Obituary of Mary Margaret Akin

AKIN, Mary Margaret (Gallant)  

Of Windsor, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Mom, the oldest of six children, was born to Richard and Hallie (Wiles) Gallant in Arlington, Massachusetts, on June 6, 1927. At a young age she and her family moved to Yarmouth and later Falkland Ridge, Annapolis Co. After finishing school and a secretarial course, Mom joined the Army, where she served as a secretary to a group of doctors. She met a handsome young doctor whom she married in the summer of 1946. After spending their first year of marriage in London, England, where Dad did part of his medical training, they later settled in Dad’s home town of Windsor.

Mom was a devoted wife to Dad, an avid bridge player, knitter, an excellent cook and pickle maker! She very much enjoyed her Friday afternoon bridge. She took great pride in knitting socks for her grandchildren and her 20 great grandchildren giving a pair to each one every Christmas! She was always proud to show off her 100 plus bottles of pickles every fall and loved to cook. Mom remained independent, continuing to do all these things until nearly 91 years of age. 

Mom enjoyed her home in Windsor but was happiest spending the summers at “Windy Oaks”, the family cottage, on Lake Mockingee, in Vaughan, Hants Co. surrounded by lots of family. She enjoyed her summers at “the lake” every summer from 1958 up to and including the summer of 2018. She didn’t like to miss out on any of the fun, including some late nights of karaoke!!

Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Frederick Akin; her only son, Thomas B. Akin; sisters, Marjorie Corkum and Estella Veinnotte and brother, Richard “Paul” Gallant.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (David) McMullen, Fredericton, NB; Barbara (Richard) Redden, Windsor and Jeanne (Brian) Gibson, Dartmouth; daughter-in-law, Mary Akin, Toronto, Ont.; 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; sister, Gloria (Owen) Zinck; brother, Leonard (Reiko) Gallant; sister-in-law, Trish Gallant and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Linda Payne and Janice Morris, both from Newfoundland, for the excellent care they provided over the last 8 months which enabled Mom to remain in her home. Our sincere thanks to both these wonderful ladies. Also, special thanks to Dr. Iona Wile for her care and compassion enabling us to honour Mom’s wish to remain in her home until the end of her life. Finally, our thanks to the VON for the palliative home care they provided.

Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). As per Mom’s wishes, there will be a private family celebration of her life and burial at a later date. Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the VON, Hants Community Hospital Auxiliary, 89 Payzant Drive, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 or to a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca