Mary Cleary

Mary Cleary, aged 99, beloved wife of the late James M. Cleary, passed away peacefully November 25 at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax, N.S. after a brief illness.

Mary was born in Macroom, County Cork, Ireland on January 5, 1921, part of a large and loving family. She was educated in Ireland and then trained as a nurse in England during the late 1940’s. After completing her training, Mary took the adventurous step of moving to Newfoundland, answering the call for nurses needed in the new Canadian province’s tuberculosis wards. One of her patients was a young broadcaster, James M. Cleary. Unsurprisingly he was captivated by his beautiful and strong-minded Irish nurse and was thrilled when she returned his feelings and agreed to marry him in 1953. This was a romantic beginning to what was a life-long love affair for them both.

Jim’s work with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation took the couple to Ottawa. Mary practiced nursing part-time and entertained many important politicians and diplomats at the Cleary home in Rockcliffe Park, showcasing her extraordinary abilities as a cook and hostess as Jim took on roles of increasing importance with the CBC. Together they doted on their nieces and nephews in Canada and Ireland and travelled extensively during their marriage. Mary and Jim retired to Halifax in 1990, joining Jim’s brother Kevin and his family there. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1991, nursed lovingly again by Mary’s skillful hands.

Mary continued to live a full and vibrant life in Halifax, retaining her good health for all of it. She was a devout member of the Catholic Church. She travelled internationally until her 90’s. She was a keen observer of politics and held many strong opinions, which she was not afraid to share! She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed dining and sharing a glass of wine with family and friends, along with an episode of “Jeopardy.” She walked every day and never lost her enjoyment of the world around her. She retained her quick and brilliant sense of humour and was a perpetual cheerleader for her nieces and nephews and their children, giving (only when asked!) them wonderful advice and perspective on life. At 99 years “young”, Mary was a beautiful example of how age need not define you.

Mary was adored by her entire family and will be greatly missed. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim and her siblings Paddy, Harry, Connie and Ellie. She is survived in Ireland by her brother Jerry, niece Jane Coyne (Michael) and many well-loved nieces and nephews, and in Canada by her nieces and nephews including Carolyn Cleary Meagher (John Meagher), Stephanie (Padraic McCombe), Cynthia (Phillip Salgado), Kevin (Judith), and Tom (Rona) and their children.

Due to current gathering limits, a private family Funeral Mass was held at St. Catherine’s church on Monday, November 30, 2020. Mary’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Berkeley where Mary lived for 12 comfortable years, the paramedics who transported her to hospital, and the caring staff on the 7th floor at the QEII Hospital. As she was a faithful supporter of many charities throughout her life, Mary’s family would be grateful for her memory to be honoured by a donation to a charity of your choice.