Obituary of Mary Alice Dwyer, Glace Bay

It is with profound sadness that we the family of Mary Alice Dwyer (nee McKinnon) announce her passing on Aug 7th, 2024 at Victoria Haven nursing home in Glace Bay.

 

Mary was born in Glace Bay N.S., Dec 28, 1933, where at a young age she became well known as a talented artist. After completing her post-secondary education at the Business College in Sydney, Mary ventured to Ottawa to pursue a career in the Federal Public Service, and this is where she met the love of her life, fellow Cape Bretoner and future husband Jim Dwyer. 

 

Mary Alice and Jim were married in Germany in 1955, and together travelled through much of Europe, exploring historic landmarks and picturesque villages that had so captured her imagination and inspired her artistry as a young girl.

 

Mary and Jim spent the next 20 years raising their family in various Airforce Bases across Germany and Canada. Ever the creative, Mary would start teaching very popular Art Classes (oil painting and pastels) in each new community.   

 

Mary and Jim eventually returned to Glace Bay where Mary once again shared her love of painting with her students for several years before embarking on a 15-year career working at the Children’s Training Centre in Sydney.     

 

Known as an accomplished artist and patient instructor, always willing to share her talent, Mary’s art works and those of her students were featured in numerous Art Exhibits and Gallery’s in the communities in which she taught. In addition to her commissioned art works, her proudest accomplishment was knowing she had inspired several students to eventually become art instructors who have made significant contributions to the world of art, or have become professional artists in various mediums. 

  

Mary is survived by her adoring children, daughter Donna Dwyer, Glace Bay, and sons, Mike (Sharon), Sydney River and Patrick (Anne), Stratford PEI, sister Connie Fletcher (Wayne) Sydney, brother Bernard McKinnon (Simone) Dominion. 

 

 

Mary is also survived by many grandchildren who thought the world of her and who brought her great joy, Laura Dwyer (Adam) Calgary, Alb, Erin Wadden (Cai) Stratford, PEI, Michael Dwyer (Meghan) Little Bras d”Or, NS,  Courtney Judson (Brett) Stratford, PEI, Roy Boutilier (Paula) Reserve Mines, N.S.

 

Mary was also blessed with many great grandchildren; Cian and Niall Wadden, Everly, Tucker, Rue, Hank and Sully Judson, Eva and Audrey Dwyer, Dan and Lindy Boutilier. 

 

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years Jim Dwyer, her father Joe McKinnon, mother Mary McKinnon, brother Joseph McKinnon (Linda), grandson James Evan Dwyer and son–in law, Roy Boutilier.

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Haven for the outstanding care shown to Mary in her final months living at the home. Your compassion, professionalism and dedication to your residents’ care and quality of life is admirable and of great comfort to their families.    

 

Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay. There will be no visitation and a private family ceremony will be conducted at a later date.

 

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca