Mary Emily (Dean) Voaden passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Saviour on June 24, 2025, in her 88th year. She was the beloved wife of the late Earl Voaden, with whom she shared over 63 years of marriage. Mary was the proud mother of Randy (Jeanette) and Douglas, and a loving grandmother to Matthew and Emily. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Vera (Cooper) Dean.

Mary was born on September 7, 1937, in Southwold Township. She spent her childhood in the small farm communities of Frome, Iona, Shedden and Fingal. She later lived and worked in St. Thomas and London with her friend Carolyn. She married her dear Earl on April 29, 1961. They built a home in the village of Lambeth where they raised their two sons. Mary was a hardworking and devoted woman whose life was marked by service, love, and quiet strength. She gave her all in many roles, including caregiving and factory work. Mary was a faithful member of Lambeth Bible Church and Byron Community Church. In May of 2022, Mary moved to Waterloo to live with Randy and his family. She spent her days doing the things she loved most—visiting Earl at Sunnyside Home, baking with Matt and Emily, lending a hand to Jeanette with household tasks, and helping Randy tend to the yard. Her days were also filled with meaningful connections, including daily phone chats with Doug and her friends. She spent countless hours crocheting beautiful items to gift to others.

For three years, Mary was supported by the dedicated team at the Hospice of Waterloo Region. In her final days, she expressed her deep faith, saying, “I am glad to wake up every morning giving God the glory, but I am ready to go home to be with the Lord.” Mary’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering faith will be remembered always. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at McFarlane and Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S, London (Lambeth) on Sunday, July 13, from 2-4 p.m, and Monday, July 14, from 12-1 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 14, at 1 p.m. followed by interment at Elmdale Cemetery, St. Thomas. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Hospice Waterloo Region, Canadian Cancer Society, Share Word (Gideons), or Byron Community Church.