Mary Genevieve (née Butt) Aylward

We are saddened to share that Mary Aylward passed peacefully on October 26, 2025 at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, in the loving presence of her family. At the remarkable age of 90, Mary was proud to be the oldest female resident of Cape Broyle. Mary was predeceased by her husband Tom, her son Chris and daughter- in-law Mary Lou.

Remembering her with fond loving memories are her children: sons Joseph (Nora), John (Philomena), Thomas Jr. (Rosalind), daughter Cynthia (Billy Jim) and daughter-in-law Martina. Grandchildren: Justin (Natasha), Jeremy (Amanda), Holly, Eric (Pier Ann), Aidan (Emily), Christi (Kyle), and Kelly (Connor). Great Grandchildren: Mary Lou (Ryan), Sara, Rebekah and Theo.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her special nieces, Mary Sullivan and Gen O’Brien, and her special nephew, Andy Butt, who spent many hours by her side at the hospital. She held a special place in her heart for her nephew Nick Aylward, whom she considered one of her own. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marg Aylward, and her cousin and close friend, Agnes Keenan, as well as many other nieces and nephews whom she adored. Mary will be missed by her beloved fur baby, Quinn.

Mary was born in Crocker’s Cove, Carbonear, on April 20, 1935. She was the youngest child of proud parents Bernard and Mary Butt. She grew up in a loving family with her siblings Sam, Andrew, Genevieve, Clarence, Leo, and John who have all preceded her in death.  In 1952, Mary moved to Cape Broyle to begin her teaching career. While attending church, she met her future husband, Tom, and the two were married on July 22, 1957. Together, they shared 36 joyful years of marriage.

Mary loved playing cards, crib, Scrabble, and doing puzzles. Her passion for puzzles earned her the affectionate nickname “Nanny Puzzles” from her great-grandchildren. She was well known for her jokes and playful pranks and took great delight in getting a rise out of people. Mary loved to laugh, and her laughter was truly contagious. She will also be fondly remembered for the many beautiful wedding cakes she baked and decorated over the years. Her family was Mary’s greatest treasure, and she cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories. Her faith was the solid foundation of her life. She spent countless hours praying for her loved ones, lighting candles, and keeping them in her thoughts through all of life’s challenges.

Sincere gratitude to her devoted Home Care Worker Bernadette. It was a comfort knowing she was in such good and caring hands every day. Thanks to Christi, Jasmine, Wendy, Jeanie and Sandra who spent time with her, enabling her to stay in her own home. Special thanks to all the staff at the Miller Center and to Dr. Boyd and all the nurses at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls, on Thursday, October 30 from 1:00 pm -8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Cape Broyle on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:00 am with inurnment to follow at Our Lady of the Cape Cemetery, Cape Broyle.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed with the link available below.

If friends so desire, donations in Mary’s memory be made to the Cape Broyle Cemetery Committee,  e-transfer to johnjcoady@hotmail.com or the Church Garden Club, e-transfer to Savecbchurch@gmail.com 

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

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