Mary O'Connell

On January 23, 2024 in her 102 nd year Mary crossed the finish line, leaving us saddened but feeling blessed that we had her loving presence in our lives for as long as we did.

Mary’s starting point in life was rural Ireland and she often spoke with fondness of growing up there with her grandmother: of their visits to the sea, or of selling their freshly churned butter in the market. Like many women of that time, Mary’s next stage of life was dictated by World War II; she trained as a nurse in England caring for those wounded in war. She next immigrated to Canada, and would often say it was her best decision. She met her husband, John, at an Irish dance and they created a loving home for their daughters while navigating life in a new country. Family from back home and friends old and new were always welcome. She often had a dessert on the go, and, if the visitor was lucky, they could enjoy her blueberry pie.

Her soft-spoken, gentle manner made her an ideal caregiver for the elderly patients that she nursed privately, for most of her working life. Her own senior years were healthy and productive: she line danced, learned to swim, took train trips with John, and took an active role in helping raise her grandchildren. Her grandchildren fondly remember many summer trips to Sauble Beach, her love of spoiling dogs, her morning crossword and porridge, her garden of lilacs, her Irish wit, and her reading of choice: biography and geography books.

As Mary approached the end she was slowed down with a diagnosis of dementia but she never stopped being grateful. On her behalf the family would like to thank all the staff at Harmony Hills, LTC for the care she received these past 5 years. The life lesson Mary leaves her family is to enjoy those we meet, be of service and remember to say our “please” and “thank yous”

Predeceased by her loving husband John O’Connell and seven of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sisters; Betty Casey,Theresa Vermeullen, brother-in-law Carl Price and nieces and nephews: her daughters Anita and Mary (Mario);grandchildren, Patricia (Matthew), Andrew, Angelica (Brad), Nicholas (Sabrina) and Nancy; great grandsons, Cian, Lincoln, Timothy and Jonathan.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Paul O’Connor funeral home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Precious Blood Parish, 1737 Lawrence Ave. E. A committal service will occur Monday, January 29, 2024 at 12:45 PM at Pine Hills Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Rd, Toronto, ON M1K 1R1.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada or a charity of your choice.