Died peacefully in Oakville, ON, June 15, 2011, age 98. Born January 4, 1913 in Newton. Massachusetts. Mary spent many summers in Bridgewater, New Hampshire. The granite hills and soft water, the rich expanse of family love and tradition all became parts of her character. She was a "Real Daughter" of a Union Civil War veteran, one of only 12 at the time of her death. Adding her many stories to his reminiscences, she rooted us in deep soil of courage and goodness.

After attending Wheaton and Wheelock Colleges, Mary taught and nurtured children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 for many years before marrying Paul Victor Heron, whom she adored until and beyond his death in 2000. In Oakville, ON, she enriched the Historical Society, the Horticultural Society, the Opera Guild, and the lives of anyone who knew her. She always listened intensely, with passion and vital interest. A true practitioner of unconditional love, she taught us that grace, charm and compassion are what make a lady; to never stay in a passionless relationship;
to have treats at the ready; to blaze a trail doing what is right; that love is the answer. Her mind was crisp, and she felt immense gratitude to everyone who has helped her over the years. Gracious to the last, a fall at home knocked the stuffing out of her, though no bones were broken. She said, " Good night!" waving visitors off so they wouldn't worry, and then died in her sleep. She was holding her family and all those she loved in her heart; those of us who weren't physically with her were nevertheless so much with her; she loved us so intensely, was so proud of all of us, that love carried her along as if we ourselves were carrying her.

Mary is survived by son Church and partner Kathleen of Orangeville, Ontario, grandchildren Alex, Eric and partner Brooke, Daniel, Emily, great-granddaughter Ava; son Bill of Tottenham, Ontario, grandchildren David and Kate; and daughter Suzanne and partner Dolf Schoenmakers of Lasqueti Island, B.C., granddaughters Marian and artner Kyla O'Brien and Kate; also by cherished descendants of sister Charlotte Hammer Ayres; beloved nieces Viki & Patsy Heftler of Michigan; her treasured first cousin Mary Boland of Seattle; many Shapleigh family cousins; dear friend Donna Mills of Oakville.

Joyous memorial services will be held at (1) St. Jude's Church, 160 William St., Oakville, Saturday, July 2, 11:00 a.m. (2) The Town House, Bridgewater Hill Rd,, Bridgewater, New Hampshire, Sunday August 7, 11:00 a.m. Please send written memories to us at suz.heron@gmail.com or Chuch Heron, 203 Kensington Pl., Orangeville, ON L9W 4G4. In lieu of flowers. memorial gifts may be made to the Trans Canada Trail Association, 43 Westminster Avenue North, Montreal Q.C. H4X 1Y8, or the the Canadian Opera Company, 227 Front St. E., Toronto, ON M5A 1E8.