Obituary of Mary Henrietta Kitchen

Mary Henrietta Kitchen (nee Shears)

Robinsons, NL

March 27, 1946 – May 6, 2023

Heavy hearts share the peaceful passing of Mary Henrietta Kitchen (nee Shears) on May 6, 2023.  We are devastated by the loss of this beautiful and kind hearted woman.  Mary was born March 27, 1946 in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland to Arthur and Elizabeth Shears (nee Brown).  Arthur was a teacher and Elizabeth a loving wife and mother.  Mary is predeceased by her sister Lillian, and brothers Allan, Clifford, Gordon, and Ernest.  She leaves behind her three children-Sally, Raymond, and Brenda; brothers-Chesley, Russell (Lorraine), and Lorne; and many beautiful nieces and nephews.

As a young child Mary always loved music.  She carried this love for melody throughout her life and could always be heard humming happily to herself, long before she was seen.  Mary did well in school and after grade 11 successfully completed a secretary course in Stephenville Crossing.  Mary always had a quiet confidence about her and upon completion, left home for St. John’s with no place to stay and no job.  With just a suitcase in hand she landed her first job in the Confederation Building.  She later met the love of her life George Kitchen, from Millertown, and often shared the story of their proposal where George showed up with a dozen roses and said, “I think we should get married” and she happily responded “Okay”.  They married at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s on July 26, 1968.  Mary chose to leave her career and focused on her family and community.  Mary and George lived in Labrador for several years and later in life, made their final move to Mary’s hometown of Robinson’s.

The Anglican Church in Robinson’s was always very important to Mary.  She enjoyed volunteering her time and was a proud member of the ACW and Altar Guild.  These women have big hearts and Mary truly valued their loving friendship.  Mary enjoyed helping with flea markets, bake sales, card games and take out dinners.  She enjoyed helping others and her compassion was deep and pure.

Mary’s body lost her battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  The Palliative Care team at the Western Regional Memorial Hospital gave our Mother the best care possible and truly are Earth Angels who provided the family with the gift of kindness and compassion.

Mary was such a kind hearted person that in lieu of flowers or donations we ask that people engage in a random act of kindness towards someone living in your community.  Mary always believed angels watched over us and now she has joined them.  We were truly blessed to have known you Mary Henrietta Kitchen.

Visitation on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 2:00 p.m.  to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the St. George’s Anglican Church in Robinson’s.  Church Service to follow on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Norman Cutler officiating.  Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery in Robinson’s. 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing, NL