Mary Louise Kearney

On January 19,1922 (96 years ago) Mary Louise Nolan was born in Rainy River to Ida (Johnson) and Thomas Nolan. She was raised on the Nolan family farm in Sleeman, with her four siblings: Vincent, Thomas, Catherine (m: Clarence Raison) and James. There, she attended a one-room school house for several years, then furthered her education in Fort Frances.

On Sept. 9, 1942, Mary Nolan’s marriage to Norman Edward Kearney, also of Sleeman, took place on the Nolan homestead; witnessed by her oldest brother, Vincent Nolan, and their friend, Gladys Rattigan. Eventually, a 2 storey home was established across the road from the Nolan property, and there, Mom & Dad started a small family farm of their own. Four of their children were able to enjoy that special lifestyle: Karen, Linda, Betty and Larry.

Mom sewed most of our clothes in those early days; many were re-incarnated hand-me-downs that she re-sized & prettied-up in creative ways. Her "quiet time" was often enjoyed outdoors, working in the garden, and/or picking berries & fruits of all kinds. Mom canned, pickled & preserved food for the winter, hauled water, milked cows, collected eggs, plucked chickens, fed sheep, and in particular, enjoyed bottle feeding & watching some of her mischievous “kids”...the playful goats. Every one of her farm 'pets' had a name! Year-round, the aroma of homemade bread & pastries filled our home. Knitting, quilting, making rag rugs & crocheting delicate doilies; yes, Mom could do it all! In her 'spare' time, she sometimes worked in Soderburgs Store; back when 7-Up sold for 7 cents. Mom was always so proud of her Sleeman roots & she especially enjoyed the close friendships, with people from there, that lasted an entire lifetime. She was also very, very proud of her Irish heritage.

Later, to be closer to Dad's full time employment (Department of Highways) and to many other conveniences (eg: running water, nearby schools, a doctor) she and Dad, with 4 children & some pets, moved into Rainy River. Two more children were born in Rainy River: Tammy & Rick.

Mom sometimes worked random shifts at Ozzie's Café, and was employed for quite some time at the Foodway. Soon after, Mom began her lengthy career with Canada Post in Rainy River. There, she served her last nine years as the head Post Mistress, prior to retiring on April 2, 1993. Mom always enjoyed meeting people, sharing conversations and helping others, so those years in the Post Office were very special and happy ones for her. A highly attended Retirement Party was held in the Rainy River Legion, to honour our mother for her dedicated service.

Mom learned to curl and she loved that game. She enjoyed being a 'skip' for many years; sometimes travelling to compete in out-of-town bonspiels. In later years, when eyesight failed her, she enjoyed listening to important televised bonspiels. Most of all, she loved to hear about the exciting moments whenever a curler from Rainy River, or from NW ON, was competing in any major bonspiel, anywhere in Canada, or the world. Win, or lose, she was their fan!

Mom was also proud of being a long-term Legion member. She spoke very highly of the Legion’s generous contributions that have greatly benefitted many groups of people, of all ages, within the community and throughout the Rainy River District. Over many years, she always enjoyed attending their social events & fundraisers. Cribbage was her specialty, and Mom felt honoured to have represented Rainy River in a few out-of-town cribbage tournaments.

For many years, Mom was also a member of the RR Seniors group. When near-blindness eventually prevented her from being able to read, watch television, or attend functions, Mom then resorted to passing many of her home-bound hours by listening to “talking books”. She was grateful for this new technology. Whenever a friend, or a family member, would phone her, or stop by to visit, and especially, stay awhile for tea/coffee and conversation, that was a major highlight for her. Because of Rick’s ongoing assistance, some close friends, home-care help, and with Harley’s dedicated companionship & “guard-dog” service, Mom always expressed how fortunate she was, to have been able to continue living in her own home until her 94th year. When a serious outdoor fall resulted in her need to be hospitalized, followed by her need for ongoing medical care,, eventually her “home’ became a lovely room in Long Term Care. There, she soon established some wonderful new friendships with the residents, with staff and with the medical team. Interesting conversations were held daily, with many!

