Nov 20, 2019

• DOUCETTE (Née HACKO), Mary Ann

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ann. She left us peacefully, at home, following a brief illness. Remaining to cherish Mary Ann’s memory are her loving husband of 43 years, Ed; son, Pierre (Susan); grandson, Ewan; brother, Tony (Susan); brother-in-law, Mark (Terry), sisters-in-law, Mary-Lynn and Debbie (Dave); nieces, Ruth, Marilyn, Michelle (Johnny), Jordan, Danika, and Teia (Mark); nephews, Brian (Ellen), Zach, and Sean; grand nieces and nephews, and extended family in Slovakia. Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Valerie; mother-in-law, Nora; and father-in-law, Frederick. Born in Winnipeg, Mary Ann attended St. Paul’s College and its affiliate the University of Manitoba. During university, Mary Ann took a summer job with the Department of National Defence where she met a young soldier. Together, with their young son, they would eventually relocate to Ottawa. Mary Ann was a career public servant and a life long learner, having completed her graduate studies at Concordia University. Leading up to her retirement and long afterward, she had a passion for her gardens, a love of travel, and was an extraordinary and highly esteemed member of the Canadian Slovak community. She was devoted to maintaining Slovak heritage and culture in Canada and always proud of her Slovak roots. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. at First Memorial Fairview Chapel, 259 St. Patrick St., Ottawa. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Divine Infant Catholic Church, 6658 Bilberry Dr., Ottawa, with Fr. Bill Penney officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg at a later date. Her family wishes to acknowledge its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Ottawa Hospital – General and Civic Campuses and Cancer Centre, Montfort Hospital, and Ottawa Paramedic Service who helped Mary Ann with her safe passage home. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre, University of Ottawa Chair in Slovak History and Culture, would be appreciated. “Gone are the days we used to share, But in our hearts you are always there. And while you lie in peaceful sleep, Your memory we shall always keep.”