Obituary of Ivy Ruth Lilian McLay

McLay, Ivy Ruth Lilian (nee Wootton)

Ivy died peacefully surrounded by loving family at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, October 1, 2020, at the age of 91. Beloved wife of the late John Herman McLay. Loving mother of Bonnie McLay, Brenda McLay both of North Bay and predeceased by her son John A. McLay.  Cherished grandmother of Krystal McLay (Jeffrey Bennett) and Miranda McLay, both of Spruce Grove, AB. Ivy is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Emmanuel and Ivy Wootton, father- and mother- in-law Norman and Ellen McLay, sisters Edith Purdy, Jean Swalwell, Sylvia Kaskiw and brother Gordon Wootton; as well as niece Shelley Wootton and nephew Wayne Knowles.

Ivy was born in Middlesbrough, England travelling to Canada on the S.S. Athenia as a baby.  She grew up in Sudbury, ON where she began a career as a practical nurse.  After meeting and marrying John, she became a military wife and mother of three and lived on air force bases across Canada.  Ivy spent the last 40 years in North Bay at her home on Four Mile Lake where she enjoyed working around the property, gardening, watching the birds, and walking in the area.  She was much loved by her work colleagues at Near North Labs where she worked for 30 years providing lab support, training and supervision of staff.  Ivy loved to sing and immensely enjoyed her time with the North Bay Choral Society, the Interlink Choir, the Carmichael United Church Choir, the Canadian Military Wives Choir North Bay and achieved her Grade 6 Royal Conservatory vocal certificate in her late 60’s. She also loved to play and study the piano.  Ivy cherished her friendships made through the church, TOPS, aqua-fitness, the Gateway Walkers, craft workshops and other community activities.  Ivy lived with a steadfast faith in Christ and the good that comes from strengthening love and applying forgiveness in relationships. 

Thank you to the community health professionals that provided wellness services over the years, and Dr. Michael Leckie and the nursing staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre for your care and compassion.

Family will receive friends at the MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Monday October 19 from 7-9 p.m and Tuesday October 20 from 12- 1 pm. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1:30 pm.  To reserve a time for Visitation,  or to attend the funeral services please call the Martyn Funeral Home at 705-472-8810. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, those in attendance at the visitation and funeral service must wear a Mask and respect Social Distancing Guidelines. A Private graveside service will be held at St. John’s Cemetery at a later date. Cremation will take place at Forest Lawn Crematorium. If desired, donations to Carmichael United Church, or the North Bay Humane Society would be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences at www.martynfh.com