Mary Giacoma Lamont (Cappello) of Erin, wife, farmer, conservationist, daughter, lover of nature, friend, died in Guelph on June 3, 2021. She was 66 years old and had lived for 15 years with the losses and challenges of young-onset dementia. She was very much loved and is so very much missed.
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Old friends were asked: What was Mary like?
They answered:
She was a listener and a loyal friend.
She was quiet, introspective yet always ready to join in.
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Mary’s passion for nature started when she was a dark-haired, bright-eyed girl. Her parents often told stories of how the child Mary would come home from school with a cat or dog following her and there are dozens of photos of her throughout her life with animals. Being in nature was one of her greatest joys and she loved to hike and ski and camp and canoe. With her husband, Keith, she traveled the world. They met when they were young and filled with idealism at the beauty of the world. Theirs was a long marriage shaped by respect, dignity, and mutual support. In time, they moved to Erin and established Thistlestone, a farm that reflects their vision and commitment to respect for the land and the animals they raised. Together, they were regarded as models of stewardship and were proud to be part of the education of young farmers and students interested in the land.
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Tell me, what was Mary like?
Well, she was a kind and generous spirit. She was strong willed yet respectful of others.She was strong, very strong.
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Mary’s Italian heritage gave her great pride. The day she visited the family village in the mountains of Sicily was a high point of her life and she carried it with her for the rest of her days. She embraced the riches of “La Dolce Vita” with a passion for slow food, parma ham, olives, wines and parmigiana cheese. The arts, theatre and the opera – especially Pucini and Verdi – were close to her heart and Keith and his friends were grateful to be introduced to their beauty by Mary. Keith, in turn, loved to introduce Mary to his world of art and design.
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What was Mary like?
She was a lovely person, full of wonder and straightforwardness. She was quiet yet funny. She was an incredibly beautiful person, inside and out.
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Mary is survived by her brothers, Vince and Dominic and their families. Keith would like to thank Vince and his wife, Adrina, for the support they provided. He would also like to thank his extended family, friends and neighbours. Keith would like to acknowledge the amazing care and devotion provided to Mary by the staff at Riverside Glen Long-term Care of Guelph, where Mary resided for the past three and a half years. For the exceptional care during this past difficult year, he is especially grateful. As an expression of sympathy, a donation to the Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington is appreciated. Their support and introduction to a Caregiver Support Group for families of those with young-onset dementia was essential in this long path. A scholarship in Mary’s name is being established at The Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Mary’s life at a future date.
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What was Mary like?
She was very much loved and is so very much missed.