Apr 30, 1941 - Nov 06, 2019

• JOY, Mary Agnes

On November 6, Mary began her new life with the risen Christ after having suffered a stroke several days earlier. She leaves behind her loving husband of 48 years, Thomas. She will be missed by cousins Sister Pauline Lally, Tom Lally, Paul Lally, Mary Rose Boyle, Basil Hanley, and Jim Hanley, and by her sisters-in-law Marg Duchene and Connie Bastien, and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation will take place at St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod Ave., Ottawa. on Thursday, November 14 at 10:30am, followed by a Celebration of Life liturgy at 11:30 and a reception in the church hall.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to the nursing staff at the Ottawa Civic ICU, and to Dr. Michael Hardwick for his guidance and compassion at a very difficult time in our lives.

Mary was born on April 30, 1941, in Belleville, Ontario, where she was educated by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. No doubt influenced by their example, Mary entered the Order after

high school and, following a period of formation, spent the next seven years teaching in their schools. When Mary discerned that the life of a sister was not really God’s plan for her, she left the Order, moved to Ottawa, and continued teaching for the two Catholic School Boards in the area. She also served for a few years as an educational consultant with the Ottawa Catholic District School Board. After Mary took an early retirement for health reasons, she followed a course of studies in theology at St. Paul University.

Mary always aspired to follow Jesus’ two great commandments, to “ love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.” Throughout her life, Mary was a profoundly spiritual person who practiced daily meditation and prayer. She made time for anyone who crossed her path, especially children. She was an attentive listener who communicated a sincere concern for all. She also volunteered for many community activities, including the Refugee Committee at St. Joseph’s parish, Helping with Furniture, the Ottawa Lay School of Theology, and the Reading Association.

In lieu of flowers, Mary would have appreciated donations to one of the following charities: St. Joseph’s Women’s Centre and Supper Table, and CEFO (the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa, a registered charity whose main focus is to raise funds to alleviate poverty for students in the Ottawa Catholic School Board). To donate, please visit the following link: https://cefo.org/

 

May you rest in peace, Mary.