Jemima Boyle
Peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of her family at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice (North Bay) on Saturday December 14, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Jemima was the beloved Wife of the late William Boyle, and the loving Mother to Stephen Boyle (late Catherine), Denise Boyle, Michael Boyle (Linda), and Allan Boyle (Joelle). She was the cherished Nana to Brent (Lindsey), Terry (Jamie), David (Kayla), Mathew (Nita), Allyson (Cameron), Nathan and Josee, and Great Nana to Madison, Stacia, Ethan, Gwen, Lexie, Chase, Blake, and Ella. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister in-law Denise McMahon, as well as her nieces and nephews: Ann (George), Wendy (Billy), and Emily in Scotland. She is predeceased by her Mother Mary Ann McMahon, Sister Margaret Edgar and Brother William (Billy) McMahon.
Mum was born on October 6, 1934, in the Scottish border town of Hawick. A proud ‘Teri’, she attended St. Margarets School and St. Mary’s & St. David’s Church. An avid singer from a young age, Mum would always be ready with a song. From singing competitions in her youth to concerts and ceilidhs, to opening ceremonies, she was often called upon to entertain. Mum had the uncanny ability to break out in song given any word, phrase or theme. Her repertoire was extensive, and she had memorized every word. We will miss hearing her beautiful voice.
Finishing her schooling at age 15 she began work in the world-famous Hawick mills where she honed her skills learning the various techniques of knitwear production. These were the skills that would lead her in 1954 to immigrate to Canada along with her Mother, brother and future husband. They arrived in Halifax through Pier 21 after a 5-day journey, much of which was spent below deck in her cabin with sea sickness. With only a steamer trunk and $50 each, they set off for their destination of Monteal where Mum and her Mother had secured jobs as skilled labour to assist in opening up a knitwear manufacturing company.
Mum and Dad married in 1955 and starting their family a year later. They celebrated 42 years married, before Dad’s passing in 1997. In 1964 the family re-located to North Bay where Mum worked various jobs throughout the years – Comet Motel, Tupperware, Walkers Dept. Store, Morse Jewelers to name a few.
Mum & Dad were founding members of the North Bay Burns Club and spent many years celebrating their heritage with other Scots who became lifelong friends and family.
After moving to West Ferris in 1971, Mum became involved in the West Ferris Ladies Recreation, volunteering countless hours (canteen, hockey & ringette tournaments, majorettes, bingo, teas & bazars). She was also the President of WFLR and Chairwoman of the Novice Hockey Tournament for several years.
In retirement Mum learned the game of golf where she and Dad spent many hours on the golf courses in North Bay and Dunedin, Florida.
Mum and Dad wintered in Dunedin, Florida and were Life Members of the Scottish American Society. After Dad’s passing, Mum continued to winter in Florida where she organized outings and trips for the residents of her mobile home park. She was also a keen bowler and assisted in the organization of the Grand Bay Bowlers.
Throughout the years Mum had various hobbies which included knitting, crocheting, sewing, cake decorating, flower arranging and baking. No celebration was complete without one of Mum’s themed and decorated cakes.
Mum loved nothing more than spending time with her ever-growing family. She took pleasure in celebrating the accomplishments of her family, and never passed up a chance to tell each and every one how proud she was of them. A kind and gentle soul, she was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her famous scones were a treat she shared with many and often requested by family. Although she left Scotland some 70 years ago, her Scottish roots remained strong. Mum never truly lost her accent and when talking to the family ‘back home’ in Hawick, the local dialect come on thick and strong. As a close knit family, we will miss her dearly, but know that she raised us well and will live on through us all.
The family will be receiving visitors at McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Friday December 20, 2024, between the hours of 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church on Saturday December 21, 2024, at 10:30 am. The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Katherine Shaw and Brian Shaw for their care and support throughout the years. The family also wishes to thank the Nurses and PSW’s and staff at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice. We believe the kindness and care given to Mum and the family, allowed us additional precious time to say goodbye.
If desired, donations to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice or Holy Name of Jesus Bell Tower initiative would be gratefully acknowledged by her family. Online condolences can be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com
“Safe Oot – Safe In”
McGuinty Funeral Home Limited
