Mary, I am devastated to hear of the loss of Mary, she was truly one of the kindest and sweetest people that I have ever met, she just radiated sunshine wherever she went. The world is definitely a sadder place without her in it, but her beautiful smile will live on in our hearts forever. My deepest condolences to you all. Sharon

  • Walter Morel says:

    Very Sad to see this. The Morel Family offers their Condolences to the Durrant Family. Their are no words to really say how sorry we are to hear of this news. We trust that your memories will always provide you with joy and bring a smile to your thoughts. Best Walter, Donna and Susie Morel,

  • Bob and Erna Fortier says:

    Robin and Family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Mary. May your good memories sustain you in this this time of grief and sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Jan Flanagan says:

    Our entire family is deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Mary will be missed by all who knew her, she was the most sweet and kind person one could imagine. She and I shared many laughs while we navigated our kids through Glenmore Elementary and of course Soccer. She was always the first to sign up to volunteer, for anything! We had many a gathering at Poplar Point, with teams in tow, and she was always a most welcoming/gracious host. A beautiful person inside and out.
    Sincere condolences,
    The Flanagan Family, Shaun, Jan, Stevie, Shim, Tom & Sian

  • Wayne Evans says:

    Hi Robin,
    I only learned of Mary’s passing at Rotary this morning. I wasn’t aware of her illness so the shock was deep. Julie and I are so very sorry for your loss. You have a vast support network so hopefully you will be carried by lots of love and comfort.

  • Andy and Louise Griffin says:

    Robin and family, Our hearts are filled with sadness for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We always think of Mary when we look at the autumn joy sedum that she gave us after our trip together to Ethiopia. Andy and Louise Griffin

  • Shaun Sheridan says:

    I am deeply saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. My thoughts are with you Robin and your family.
    Shaun Sheridan, Queensland, Australia.

  • Margo Simpson and Keith Wemp says:

    Dear Robin, Andrew, Devon and Anna,
    So sorry to hear about Mary; our thoughts have been with you this past month. Hopefully your memories of times spent with her will sustain each of you through this difficult time. Her warmth, sincerity and genuine caring for others were special qualities and she will be remembered by all who knew her.

  • All the staff at Claimspro says:

    Robin & family, please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time..

  • Connie Desharnais says:

    Robin and family, I had no idea that Mary was such an admired gardener. All I know was that she made you feel comfortable whenever you were in her company. I don’t think I ever recall seeing her without that beautiful smile. May you all feel blessed to have each other in this difficult time as that would make her smile even more. Connie Desharnais

  • James Le Mare says:

    Dear Robin and Family. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I was fortunate enough to attend the same high school as Mary in Duncan in the late 60’s. It seems so long ago, but sometimes just like yesterday. Mary and I shared many of the same friends and I came to know what a wonderful, caring and selfless person she was, Robin, the last time I saw Mary was three summers ago when I believe you and Mary were travelling with friends on their yacht, visiting Maple Bay, Mary took the time to attend a celebration of life in the Cowichan Valley for a mutual friend we grew up with. It was a complete surprise for me to see Mary there and we had short but wonderful time catching up on each others lives. Mary made the world a better place and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolences.
    James Le Mare

  • Lorna (Garside) Rogers says:

    Robin and family…..I went to school with Mary many years ago in the late 60’s in Duncan, BC….she was the prettiest, sweetest girl in the whole school…everybody loved Mary….very sad to hear of her passing….my condolences to the family

  • The Nixon's says:

    Robin and your Family: I can not begin to imagine the the huge void that must now exist in your Family. I know the strength of all your characters and you will all get on with your life but it will be different. Having to find ways to replace the Love and Patience and Joy that Mary brought to every interaction will be impossible. But, you have your memories as we all do of a loving, caring, fun, bright, quick and beautiful sole who instantly captivated us all. Moving forward let’s all remember and embrace Mary’s positive impact on all our lives and this will give us some comfort. Mary saved my life once. I was about to embark on the first of what proved to be many international golf trips with Robin and the boys. I, the fool, Standing at the checkout counter without my passport. one hour before the flight. Mary without a hitch took control of the situation and raced me all the way to my office, at the time, in East Kelowna at McCulloch and then back and I was able to make the trip. Any keen golfers will recognize the importance of the situation and know that I would have indeed died had I missed that flight. It should follow that Mary saved my life. Mary, you will be missed and never forgotten and know that you left our lives better for knowing you. Thanks for the Memories. Your Friends, the Nixon’s.

  • Graham Bruce says:

    Dear Robin and family, I was deeply shocked to hear of Mary’s death. While it was three years ago I last saw Mary, at a mutual classmates gathering at ‘Dogpatch’, she looked her lovely self and so healthy.
    Mary’s radiant smile warmed up a room and it was always a delight to reconnect at our grad reunions.
    She will be missed this year at our 50th year grad reunion but most certainly not forgotten. She was a very special person. I am deeply saddened for your loss, our loss, but thankful for the years she was part of our lives, the memories live on. Blessings to you and know that many share in your grief for the loss of Mary but are thankful for her life we shared in.
    Condolences
    Graham Bruce

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