It is with immense sorrow we announce the passing of Mary Phrona (Phronia) Petrie age 83 of Ajax, Ontario, on Saturday, May 4, 2023.

She passed away peacefully, at St. Michael’s Hospital (SMH) after a month-long stay, with her 2 eldest daughters at her side.

During that time she was able to spend many valuable hours of visits from her family including what she referred to as “a special visitor” Bentley (a golden retriever), as well as many friends, some from Nova Scotia, neighbours, and a long list of SMH staff that cared for her over her many years as a patient.

Those that could not visit, called or FaceTimed. She was even treated to a serenade by a group of her Dialysis Management Centre nurses and technicians who sang “Jolly Holiday” from Mary Poppins (check out the words!).

Phrona grew up in Ingonish Beach, Cape Breton, NS, met and fell in love with Ambrose at a dancehall in Dingwall.

They married in August 1959 and had their first 3 children at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour, while living in Ingonish Beach and North Sydney. In September 1964, she followed Ambrose to Toronto, Ontario where she gave birth to 3 more children at what was then known as Branson Hospital in North York.

She was a proud housewife and mother and lovingly raised her 6 children. She took great pride in a very clean home right up until the end. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, baking, embroidery and knitting dish clothes, which she constantly gave away to family, friends, and acquaintances. She also enjoyed a good party, down east music, concerts, The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, and spending time with family and friends.

On November 23, 1995, at the age of 54, she had a successful kidney transplant which served her well until it failed in 2013 when she had to go back on dialysis. In recent years she stayed in touch with everyone using Facebook, phone calls, and many greeting cards.

Phrona is predeceased just 11 months earlier by her dear husband Ambrose Rupert Petrie, parents James T. Donovan and Thelma (nee Cooke), in-laws Lawrence and Geneva Petrie, her younger brother David Donovan, and son-in-law Russell Wilby.

She is so very much missed by her children Juanita Wheeler (Irvin), Dale Wilby, Della Mantle (Chris Dalley), April Petrie, Timothy Petrie and Kevin Petrie. As well as her brother Kevin Donovan (Daneta) and sister-in-law Audrey Briand (Patrick).

Phrona (well known by all as Nanny) will never be forgotten by her grandchildren Suzanne Sutherland (Murney Green), Darren Mantle (Jaiden Markham), Leanne Boulton (Chris Kidder), Jesse Wheeler, Jeffrey Wilby (Kaitlyn Novotny), Alex Mantle (Laurine), Cody Wheeler (Natalie), Joshua Masterson (Naomi), Chantel (Tyson Hawkins) and great-grandchildren Braedyn Sutherland, Claire Boulton, Gavin Boulton, Audrey Green, Oliver Mantle, Ambrose Masterson, and Sloane Hawkins. As well as her unborn great grandchildren on their way (Baby Wheeler and Baby Green).

She is fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, friends, doctors, nurses and community care givers. For always they will be, Those we love we never lose.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of Nanny’s life and care; to the Loved, remembered, treasured, Dialysis Management Centre (DMC) nurses, technicians & staff; the doctors, Always in our memory.nurses, clinical assistants, office staff & all other practitioners at SMH; not only for caring for her in her last month but through all the years of hospital visits and dialysis treatments. Thank you to those who called, FaceTimed, visited, brought treats, flowers, well wishes and love.

Pease join us for refreshments at A Celebration of Life to be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Ajax Community Centre (HMS Community Hall, South), 75 Centennial Road, in Ajax from 4 – 7 p.m.

Donations may be made to the PKD Foundation of Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Acknowledgement may be sent to c/o Juanita Wheeler, 15 Lawrie Road, Ajax, ON L1S 3A1.

Flowers ON THE DAY of Celebration may be sent to McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Old Kingston Road, Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7.