Mary McTavish's contributions leave lasting impact on community

Shakespeare Presbyterian Church recently welcomed Mary McTavish and her family for a special visit. Pictured (left to right) are Dan Ashbourne, Mary McTavish’s son-in-law; Lynda McTavish Ashbourne, daughter; Mary McTavish; and Alec McTavish, son. Jeff Skubowius photo

By Diane Danen

Longtime member of Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, Mary McTavish recently returned to visit the congregation she called home for many years. Accompanied by several family members, McTavish received a warm welcome from friends and fellow church members who were delighted to see her again.

Mary McTavish and her late husband, Robert (Bob) McTavish, were well-known residents of North Easthope Township, where they farmed near Amulree and raised their five children: Lynda, Sheila, Duncan, Alec and Jennifer. Recently, Mary McTavish moved to a retirement residence in Guelph, where she now enjoys living within walking distance of her daughter, Lynda.

Born in Toronto in 1935, Mary McTavish (Powell) grew up in the city's Beaches neighbourhood and later in Scarborough. She attended Williamson Road Public School, a school that holds special significance for her family as three of her great-grandchildren have attended the same school more than 80 years later. Mary McTavish later attended Scarborough Collegiate Institute before going on to study nursing.

It was during her nursing school years that Mary McTavish met Bob, who was studying engineering at the University of Toronto. The introduction came through Bob McTavish's sister, Donna, who was both Mary McTavish's roommate and classmate in nursing school. Mary McTavish recalls going out for coffee with Donna and a group of friends that included Donna's brother, Bob McTavish. Before long, a friendship developed, and within a year, the two were dating.

Life in residence taught Mary McTavish valuable lessons. During her second year of nursing school, she shared a large bedroom with Donna and three other young women.              

"If you want to learn how to get along with people, share a room with four other girls," Mary McTavish laughed.

Despite the crowded living arrangements, the women formed lifelong friendships and remained in touch for many years.

The year 1956 was a memorable one for Mary McTavish. She completed her nursing training at Toronto General Hospital and graduated that year. She fondly recalls marching from the hospital to the University of Toronto for her convocation ceremony. Later that summer, she and Bob McTavish were married, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 68 years.

Bob McTavish's engineering career took the young couple to several locations, including Sudbury and Toronto. In 1962, he accepted an engineering position with Gaffney Construction, bringing the family back to North Easthope. There, farming became an important part of their lives as they established roots in the community and raised their family.

After moving to North Easthope, Mary McTavish was encouraged by her mother-in-law, Lillian McTavish, to become involved with the Women's Institute. In 1963, she joined the Hampstead Women's Institute, becoming an active member. Over the years, her involvement expanded beyond the local branch as she went on to serve at the county and provincial levels.

Mary was also a dedicated 4-H leader during the 1960s and 1970s, leading more than 20 clubs. Her father-in-law, Don McTavish, often joked about his daughter-in-law from Toronto leading a program that was traditionally associated with teaching rural youth. Despite her city upbringing, Mary McTavish embraced the role wholeheartedly, sharing her enthusiasm and leadership skills with local young people.

Looking back, Mary McTavish says one of the things she appreciated most about the McTavish family and the Shakespeare community was the warm welcome she received when she moved here. Having lived in several communities over the years, she recognized that such acceptance could never be taken for granted.

Mary McTavish worked as a registered nurse in both Toronto and at Stratford General Hospital until the mid-1970s. She also taught courses for home-care providers in Stratford during the 1970s.

Mary McTavish dedicated more than 40 years to volunteer service at Stratford General Hospital, holding several leadership roles within the Hospital Auxiliary and helping unite the auxiliary and volunteer organizations in the 1990s. She also served on the boards of the Stratford General Hospital Foundation, the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, the Tavistock Medical Group Community Board and the London Psychiatric Hospital Community Advisory Board. In addition, she was active on several federal and provincial riding association executives.

At Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, Mary McTavish served as Sunday school superintendent, was active in the Women’s Missionary Society, sang in the choir and helped with the church’s after-school program. She was also a founding member of the Community Care Team.

Coffee time after church was one of Bob and Mary McTavish’s favourite opportunities to share a story. One Sunday morning, Bob McTavish recalled that when he and Mary McTavish were first married, they agreed that he would make all the big decisions while Mary McTavish would take care of all the rest.

"Luckily," Bob McTavish said with a smile, "we haven't had to make any really big decisions yet!"

Mary McTavish shared that throughout their marriage, she and Bob McTavish always worked as a team, a value they passed on to their children. Reflecting on a lifetime together, Mary McTavish's advice for a happy life is simple.

"You have to be able to laugh and not take yourself too seriously. It's important to laugh a lot.