Mary Iris McVicker (nee Walker)
April 25, 1926 to April 8, 2024
Obituary
We are so saddened with the loss of this incredible individual. Born in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, on April 25, 1926, Iris passed away just shy of her 98th birthday on April 8, 2024. Loving and dedicated wife to Maurice (of Portrush, Northern Ireland, died September 2013), and mother to Charles (Kelly Fleming), of whom she was so proud. Wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, nurse…she mastered them all.
Iris trained as a nurse in Manchester, England after WWII, then studied midwifery in Sterling, Scotland. She met Maurice when she was an obstetrics nurse and he was a junior physician at the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn, NI. They wed in 1954, then made the momentous step of moving to Canada, spending the first two years in Bonavista, followed by two years in Musgravetown then settling in Lewisporte where they spent most of their working lives.
Despite living in Newfoundland all this time, in her heart Northern Ireland remained her home. And by her Ulster accent which never faded, one might think she was just visiting here. Iris was an inspiration to anyone who met her…always an uplifting or wise word in times of struggle, a kind word in times of sadness, a sign of strength in times of grief, and always a laugh in the silly moments. Her smile, of which there was no short supply, brightened any room. She loved a good dinner party or cocktail hour, and was a cook/baker extraordinaire. If you crossed her path, you could be sure she would not forget you. The most thoughtful and kind individual, she took care to make a difference through seemingly small ways, but if you looked closely, you would find the tremendous thought that went into everything she did. An avid reader, painter, gardener, adventurist…there was little that she was not interested in learning about or doing.
Many thanks to the loving staff at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Residence including Dr. Percy Crocker, where she resided for the last nine years. Her family knew that she was cared for by wonderful people who demonstrated compassion every single day. You all made a world of difference to her later years, and you will forever have our gratitude.
Iris has been cremated, and will be laid to rest beside her husband in Toberkeigh, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. A celebration of her beautiful life will occur at that time to include her brother Eric (Norma), sister-in-law Leslie (wife of the late Billy McVicker), Elaine Henderson (Craig), nephews Alan Walker (Rebecca), Angus McVicker (Maureen), Alan McVicker (Louise); and Helen (wife of the late Shane McVicker.
Iris participated in our nonprofits (Old School Intergenerational Projects)pen pal program about five years ago, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her better and our chats about Northern Ireland. I am certain we still have her letters, if the family would like them please reach out – we would be more than happy to send them along. Sending our sincere condolences!
Dearest Charles and Kelly sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She and your Dad meant a lot to the Haynes. Sending con0lencess. Bridget, Wynyard & Nancy Haynes.
Such a kind lady. Every day when I went to visit my mom (Juanita Lester) if we crossed paths it would always be a big smile on her face and acknowledgement of my presence.
May she rest in peace now in her homeland!
Condolences to all the family 💐
Charles,
How blessed you were to have your loving Mom in your life for so many years. What a dedicated Mom she was too. However with such love comes grief we know.
I’ll always remember her pleasant manner, her beautiful smile and of course her lovely Irish accent.
To you Charles and your wife, Kelly I extend my sincere condolences as you take your Beloved Mom back to her Northern Ireland home to celebrate her life with other family members .
Yvonne Sutherland
Condolences to her family
Charles:Your mom had a long full life and you,and all of us who knew her over the years have much to be thankful for!Lewisporte as well because of her involvement in so many aspects of this area’life and work! Many people remember her gentle voice,and accent,her kind outgoing personality, her caring and her comforting and knowlegeable presence for the patients your dad and she treated over the years! As you celebrate her life and mourn her loss our supportive prayers are with you!
Charles, Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have very fond memories of both your parents from the many years I worked with your father who was the best boss ever. They were both so kind to me and I will forever cherish those memories.. may your precious memories bring you peace and comfort as you deal with your tremendous loss in the days ahead. R.I.P. Mrs McVicker.
Charles please accept our sincere condolences. Your mother was a lovely lady and will be dearly missed by family and friends.
I will always remember “Auntie” Iris’s thoughtfulness and kindness on the occasion of so many of my life’s milestones. It has been so long since I’ve seen her in person, but I can still hear the lilt in her voice. So sorry for your loss, a great lady and example for us all.
Charlie, sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. What a wonderful long life she had. Beautiful inside and out.
Dear Charlie and Kelly, it is with deep sadness that I write to express our condolences on your Mother’s passing.
I fondly remember her kindness, her steady presence and her caring ways. During the many times as kids spent at your cottage or home, I witnessed that caring presence and her kind words.
She had always been a part of my life story even before I had met her. I would frequently hear my mother explain how Dr. McVicker was called away on Mrs. McVicker’s birthday to deliver me at our family home early in the morning of April 25th. This personal connection with her lead me to an appreciation for how much she had to share her husband with the rest of the community. This eventually grew to a respect and admiration for how both she and your Father served our community. I fully understood that when, like you, I decided to follow in your Father’s professional footsteps and eventually provided care to folks in a smaller Newfoundland community.
