Obituary of Mercielle Madeline Burrows

MERCIELLE 'PUSS' BURROWS April 2, 1927 - February 16, 2011 Our mother passed away peacefully with family at her side after a courageous battle with leukemia. Predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Tilly (Lyons) La Chapelle, her siblings Jack, Helen, Anne, Bill and her husband, David. Loving mother to Michael (Monica), Pat (Dawna) and Peter (Jeannie); Grandmother to Dianna Harper (Scott), Marci (Colin) and David; Cherished Benny to Courtney and Riley; Adoptive mother to Patricia (Dennis) McKee. Widowed at 39 with 3 teenage boys, mother worked a variety of professions, reporting for The Telegram, spot news correspondent for CFOR Radio and sales rep for Magic Boutique. In 1970, she found her niche selling real estate, a profession she excelled in for over 30 years and made hundreds of friends. Always a traveller, almost always with her dear friend, Widit, she made the world look small by exploring every continent on the globe. Her home is a museum of artifacts and souvenirs from her travels. At home in Jackson's Point, she volunteered her time, energy and talents to community events including The Red Barn Theatre, Sutton Curling Club, The Kin Show, the South Lake Simcoe Tourist Assn. and The Georgina Food Bank. Mother was a gifted artist, writer, poet and gourmet cook. As matriarch of our family she loved to entertain both friends and family. Any excuse gave rise for a celebration at her home 'On the Lake.' She will be remembered for her compassion and generosity for the underprivileged, her unconditional love and support for her family and friends and her passion to protect our fragile environment. We will all miss her crazy hats, her unannounced visits, her enthusiastic outlook on everything and her never-ending energy. Puss was a little lady with a huge personality and a contagious zest for life. Near the end, mother was quite comfortable to tell us she had no regrets in her life. Her bucket list was fulfilled and she was ready for the next journey. If life was a horse, she had one helluva ride. At her request, she has been cremated and her ashes will be interred with our father at St. George's Cemetery. A Celebration of Her Life will be held in late spring. She asked that memorial donations be directed to The Georgina Food Bank or to South Lake Regional Cancer Centre.