Obituary of Mavis Ryder

Ryder, Mavis October 10 1931 - August 24 2018 Mavis Eleanor Ryder, daughter of Wilfred and Grace Allen of Fredericton, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly early morning Friday August 24, at the family cottage in Shediac NB. A place Mavis loved dearly. Mavis is survived by her husband Frank Albert Ryder of Fredericton (originally from Moncton); her children Susan Ryder of Fredericton, John Ryder (Pam) of Greater Toronto and Nancy Ryder of Montreal; grandchildren Paul Vidal, Melanie Hanam (John), Steven Ryder (Emily) and Daniela Ryder; great grandchildren Tyona Bear, Brooklyn Hanam, Joey Vidal, Ellieah Hanam and Ben Vidal; and many nieces and nephews. Mavis is also survived by siblings Murph Allen (Marg) of Fredericton, Joyce Hunter of Bedford NS and Brooks Alden of Vancouver BC; and in-laws Fraser Steeves of Fredericton and Brian Butler of Kingston. Mavis is pre-deceased by her siblings Stuart Allen, Dorothy Steeves, Royden Allen and Carol Butler, and in-laws Kay Allen, Jocelyn Alden and Marilyn Allen. Mavis was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, during the great depression. The third of eight children, she was born at home and not in a hospital. From a young age, Mavis showed signs of her industrious nature. During the Second World War, she worked tirelessly collecting scrap metal, wanting to help the war effort. Her mother once said to her when she came home tired with a full wagon, "You can't win this war by yourself." Mavis married Frank in Fredericton in 1951. She worked alongside him while he completed his university degree, ensuring their young family had a steady income. Soon after Frank's graduation, the couple moved to Ontario with their two children. The next big move was to Montreal, where they had a third child. They raised their family on the West Island of Montreal where neighbours became life-long friends. When her youngest was in high school, Mavis went back to work at Air Canada where she enjoyed both the work and the many friends she made over the years. After 40 years in Montreal, Mavis and Frank retired to Fredericton where they saw grandchildren grow up and have families of their own. And driving to the cottage only took two hours! Whether someone just needed to talk or needed her to roll up her sleeves, Mavis was always there for friends and family. She was never afraid of hard work and was good at managing whatever team she had around her! Mavis enjoyed her leisure time too. She loved bridge, golf and lawn bowling, and she once had a perfect "300" score in 10-pin bowling! She loved old movies, watching the news, reading on her Kindle, computer games and Facebook. Mavis followed politics daily and was happy to share her opinions with anyone who enjoyed a good political debate. Over the years, Mavis travelled extensively - visiting Australia, many parts of the US, the Caribbean, Europe and the United Kingdom. She especially loved her trips to Scotland. She often visited family in Vancouver, Toronto, Kingston and Montreal. What Mavis loved most of all was her family. She loved to laugh and she enjoyed games. A family dinner would often include charades or Auction 45. And she immortalized people by telling stories about them. These stories often became classics. So many fond memories of extended family gatherings. In later life, her great-grandchildren filled her life with purpose and riches, and the family gatherings continued. Wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, friend. Mavis filled our lives with purpose, laughter and belonging. Whatever will we do without her. Funeral Service will be held Friday August 31 2pm at Wilmot United Church, 473 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5 with Rev. Bob Jones officiating. Reception will be held at the church immediately after service. Donations to Wilmot United Church. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com