It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Elizabeth Humphries, 92, of Lunenburg, announces her death on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the Halifax Infirmary, Halifax.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, she was the daughter of Andrew William and Elizabeth Holbrook (Marsales) Murdison.

In the course of her long life, Mary was an entrepreneur, scientist, educator, writer, broadcaster, frustrated gardener, cat lover, singer, family historian and one of nature’s enthusiasts. She never stopped learning new things, and was optimistic, curious and adventurous.

She grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, the youngest of four children. A brilliant student, Mary obtained both her BA and MA from University College, University of Toronto. She married Michael Humphries in 1949, and became a specialist in textile and dye chemistry for Croy Knitting Mills. An activist as well as a scientist, Mary helped shape the new Canadian Consumer Association from the 1950s and she broadcast her own weekly consumer program on CBC Radio in the ‘60s.

Mary taught textile science at Seneca College in Toronto for over 25 years. She was a Fellow of the Institute of Textile Science and a valued committee member of groups including the Metric Commission, Costume Society of Ontario, Jane Austen Society, Bata Shoe Museum, UC Book Sale and many others. She made many, many friends through her professional and volunteer work.

She was an entrepreneur, writing and self publishing her own textbooks and swatch sets, which were eventually published by Prentice Hall internationally and became one of the standard works in the field. She would definitely want us to remind you that “a fibre is not a fabric”.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Nina Scott-Stoddart (David Mosey), Lunenburg; son, Tom (Christa), Lahr, Germany; grandchildren, Dennis (Lydia) and Kai (Miriam Rother), Germany as well as her sister Jessie Wesley of Ontario and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Lucy Noble, her brother Andrew Murdison, her niece Heather Parekh and her nephew William Noble.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy #3, Lunenburg. A sharing of music and stories will be held from 7- 8 p.m. on Friday, March 2, in St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, Lunenburg.

Our heartfelt thanks to the medical staff, especially the nurses, at South Shore General and the Halifax Infirmary, for their kindness, compassion and skill.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Second Story Women’s Shelter or SHAID Tree Animal Shelter would be appreciated by the family.

www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca