Lounds, Mary Elizabeth
It is with great sadness that we announce that our dear Mary – sister, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at her home in Thornbury, Ontario on June 29, 2024. She was in her 67th year.
Born in Brantford, Ontario on October 19, 1957, to Joan Ruth and John Campbell Lounds, Mary spent most of her formative years growing up in Meaford, Ontario, where she made friends easily and excelled in sports, particularly basketball and golf, often leading her high school teams to victory. Mary was fun, outgoing, vivacious, generous of spirit and loved a good get-together.
In the early 1980s, Mary gave birth to the two continuing joys in her life – Michael and Megan. With her husband Jim Chapman, and both sets of grandparents, Michael and Megan were infused with that joy and love of life, as well as with great skill on the golf course. Mary, like her mother Joan, had won the Meaford Club Championship – Mary while pregnant with Megan – which explains a lot about Megan’s subsequent career abilities and choices!
Mary went back to school and became a dental hygienist for several years, however; unsatisfied with that career, went on to complete her degree in education at York University and become a high school teacher at Georgian Bay Secondary School until she retired. In the final years of her teaching career, she chose to teach special education classes to challenged young adults. It was one of the ways her spirit shone and her heart was filled.
She loved to travel and reveled in her trips, whether it be across Canada and the United States, or even more far-flung locations such as the Dominican Republic, Galapagos, Kenya, and Japan. She was generous with time and gifts, and she was often very kind and thinking of others – especially those that were challenged in their lives. She welcomed with open arms the suddenly larger family her brother brought to visit beginning in the late 1990s, and had a special relationship with her niece Melanie, who happens to live her life with Down Syndrome. Mary was always enthused about taking Melanie with her on fun excursions shopping or to the day spa for a facial.
She would love a good laugh, and at times would be the only other person in the room besides her brother John that found something funny, and the two of them would laugh until they cried. It was a great bond. And although a series of unfortunate illnesses kept her off her game later in life, she recently rediscovered the fighting spirit that made her a joy and inspiration.
Mary leaves her son Michael James Chapman (Kate Mattice), daughter Megan Ruth Chapman (G.W. King), grandchildren Makala, Lou and Finn, as well as her brother John Robert (Ellen McRae), and her nieces and nephews Aimee, Scott, Melanie and Edward.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4 until 7 p.m., tributes will be shared at 5 o’clock. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery at a later date.
If so desired and as your expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Beaver Valley Outreach, Events for Life or the Meaford Hospital Foundation can be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Meg, we are so very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Please know our thoughts and love are with you, GW and your entire family.
Donna & Bill McEwan
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Michael, Megan and families,
Sending you heartfelt sympathy upon hearing of your mom’s passing. Working with her at GBSS were some of the best years. I will cherish those memories with love and laughter. Mary was a mentor, a peer and I am so very glad to have called her friend as well.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Thinking of you Meg and Mike and your families as you grieve the loss of your mother. Our thoughts are with you.
The McFaddens, Bert, Karen and Leif
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Condolences to the whole family.
There is little that one can say or do to bring you comfort… only precious memories will ease your grief. Remember that you are not alone… many hearts share your sorrow.
Mary Will be missed, but not forgotten.
Thinking of the whole family during this time of Sorrow.
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
We extend our condolences to your entire family. Mary was always a joy to be around, I especially enjoyed the exercise classes at the Thornbury library with Sharon Challis. Mary was there with a smile and cheerfulness, doing what she was able to do with the rest of us! We will miss her but will remember her and her involvement in our high school and community.
Sincerely,
David and Kathy Sled
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Michael and Megan and families,
Thinking of all of you at this very sad time as you say goodbye to your Mom and your children’s Grandma.
Your Mom had such an engaging spirit when we worked together at GBSS. She was an inspired and passionate teacher and knew instinctively how to reach each student and inspire them to achieve success. We all have good memories of working together in Rm 172 and Rm 216 at GBSS….lots of fun and laughter as we covered many topics including sex education which Mary handled with ease and honesty and when necessary some humour ! Mary’s students were so very fortunate to have her in their lives; she genuinely cared about them. I have good memories of Mary as a friend and colleague at GBSS.
With my sympathy and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Jennifer Dorgelo
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Michael, Megan, John and families.
So very sorry and sad to hear of Mary’s passing. Such a lovely written obituary for a wonderful person. Sending love and hugs. R.I.P Mary
Tom and Stephanie Sheridan
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We were friends since kindergarten although we had lost contact over the years. The last time I saw her was in 2003 when she came to my mom’s funeral. We got together for dinner after and shared laughs like old times. I had many good times with Mary over our public and high school years. I will miss her loving, laughing spirit. May her memory be a blessing to you all.
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Our deepest sympathies to Michael and Megan and families. It is always hard to lose a parent.
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Michael, Meg and families, our thoughts are with you during this tough time.
Gord and Meigen
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Dear Meg,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Wishing you peace.
Rose and Paul Ormsby
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Sending our love and support and hoping that a lifetime of memories will help you through this difficult time.
Patrick Coulter & Paula Zubek
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Michael and Megan,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother-Mary’s passing. I found Mary to be a very fun and capable lady as I worked with her at GBSS.
Michael and Megan – may she rest in peace knowing she has left behind a legacy of two beautiful people and their families.
With love and support we think of you and know that you will find comfort moving forward as you cherish all the good memories.