Mom was a local historian & an interesting conversationalist; one that was gifted with a fabulous mind & an incredibly meticulous memory. Except for boarding in Fort Frances for awhile (for schooling) and much later, renting an apartment in Fort William for about one year (where Dad worked for Canada Car), Mom always lived within 8 miles of her childhood home. She always worked hard, was straight forward, and being very quick witted, she often had people smiling & laughing. Throughout her lifetime, she lived a humble & caring lifestyle; one that was filled with kindness, honesty &integrity. She was always a devout Catholic; her faith was very strong.

Being adventurous, when time and finances allowed, Mom loved to travel; and travel she did! Initially, with Dad, they drove from coast-to-coast across Canada. Together, they visited various areas throughout the mid-USA too. To celebrate one anniversary, they enjoyed being on a guided bus tour from I/Falls to Memphis. They especially loved to sight-see along the less-travelled country roads in Canada. Often, with a small car-topper boat, fishing rods and bait, they would quickly decide to go fishing/boating on the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods. Sometimes, with tents, gear, food & kids, they would go on a driving tour, and camp in quiet, scenic locations. Our parents always had a great respect & admiration for each other. They enjoyed a fun-filled relationship and shared a very deep love that lasted their lifetime. We children were so blessed!

Sadly, Mom suddenly became a widow on June 21, 1983. She continued to work for another 10 years & loved to travel whenever she could. Sometimes it involved a daily road trip with friends; or a chartered bus trip, for a brief getaway to a casino, shopping & entertainment. In 1985, with Linda, Dennis, and his parents, Mom enjoyed a 3 week road trip that included Kearney (Nebraska), Reno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tijuana, Phoenix & many other points of interest. A boat trip to Alcatraz & fishing on the ocean were big highlights. In the late 1980’s, Mom flew to Mexico, then, with a friend, boarded a cruise ship & sailed thru the Panama Canal, with tour stops in Venuzuala & Jamaica, en route to Miami. In Orlando, she visited the Magic Kingdom & Epcot Center & met Mickey Mouse. Years later, on Sept. 28, 1994, accompanied by Betty & Karen, Mom boarded a flight for London, England. Following an interesting guided bus tour across England & Wales, and a ferry ride across the Irish Sea, Mom finally arrived in Ireland….the country that she & Dad had always hoped to visit together. That extraordinary 16 day adventure, at 72 years of age, created many more wonderful memories for her.

Mary Kearney was predeceased by her husband, Norman Kearney (June 21,1983); by her son, Larry Kearney (July 21,1989) by her daughter, Linda Lambert (July 15, 1991) and by her great granddaughter, Alyssa Godin (July 1,1994).

Mom will be missed immensely by her three daughters: Karen (Jim Andrews, of Sioux Narrows); Betty (Randy Godin, of Fort Frances) and Tammy (Bob Jeffery, of Sudbury), and by her son: Rick Kearney, of Rainy River. She is survived by her son-in-law, Dennis Lambert (of Fort Frances), eleven grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters, 2 nieces & 7 nephews, extended family members and by many friends who will mourn her loss. Mom deeply cared about all her family members & dearly loved to visit & chat with each one, whenever possible. She prayed for us during our difficult times. We were very fortunate that Mom was able to share her life, love, laughter & wisdom with us for so many years.

A funeral service, with a Mass, was held for our mother on Monday, August 20, 2018 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, in Rainy River, ON. with Father Thomas Mullamangalam officiating, and with Deacon, Dennis Olinyk, assisting. The Canadian Legion participated in the service, represented by Walter Wagner & Brent Helgeson. Music was provided by Renee Martin Brown. A luncheon followed, in the Rainy River Legion, organized and served by the Catholic Women's League.

Pallbearers were six grandsons: Ryan Andrews, Jason Andrews, Michael Godin, Larry Godin, Brian Godin and Darren Jeffery.

Honorary Pallbearers were three granddaughters: Tina Svehla, Tara DeAmicis & Tracey DeAmicis.

Interment took place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, ON. on August 20, 2018.

Green Funeral Home, in Fort Frances, provided guidance, support and funeral arrangements.

If desired, contributions, in memory of Mary Kearney could be made to: Diabetes Canada, 101-730 Syndicate Avenue South, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7E1E9; or to any charitable organization of your choice.

Photos and a full obituary can be seen, and condolences can be offered online at: www.greenfuneral-homefortfrances.com