Obituary of Mary Lou Bechard

Surrounded by her adoring family, Mary Lou passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2024 after a brief illness. Cherished Mother of 8, loving Grandmother of 15, and Great Grandmother of 20. Friends will be received at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. North (Markham Road), Markham, on Wednesday, January 17th from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 18h at 10am at St. Patrick's Parish, 5633 Highway 7 Markham. Private family reception to follow, and private family burial at Christ the King Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Church Building Fund of the Blessed Frédéric Ozanam Parish via canadahelps.org. 

Mary Lou was born in Chatham, Ontario on October 13th, 1927 to Margaret (Kennedy) and Herman Cartier. She joins in eternal rest her loving husband of 72 years, Deacon Vern Bechard, and siblings Edward, Wilfred, Henry, Helen, Harry, Alfred, Julia, Robert, Vera, Catherine, and Clara Jane.

Mary Lou met the love of her life, Deacon Vern Bechard, while ice skating in Chatham. They were married in 1945 and started a family. She leaves behind their devoted children; Danny (Cindy), Patricia, Gary (Jane), Kathy (Bruce Isbell), Mary Anne (Michael Desautels), Sandy (Wayne Sunderman), David, Michelle (William Toth). She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren; Laura, Amy, Anne Marie, Bradley, Sarah, Lianne, Ryan, Scott, Stacy, Andrea, Tara, Linsay, Andrea, Kristin and Logan. She was also adored by her great grandchildren; Emily, Sarah, Dani, Renee, Sydney, James, Alexander, Samuel, Jayde, Arianna, Ryan, Patrick, T.J., Alex, Everest, Wyatt, Christopher, Avery, Kaitlin, and Hudson.   

Summarizing a lifetime of Mary Lou's accomplishments paints a picture of such a devoted catholic woman, and empathetic and loving person that the word "Saint" comes to mind. She was the leader, coordinator, and a devoted participant of the Fidelis Choir at St Patrick's Parish since 1979. Mary Lou and Deacon Vern became mentors, and then coordinators, of the Deaconate Program, which was an easy transition as they had parented many COR weekends. She sang in the St Patrick's Parish choir, was a member of the Catholic Women's League, and was a generous participant in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. 

She was a Deacon's wife for 30 years, and regularly took sandwiches to feed people living on the streets in Downtown Toronto through the Out of the Cold program.

Mary Lou worked for many years as a Registered Nurse's Assistant at Union Villa (a charitable long-term care facility), simply because she wanted to care for the people.

She was an office manager for a Mayoral campaign, a Girl Guide Leader and a dedicated Bridge Club player.  

For many, Mary Lou was their rock. She was a force, a presence. The memories, lessons, love and funny moments will continue to impact us as they will live on in our hearts forever. This touchstone for strength will now be a feeling inside of us that we can go to whenever we need. Thank you, Mary Lou, for being you.