Mary Gartshore Laing
October 31, 1918 - February 6, 2012
Mary became a dear friend only over the last year. We were generations apart but new to her neighbourhood. She met me when I was walking the dog, and we became acquaintances ever since. She was always sharp, witty and a great historian....I'll miss stopping by for a chat. You will be truly missed.
Miss Laing was our housemother at the Hamilton and District School of Nursing (HADSON, class of '72). I lived on first floor, A wing, so I often ran into her. Like almost all of my classmates, this was my first time away from home. It was comforting, knowing she was there.
robinbewcyk@hotmail. com
I had a great respect for Miss Laing-In the lobby of HADSON- one of my diamonds from my engagment ring fell out- and she got a black band from somewhere- and found the small diamond- put it on the band and it sparkled- she was so kind, did not say much but i still can see her looking at me with those kind, wise eyes.
Miss Laing will live on in the memories of the students from the Hamilton and District School of Nursing (HADSON, Class of '70). She was a very special lady who was strict but very fair and so caring when we needed that side of her. As most of us were living away from home for the first time in our lives, we looked to our "House Mother", Miss Laing, to guide us and keep us in line sometimes when we got a little carried away with our antics....and yes, nursing students could do that quite often. She was such a special lady and I will always remember her with great fondness. Thank you, Miss Laing....you will be missed! Sincere sympathy goes out to Miss Laing's family.
Miss Laing was a very special lady. She put up with the class of 70 at HADSON and our tricks and that in itself made her one strong and caring lady. She will be missed.
As a student at Hamilton and District School of Nursing from 1968-1970, Miss Laing was one of those people who when you are young you fear and later feel only the utmost respect for. She was our "housemother" and made us feel like we were all her special "family" especially if you weren't in by curfew and had to ring her to unlock the door. She touched the lives of many of us, fed us the best scrambled eggs when we were sick and we remember her as a special lady.
Miss Laing, our house "mother" (HADSON, Class of '70), no doubt will have a place in my memories and heart..... She was strict & fair; no doubt had to have a sense of humour and great patience to cope with our antics. I can still see her discovering us in the infirmary with Pauline and out on the lawn after 'our' fire drill!?!?! ........and she allowed us to stay in school! Thank you Miss Laing!
Mary was a long time supporter and a " Friend" of the Dundas Museum. We had many interesting conversations over the past decade. She was always so kind and caring, and will truly be missed.
With sincere sympathy to Mary's family. Joyce and John MacRae
Edith, Mark and Beverly Greenwood send sincere condolences to Mary's family.
We have shared many good times with Mary and treasure our friendship!
She was a special lady with a special grace, and a smile and kind word for everyone!
In short, a gem! We are pleased to have her friendship!
Miss Laing was in charge of the residence at Hamitlon and District School of Nursing while I was there (Class of 1970).She had a no nonsense attitude but I'm sure she had some good chuckles over the antics that she let us think we were getting away with. I have met her a few times in the past few years at events in Dundas and she still could recall some of the more memorable names and events. She is one of my memories of residence life.
Mary was a first cousin of mine, her father and my father were brothers (2 out of the 6 boys in the Laing family of Dundas). Mary and her sister Jean, and my sister Betty and I, spent a lot of time together growing up in Dundas. Later in the 60's Mary lived with my family in Ottawa, while she was looking for a place to live, and she was always great fun. We always kept in touch through the years, and she always had family news to share. She loved to laugh, and treated everyone the same, she had a geniune interest in people. It's tough to think of her not being there.
Murray and I will miss your laughter and passion for life. We loved spending time with you, and we have so many wonderful memories of you and Jean. You helped us with the Laing family history. We are so saddened by your passing but grateful to have know you. Your generosity and life long interest I learning are an inspiration to us all.
I had many wonderful conversations with Mary and Jean and then Mary at the grocery store where I worked and they shopped. What a pair they were, just wonderful! I have missed Jean and now I will certainly miss Mary or as i called her Miss Laing.She had a zest for life that i admired greatly, and a no nonsense attitude but under it all a beautiful caring heart.May they rest in peace together again. my deepest sympathy and prayers..Marilyn (Fleming) Meagher
Mary was a dear friend of my Mother - Greta Wilson (member of IODE
We crossed paths many times over the years and she was an outstanding lady. My deepest sympathy to the Family.
Manage Condolences
My deepest sympathies go out to Mary's family. She was a very special lady as the den mother at the Hamilton and District School of Nursing. It was my first time away from home and I felt safe under her care. She will always be remember and I am sure we will have a special tribute to her when we celebrate our 40th anniversary this September with the class of 1972.