.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Dear Michael, Meg & families
I was very saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Her smile and laughter would light up a room. She was so proud of both of you and spoke often of your accomplishments with such pride. She was also so excited to become a Grandma to Mak, Lou & Finn.
Mary was an amazing teacher to work along side. Her dedication, organization and knowledge were an asset to her colleagues and students. Her love for Geography was evident when she spoke of her travels and shared pictures of those trips. One of my favourite times of the day, was when Mary would go through each section of the newspaper with the students and discuss the articles she had hi-lighted upon her early arrival in the morning. Our special needs students also enjoyed, when on occasion, Mary would bring her dog Percy to class for the day. Over the years we had many laughs in Rm 172, but also shed some tears together as well, however, they will all be memories I cherish.
Sending hugs to all.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Dear Michael and Megan.
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing and we are sending you our deepest sympathy.
Sue and Bill Boadway
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Our sincere condolences to all of Mary’s family from the Boyd/Newton kids – Laurie, Sandy, Laura, Peter and Carolyn. Mary’s parents were close friends of Barb Boyd, our mother, and Mary and John were fellow orchestra pals to me when we attended GBSS. There were many dinners at the Lound’s before orchestra practice and much laughter. It is both sad and uplifting to read about her accomplishments and how much she meant to so many.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Thinking of Meg and Michael at this difficult time. Your Mom was always my favoutite teacher all though my days at GBSS. She was kind, caring, and always willing and happy to help her students with understanding and kindness.
Sending you all peace and light ✨️
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
To John and family.
I’m so sorry to hear about the unimaginable loss of your sister. Sending your my warmest thoughts
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
So sorry to hear this sad news. We had the pleasure of working with your mom at GBSS. Reflect on your memories to help navigate this difficult time.
Sherri and Mike Page.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Very very sad too hear, Mary was a spectacular lady, a smile for everyone, condolences too all close too her
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Dear Michael, Megan and Families.
Please know we are thinking of you at this time.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Michael, Megan and Families
We are so deeply sorry to hear the news about your mother. I haven’t seen your mom in many years, but remember her smile and how she excelled in sports in school. Hold on to and cherish your special memories. She will be truly missed by many. Thinking of you all at this sad time
Wayne and Anita Cornfield
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Megan, Michael and John sorry to hear of Mary’s passing our sincere condolences to you all.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Sincere condolences to John, Megan and Michael and your families. I knew Mary since grade one. I have a photo of her at my grade one birthday party. Sending hugs and prayers ❤️
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Such sad news!
A wonderful spirited lady who devoted her time to the fulfillment of others. I am pleased to have had the honour to teach alongside Mary. To hear her stories of adventures was inspirational. Mary also had a humorous side to her stories, often giggling when telling them. Mary made me feel welcome at GBSS, often stopping in the hallways for a chat or a brisk good morning when we may have been late for class.
Mary was an inspiration to staff and her students.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss at this time..I also went to school with Mary from kindergarten through high-school. Many fond memories growing up with the Lounds family..especially our family trip to Florida in the late 60s…she had a contagious laugh, that would make you smile..rest in peace dear friend
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Our sincere condolences Michael, Megan and families.
Mary’s athleticism was amazing, having shared the basketball court with her through high school, along with a few other teams, she was great. Though serious, when participating in sports, Mary could lighten serious moments with her wit, and laughter would always follow. Mary has left me with great memories of our high school years, which will always be fondly remembered and cherished.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Sincere condolences to the whole family
Cherish all your memories
Thursday, July 4, 2024
John, Meg and Michael
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a vibrant lady as we grew up.
Our sincere condolences
Thursday, July 4, 2024
To our cousins Jim, Michael and Megan,
We are saddened to hear of your recent loss and send our heartfelt condolences to you and the Lounds family.
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Thanks very much Penny and Barb, very much appreciate you reacing out!
Friday, July 5, 2024
Sincere condolences to the whole family.
Friday, July 5, 2024
Meg, we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Mom. Our thoughts and love are with you, GW and your family.
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Dear John, Meghan, Michael and families:
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. Thank you for the wonderful tribute about her life as it gave me such an appreciation and reflection of who Mary was and what she meant to so many people, especially her family, friends, colleagues and students. She has left a beautiful legacy and fond memories to many.
My sincere condolences to each of you at this very sad time.
May she rest in peace .
With deepest sympathy and love,
Cip Bibby (nee Marron)
Monday, July 8, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss Meg. It is very hard to lose your mom, but remembering your special moments with her will hopefully be a comfort to you.
We are thinking of you.
Joanne and Tom Talbot
Monday, July 8, 2024
Thinking of you ❤️our condolences to your families. Simone & Darrin Risk
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Dear Michael and Meg,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at GBSS, in the Special Education department.
She had the best laugh and stories! She was thoughtful, kind and so caring.
Healing hugs are sent your way as you grieve the loss of a wonderful and amazing lady.
Deepest sympathies,
Leanne Ellis
Friday, July 26, 2024
My sympathy to you and your family at this time. Michael, Megan, and Jim.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Dear John, Michael and Megan,
We were very sorry to hear the sad news about Mary. Our sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of your sister, mother, aunt and grandmother. The wonderful tributes written here and the heartfelt obituary illustrate what a huge loss it is. We hope that these beautiful memories will help you through the days ahead.
With sympathy,
Connie and Brian Retzer