Mary Elizabeth Prud’homme, a 25-year resident of Ajijic, died at her home on September 23, with her beloved partner Estela Hidalgo by her side. She was 79 years old.
Prud’homme was born December 20, 1932, in Toronto, Ontario. She studied at the local and elite Havergal College and then continued with advanced interior design studies at the Ontario College of Art. She began her professional life as a designer for Eaton’s College Department Store. She then became the public relations and promotions manager for Sunworthy Wallpaper and Design, where she remained for 30 years until her retirement.
Prud’homme was a member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), a prestigious professional organization. As she traveled extensively for work and pleasure during this era, they were exciting and rewarding years.
Prud’homme was first introduced to Ajijic by her lifelong friends, Harold Babcock and Minor Halliday of Lakeside. It was they who suggested that she purchase the property at Javier Mina 30, which her friend, Gerard Bueche re-designed for her.
On her 70th birthday, Prud’homme met sculptor Estela Hidalgo, and on June 12, 2010, they exchanged weeding vows at a country house in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by friends. She often remarked that these ten years with Hidalgo were the happiest of her life.
Prud’homme was active in the community and had a wide circle of friends and became known as a patron of the arts, promoting Hidalgo’s work. She was a hands-on caretaker of her spectacularly beautiful garden on Javier Mina. She was a lifetime member of the Lakeside Garden Guild, promoting “Art in the Garden” shows and always participating in the Guild’s annual flower shows with stunning and innovative designs. She was also an avid theater-goer, supporting the Lakeside Little Theatre through the years, and part of the opening-night excitement.
Prud’homme was involved in the formation of the Canadian Club of Lake Chapala in 1999 and served with distinction as the organization’s first vice president and last year was made a lifetime member of the organization. She authored and directed the English version of the Mexican Christmas “Pastorela” (nativity play) that became an annual tradition in the Canadian Club Christmas program at La Nueva Posada. She was proud to be the Canadian Club’s historian from its formation until her resignation about two months ago.
Prud’homme was pre-deceased by her sister Pat Sutton and her brother Robert Prud’homme. In addition to Hidalgo, Prud’homme is survived by nephews Scott Prud’homme and David Sutton, niece Barbara Hill, and grand nieces and nephews Christy, Marc, Russell, Kelsey and Clayton.
A memorial service and celebration of Prud’homme’s life will be held on the 80th anniversary of her birth, December 20, 2012, at Javier Mina 30.
Prud’homme was a woman much loved by all who knew her and she will be sorely missed.