Obituary of Mary Louise Perkins
Mary Louise Perkins
It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a cherished friend to many – Mary Louise Perkins – passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 95. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to family, music, the arts, volunteerism, and her community.
She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband of almost 65 years, Dr. Harold J. Perkins (Jack), who passed away in 2019. She was predeceased by her father, George Nelson Kreutziger, mother, Berta (née Schmidt), and her brothers, Gerald, and Robert. She is survived by her sister Eleanor (Albert), her brothers Oscar and Delton; her children: Cam, Barry (Marla – née McConnell), David, and Stephanie; her grandchildren: Christina (Timio Colistro), Melanie (Sean Johnston), Jennifer (Devin BourdeauD'Hui), and Tom; and her great-grandchildren: Taliya, Arlee, and Finn.
Born in Elbow, Saskatchewan on January 2, 1929, Mary Louise, inherited a passion for music and the arts from her father, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for creativity and the importance of nurturing artistic expression in society. This passion became the cornerstone of her life’s work.
Throughout her life, Mary Louise was a champion for the arts, dedicating her time, resources, and heart to supporting music and artistic endeavors in every community she called home. She sang with joy and grace, sharing her love of music with those around her. She believed deeply in the power of music and the arts to transform lives and enrich communities, a belief she put into practice.
In Lethbridge, Alberta, Mary Louise played a pivotal role with the Allied Arts Council as well as actively fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society through Daffodil Days. Her passion for the arts continued in Plattsburgh, New York, where she served as the Executive Director of the County Council on the Arts for Clinton County. She championed the "Music in the Schools" initiative, raising funds to ensure that students in the Plattsburgh City School District had access to enriching music programs. Her efforts extended beyond the arts, serving as an AAU Swimming Official, reflecting her diverse interests and dedication to service.
In Brandon, Manitoba, Mary Louise was extensively involved in arts administration with the Brandon Allied Arts Centre, the Manitoba Arts Council, the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition Council, and the Wasagaming Community Arts Centre. She sat on the 1979 Canada Winter Games host committee, where she helped organize the opening ceremonies. She was a long-time parishioner at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where she sang in the church choir for many years and volunteered with the Altar Guild and Anglican Church Women.
Mary Louise was passionate about music education. In 1999, she and Jack established the Mary Louise Perkins Scholarships in Voice at the Brandon University School of Music, providing financial assistance to two students per year that are studying vocal performance. Most recently, Mary Louise made a donation to Brandon University that enabled the School of Music to purchase a Steinway D Concert Grand Piano.
Mary Louise’s was recognized as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, honoring her contributions to her community. Mary Louise and Jack’s support of music programs in public schools and universities made a lasting impact, ensuring that the next generation had opportunities to experience the joy of music.
Mary Louise is survived by her loving family, who carry forward her legacy of passion for the arts and music. She introduced each of her children to music and the arts, fostering a lifelong appreciation that has been passed down through generations.
At home, Mary Louise found peace and happiness in the simple joys of life. She cultivated a bountiful garden on three acres, spending summers with her children, seeding, growing, and harvesting vegetables, while also picking berries, and preserving the harvest for family and friends. Her love for the land and its fruits was just one more way she shared her care and love with those around her.
Mary Louise’s life was a symphony of love, dedication, and community. Her voice, both in song and in spirit, will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 403-13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Mary Louise's three sons Cam, Barry, and David, her granddaughters' husbands, Sean Johnston, and Devin BourdeauD'Hui, and close family friend John Russell. Interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will follow the service and reception.
A reception at St. Matthew's Narthex will follow the funeral. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that in her memory, donations may be made to the Mary Louise Perkins Scholarship for Voice at Brandon University, ensuring that her commitment to nurturing young talent lives on. Donations can be made to the Brandon University Foundation – Mary Louise Perkins Scholarship in voice, by mail or online at BrandonU.ca/give or by phone at (204) 727-7374.
