Suddenly but peacefully passed with family by her side at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at the age of 80 years. Beloved mother of Patricia “Patsy” (Chris) Austin and Caroline “Carrie” (Ken) Pouw. Proud grandmother of Nicholas Austin, Alex Austin, Tyler Pouw and Cassandra Pouw. Dear sister of Patrick Curtin and predeceased by her parents Jack and Agnes “Violet” Curtin. Will be missed by extended family members and many dear friends.
Mom was an incredible mother, sister, daughter, grandmother and friend. She was beyond loved by everyone and was ready with advice and support when we needed it. She had an unbelievable sense of humour and wit. She was our biggest cheerleader and we considered ourselves the luckiest girls to have her. She was my calm anything was possible with her in my corner. Waking up everyday devastated and missing everything about her is so hard. I have great memories with Mom from Kens and my wedding. She had the best time and was so happy. She loved Ken like a son. She loved Tyler and Cassy and the life we all built together. Her grand doggies Cooper and Jimi are still trying to adjust to her not being here. Her younger brother Pat is missing his best friend and confidant he has had for 78 years. They were so close and she’s missed terribly. I guess the heart wrenching grief we are feeling is a true example of how very loved she was. I love you Mom, I miss you like crazy and I’ll see you again. Love Care
The loss seems unbearable. I miss her laugh and her smile. Breathing seems hard now. When my husband joined our family, she was so excited that she finally got her first son. Our world has forever changed. Her grandson Nicholas has lost his construction buddy, "Joe"(that always made her smile) and her younger grandson Alexander's has lost his secret keeper (which she honoured till her death). I lost my best friend, my safety net, my Mom. The world seems darker and colder now, but she would want us to continue our journeys in life. In time, the light she gave off will come back to us. That's my hope and prayers anyways. I can't say goodbye to you, so I won't. Till later Mom. We miss and love you, forever. Patsy.
In keeping with Mary Jo’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Memorial donations may be made to the MS Society (Canada) or the Heart & Stroke Foundation and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com