Obituary of Mary Lynn Velma CRUICKSHANK

Cruickshank, Mary Lynn Velma (née Cheesman) Peacefully, and surrounded by her family, at home on Sunday, 15 May 2016; in her 76th year. Predeceased by her parents, Jeanne and Hugh Cheesman, and by her brother, David Cheesman. Adored and adoring wife of John for 55 years, proud and loving mother of Jennifer (André Lévesque), Laura and David (Madeleine), and beloved grandmother of Mélina, Alex, Emmeline, Charlie and Abby. Also survived by her siblings, John Cheesman (Nancy) and Stephen Cheesman (Darlene) of Kingston; and Beverley Rink (Guenter) of Qualicum Beach. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, family and friends, both here and abroad, particularly in England. A Kingston native, Mary Lynn earned her teaching certificate in 1961 from Peterborough Teachers' College and embarked on a long and satisfying teaching career that spanned kindergarten to junior high school. She touched the lives of hundreds of students along the way. Mary Lynn loved music and was a star performer by nature. She shared her love of performing through many successful school musicals, and appeared on stage in several Peterborough Theatre Guild productions. Mary Lynn was a talented artist, interior decorator, and gardener. With John ever at her side, she transformed spaces into places of true beauty. Part of her important legacy is the exquisite garden on Earl Street which she and John cultivated with so much care, and which served as the setting for weddings, parties and casual get-togethers. Together, Mary Lynn and John travelled extensively, always planning their next adventure before the current one ended. Whether they were sailing the high seas on the Queen Mary, or going for a camel ride in the desert, they were one another's perfect travel companions, enjoying every moment of being best friends on a journey, together. Mary Lynn lived well with cancer for over two years and inspired us all with her boundless optimism, grace, and faith. She once wrote that life is a collection of days, and those who knew her know that her life was a splendid collection of good memories, proud accomplishments, and happy moments. Mary Lynn was an active and faithful member of St. George's Cathedral, Kingston. The family thanks the congregation for their overwhelming love and support. The family also thanks Dr. Allison Ashworth, Dr. James Biagi, Dr. Raymond Viola, Dr. Colin Wilson, and the nursing staff at Kingston General Hospital. Special thanks to the South East Community Care Access Centre for arranging support for Mary Lynn and John during Mary Lynn's final weeks at home. Funeral services to be held at St. George's Cathedral on Friday, May 20 at 2:00pm. For those who wish, remembrances may be made directly, in Mary Lynn's name, to the University Hospital's Kingston Foundation or to St. George's Cathedral.