I didn’t know Mary very well but I have a very fond memory of her singing one of my favourite Christmas songs…Mary did you know? I can still hear her beautiful voice in my head. Sending sincerest condolences.
Barb Holden
Mrs Haden was an extraordinary elementary teacher and teacher mentor. I had the opportunity to train in her classroom as a teacher candidate. Her fun but respectful approach encouraged students to achieve their personal best. Her passion for lifelong learning in so many areas was inspiring. The students and teachers learned so much about the use of Apple computers. Mrs Haden’s laugh was so endearing and she had the ability to use it effectively in the classroom to diffuse and encourage students. I later met up with ‘Mary’ through her in home crafting lessons. Such a talented woman. Donnie adored her. She will be fondly remembered and missed. Sincere condolences to the family and the many others who have been touched by this special lady.
Dear Donna, Peter and families,
I was shocked to read of Mary's passing!!! My sincere condolences to Mary's families.
She was always a very happy and talented individual, not only creatively but musically.
Mary was always smiling and very friendly to everyone. She will be missed. May her memories bring you comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Shirley Takahashi
To Mary's Family: I am sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed earlier years at Park Street Church and later caught up a bit when she taught at Indian Creek School. She was talented in everything she did. May your memories help you during this time. She will be remembered.
My condolences to Mary’s family. You have a tight knit family so I know that Mary will be missed greatly. I remember her telling me proudly that she was taking up sewing…following in her mother’s footsteps! Hugs to all!
Our condolences to Mary's family. We spent time with Mary in our choir. She could sing beautifully, entertained us and encouraged us with her vivacious personality. She was an inspiration.
Pauline & Rob Ralston
Mary's Family; Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. She was a happy talented, wonderful person. At one time I Heard her play very softly on the Church piano a 'cowboy medly'..She played with such feeling I could have listened all day, but she saw me and quit. We must all have very good memories of Mary. Again our thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family. Elvy & Roy Deline
Mrs.Haden was my favourite teacher. She always brought out the best in her students. Her laughter was contagious, and her smile too. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. As an adult now she became a true inspiration and friend. Thank you for everything you did for all of us. God bless you,
Our apologies for not being able to attend Mary’s visitation or funeral. We want you to know that we are most certainly thinking of you all, at this time of deep sadness. Gene admired Mary’s teaching skills & respected her gift of music, laughter and generosity to all she encountered. Expressing our deepest condolences.
Mrs. Haden was truly one of a kind. As a newcomer to Chatham starting Grade 6, I still remember her dropping off information about Indian Creek Road Public School at our house. Her laugh and genuine curiosity immediately stood out. On my first day, when I arrived nervous and unsure, she greeted me by name — a small gesture that meant a great deal.
Her way of teaching, her magical classroom, and the many talents she shared with her students were truly impressive. She made a lasting impact on so many.
Our small corner of the world is a little less bright with this loss. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
I met Mrs Hayden at park st church many years ago. She had the most contagious laugh, and had a heart of gold. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends
TINA MORLOG donated to Chatham - Kent Hospice Foundation
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Our condolences to Donna and Peter and their families.
Tina and Gary Morlog
Denise Shephard donated to Chatham - Kent Hospice Foundation
Mary and I became friends in 2020 and her wonderful heart and humour was a blessing throughout the following years. Her love of life and nature and native plantings and all of her hobbies shined through. I am truly sad that our joyous friendship was cut short and the loss aches. My heart goes out to her family, for your loss must be so extreme. She truly loved her family including nieces and nephews. May you continue to spread the enthusiasm Mary had for all things in life, big and small. My condolences to all who cherished this amazing woman.
Denise Shephard
Mary made the world such a better place to be. I will always be grateful for the friendship she shared with my son Kyle and the profound difference she made in his life. She brought joy into every room and always made me smile. Sending love and sympathy to her family. The Gibbons Family
I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Haden when she taught my siblings at our elementary school back in the 80s. She wasn’t my teacher, but everyone knew about her. She was a wonderful educator. I got to see her last summer, after all these years, at a mutual friend’s birthday party. I was able to tell her that we loved her and remembered who she was. I’m so glad that I did that. She is one of the reasons why I’m an educator. Her classroom was the best. It had a couch and she was so engaging, just such a caring individual who gave everything. Her spirit will be missed but will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Donna, Barbara Glen and families
Ed and I are sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Her humour and many talents will be missed by many people. Our deepest sympathy.❤️
Barbara Carroll donated to Chatham - Kent Hospice Foundation
Dear Mary's Family; We have all lost a very special person in Mary. She was so generous and thoughtful in all that she did, and always adding the Haden humour whenever she could. Mary was so incredibly detail-oriented and meticulous in everything that she did, from her sewing, to re-writing music scores, to her detailed computer charts! Her extraordinary Alto voice always shone in our church choir, and in the singing group 'Canto In Armonia'. Rest in peace, Dear Mary. Sending this with sincerest condolences.
Mrs. Haden was my teacher in sixth grade; her dedication to teaching made a lasting impression on me. I have many fond memories of my time in her classroom.
Sincerest Sympathy to the Smyth Family. So many memories from years ago. May the love that you all share bring comfort to each of you.
Kathy(Gagner) O’Neill
Mary will be remembered for her laugh and always so happy she was. I will miss see her overseeing her wonderful established yard. Such a delight.
Sally Thompson
My thoughts are with your family as you miss Mary. We were teaching colleagues at more than one school and also connected as she taught my children. I have fond memories of Mary’s joy of school life, her energy, love of music, creativity and her wonderful laugh. I am so happy to have known her.
Big hugs and lots of support to you and your family with the loss of Mary......she will be missed. Our condolences from the Reynolds, Mailloux, Liberty and Hancock. Let the butterflies shine for her and Don are reunited! RIP Mary
You will be missed by so many my friend. Your pain is gone but your smile, your beautiful voice and your thoughtfulness will be with us forever. Forever in our hearts.
Dan and Dianne Stewart
Our condolences to Mary’s family who was everything to her. Her hardy laugh, will for ever resonate to all who knew her. So generous and compassionate. You will be missed Mary.
Brenda and Dave Kent
Mary was a past neighbour here at Charing Cross and she was a friend and fellow teacher. I loved her enthusiasm and hearty laugh. My thoughts are with her family.