This represents some small but endearing part of the memory I carry every April when our mutual birthday arrives. And when April 25th arrives this year, I will remember her with extra special fondness for a life well lived.
Sending warmest blessings and prayers to you and Kelly from Brenda and myself, John
Charles, your family story has been interwoven with my own since before I was born as my mother Pauline worked with your father at the clinic and babysat you many times in your toddler days. I just have such fond memories of the gentleness and kindness of your mother always and the comfort that came from having both of your parents here in our town caring for us all for all those many years. We know their hearts remained in Northern Ireland but their legacy of love and care and friendship will forever reside in our hearts here in Lewisporte, their chosen home. Do know that we will hold you and Kelly and your extended family in our prayers as we gather for worship here at St. Matthew’s United Church in Lewisporte on Sunday morning, giving thanks for your mother’s life and asking comfort and peace for you in your grieving. Reverend Paula Gale and the church family of St. Matthew’s United Church, Lewisporte, NL
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother Charlie. Please except our sincere condolences.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother Charlie. Please except our sincere condolences.
We just learned today of your Moms passing and our condolences go out to Charles and Kelly at this time. Your parents had to come to NI for a funeral and I’ll never forget your dad’s call from Aldergrove in October 1969 to ask Russell to come to Lewisporte to check out the clinic. He got on the next plane and stayed for over a month. Next thing the family was making plans and we arrived in Gander 5 January 1970 and your mom picked us up in her Volvo. Iris was such a help to me and helped me adjust to life in NL. We have such fond memories of your family. In last few years Holly has been working as a physio in Kenny’s Pond and got to know Iris. Russell and I visited her there and it was my great joy to knit Iris a few wraps to keep her warm. Much love to both of you at this time.
To Charles & your wife Kelly. Please accept myself and my mom – Mary Hill our deepest condolences on the passing of your precious mom. Your mom and dad attended our wedding and were particularly delighted because we had a bagpiper playing outside the church . May your mom rest in peace and I know you will miss her dearly but take great comfort in she is reunited with your dad.
Mary Hill
Mary Lou Hill-Penney
Sincere condolences to you Charles and Kelly on the passing of your mom.. I got to know your mom when she and I were both pregnant at the same time with Michele and you being born within two months of each other. Then of course I taught you a bit later..Your mom was a lovely lady and lived a long life..Roy and I always thought a lot of both your mom and dad. and have many great memories of their years in Lewisporte.
Charlie and Kelly, we send you our deepest condolences. Mary had a life well-lived, and with your affection and devotion, a much loved one. We are thinking of you and sending our best thoughts.
Condolences to the family. May she RIP
Sincere Sympathy Charles and Family. You were blessed with loving parents. Treasure your many memories .We were friends and neighbours on Donegal
Charlie & Kelly,
A lovely inspiring tribute to your wonderful Mom. Thinking of you with sympathy in Iris’s passing, Just want you to know we’re here for you. Hugs.
Charles,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. My Grandmother Penney lived next to your parents in Lewisporte. I can see her name coming to the fence to have a chat. Your dad was my doctor as a young girl.
On behalf of my parents and myself, thinking of you. What a wonderful life she lived.
Your mom will be remembered with great fondness.
Eileen & Clarence Penney
Shelley ( Penney) Andrews
Charlie and Kelly,
So sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing Charlie. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Fred & Marian Hopkins
Dear Kelly and Charlie, my most sincere sympathy and thoughts with you both. It was a pleasure to have met both your parents. Cannot ever imagine the lives they touched in their lifetimes. I am sure she was only waiting out her time to Join her husband in Ireland. Now your loss is their gain. Together again. god bless you both , their precious ones. May she Rest in Peace now. Am here for you both. Diana
Dear Charles and Kelly, First of all many thanks for letting us know of your mom’s passing. We are greatly saddened and will miss her presence in our lives. She is the last of our treasures of Lewisporte.Where do we start? Fred knew your parents first through his parents and the Pollocks then extended to Walter inviting him to Lewisporte to practice medicine. Shortly, after I followed, and quickly became fond neighbours with your parents, As a young bride of 23, your mom taught me some of the finer things like which Waterford crystal to buy and always invited me to place an order with her to Ireland. She told me about Mothercare, a catalog place in England where I could order cloth diapers and if I were going to do so, I should perhaps order Turkish towelling because they were so much better than flannelette. Then of course she was Allison’s godmother. Iris never ever forgot Allison at Christmas or her birthday, until of course later years. Something we all cherished, a true friend and godmother. We share many a cocktail out of those glasses, and many lovely meals across the street and even at the cabin, times when laughter filled the air. I the last few years we did visit her at her residence and she was always thrilled to see us and expressed her thanks that we took the time to visit her. Please keep in touch and if you are in Halifax anytime we would love to see you both and be welcomed with open arms. With many fond memories and much Love Judy and Fred Carpenter
The most beautiful tribute to the most beautiful lady written by the most beautiful couple we are honoured to call friends. So sorry for your tremendous loss. May she rest in peace.