Mary Haynes-Clayton (Gerginis)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 

After a heroic battle with pain and infirmity, Mary passed away on August 26, 2024 in her home as she wanted surrounded by friends and family. Mary always maintained her faith in God, kindness, grace, compassion, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life. 

Mary’s life can best be encapsulated by some "F" words: Faith. Family, Friends and Food. In her 82 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each. 

Faith - Mary was steadfast in her faith in God. She always had a song or a bible verse ready for every situation. Despite a life with many unexpected challenges, she was immovable in her trust in God to provide. She found great joy in singing and enjoying fellowship at her church. She lived a life of sacrifice so others could be helped. She lived her faith. 

Family - Mary was the mother of 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Not to mention the many, many others who still call her “Mom” and love her dearly. She understood that love is something you have to give away to have more. That showing your love through real actions is how it’s done. She doted on her children and grandchildren. Having them around would cause her face to shine. Holding them and singing to them was dear to her heart. She never had much, but always had some gift or trinket for the little ones. 

Friends - If you were fortunate enough to call Mary a friend then you knew exactly what she understood friendship to mean. Before she lost her sight, she would go out of her way to provide someone a ride to do their groceries, to run errands, or to and from church. Whatever the need was, not only would she pray with you, but would actively find a way to help you. I know she will be sorely missed by the many who were privileged to call her friend. 

Food - if you ever visited Mary, you did not leave hungry. An offer of food was standard anytime a visitor dropped in Mary had great faith in God to provide. Her children never went hungry, and there’s a reason. On multiple occasions, Mary was able to take a single turkey dinner and extend it into over 20 meals! Turkey pot pie, sandwiches, soup, stew,….and it was pretty tasty too. The irony to all of this is that she had to learn to cook after she was married. There used to be a joke about feeding her husband burnt offerings…but she always had something delicious for dinner. 

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband Hector Haynes and her second husband Edward Clayton and is survived by her children Carl (Karyn), Paul, Rebekah, David and Jennifer, her grandchildren Christopher (Helena), Brady (Amanda), Tanner (Christine), Brett (Stephanie), Brooke-Lynne (Jamie), Aaron, Stephen, Joseph, Elora and Aliyah, and her great-grandchildren Jaden, Skylar and Isabelle. 

A gifted secretary, a tireless advocate for health and nutrition and a sensitive and caring chaplain are a few of the ways Mary passed her days. 

A special thanks to the Bayshore staff for their kind compassionate care, and to all the caregivers who went above and beyond their duty of care. You have our utmost gratitude. 

Mary's final journey:

Tuesday September 3rd, 2024

Basic Funerals ~ Jennett Memorial Centre

152 Bradford Street, Barrie

Visitation – 10:30 a.m.

Service - 11:30 a.m. 

Interment at Barrie Union Cemetery - 1:00 p.m.

Reception - To Be Announced

All are welcome.