Obituary of Mary Evelyn Cress

Mary Evelyn (Mason) Cress, 88, Thorburn, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday October 31, 2023 with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. Mary was the 5th of 10 children born to John George and Margaret Mae (Davidson) Mason she was raised in Borneo, Country Harbour. Losing her mother at a young age Mary and her younger siblings moved to Goldboro to live with her Gran Davidson. Mary moved to Pictou County at an early age to work. She married Lloyd Douglas ‘Sonny’ Cress, and they raised 3 wonderful children George, Bonnie and John on what they fondly referred to as the Avenue in the North End of New Glasgow. While raising her family Mary worked in many places including Sobey's head office and for many years at K-Mart. When Mary retired, she moved directly into the role of doting grandmother, taking a valuable role in helping to raise her grandchildren. When Sonny’s health forced them to make some tough decisions, they moved next door to her son George in Thorburn and she became caregiver for her husband until his passing in 2001. After Sonny’s death Mary took on a new role and began caregiving for the elderly. This was a role that Mary loved and wished it was something she began earlier in her life. Through the years Mary was a member of the board of the Pictou County Co-op, the Board of Managers and session member at Union Presbyterian Church Thorburn past member of the Thorburn Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered with Pictou County Helpline. Mary is survived by her daughter Bonnie (Derrick) Coady, Coalburn; son John, Thorburn; daughter-in-law Debbie Cress ,Thorburn ; grandchildren Justin Coady, Coalburn; Travis Coady, Halifax; Jyllian, Sara and Mason Cress Thorburn; Great Grandson Michael; Brother John Mason (Nellie), Toronto; Sister Ethel Schaefer, St Thomas, Ontario. Besides her husband Sonny she is predeceased by her eldest son George, sisters Tena Brigley and Elizabeth Linley; brothers Fulton, Cecil and Dan Mason, sibling Allister and Carrie in infancy. A funeral service will be held Monday November 6th at 2 PM at Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn. A committal service will be held at a later date. Donation can be made to Summer Street Industries, New Glasgow or Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn. www.unionchurchthorburn.ca