Mary Catherine Ann
Died: July 28, 2010 | Place: Parkwood Hospital
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Obituary
ANN, Mary Catherine…..February 2, 1943 – July 28, 2010, I had a great life, ended a little quicker than I had hoped, (age 67) but left nothing to be desired. I was born in Montreal and lived most of my life here in London. I leave behind a great friend and partner, Gordon Cairns who stuck by me until the end. The Fathers of my children: John Rothwell and Rudy Oetliker. My children were my greatest strength: Sue Arnold (husband Brian) Peter Rothwell (wife Michelle) Barbara MacDonald (husband Scott) Heather Pais (husband Tony) stepsons: Greig Cairns (partner Darcy) and Derek Cairns (wife Stephanie). My Son, Gregory, predeceased me. My greatest passion was my eight grandchildren: Natalie Rothwell, Dylan Arnold, Ben Rothwell, Sarah Arnold, Emma Pais, Tyler Pais, Ryan MacDonald and my step grandson, Josh MacDonald. The family was blessed with a ninth grandchild as I left the world, welcome Sabine Wong Cairns, you will be deeply loved. My brother: Bob Mearns and his family, wife Shirley, Daughter, Tracey Mearns (Mark) and Son, Ron Mearns (Cindy). Most of my working life was spent working with people with special needs. This brought me many hours of joy and humour. I lived well, laughed a lot, loved a lot. I was a mediocre cook, but I was always able to put a meat and potato meal on the table. My passion was the lake and my fondest memories were spending time with family and friends on the wharf with cocktails. I want to thank each and every one of my many friends. I was truly blessed with a great bunch of loyal people who stuck with me until the end! They will attest to my passion for red wine and chocolate! Remember I did not live long, but I lived wide! The family would like to thank Dr. Hammond, Dr. Stevens, Dr. MacDonald, Pat Whitfield and the caring, compassionate nurses in Parkwood’s Palliative Care Unit. A party welcoming family and friends to celebrate my life will be held on Saturday August 21, 2010 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. at the home of Brenda Kellar-Parsons (20123 Vanneck Rd., London). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada who shares my love for children. Online condolences can be made at www.amgfh.com. (A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184)
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My heart goes out to Gordie, Sue, Peter, Barb and Heather and the wonderful grandchildren that Mary was blessed with. As I reflect on all the great memories we (her friends) were able to make with Mary, I know that those are what carry us through the grief of loosing someone we love. It is my wish that each and every memory give the family the strength they need to continue their journey without her.
I’ve never read a more touching and eloquent message than the one Mary wrote for herself. Both Bill and I send our heartfelt condolences to Gordie, the entire family and each and every one of Mary’s friends (there are many)! I am so proud to have worked with her at the clubhouse and feel fortunate to have experienced her love and passion for work and for life.
I wish to convey my condolences to Mary’s children and grandchildren in the loss of a dear mother and grandmother. She was a beautiful person with a big heart. She was also a very dear friend to many. My condolences also to Gordie who was so good to Mary. She will be missed so much by so many friends also.
To Gordie, Peter, Barbara, Sue, Heather and Mary’s grandchildren I extend my most sincere condolences. Mary will be missed by all of us at Cornerstone Clubhouse. Her passion, enthusiasm and advocacy helped build a Clubhouse that both Members and Facilitators could be proud of. On a personal note, it was a joy to work with her and I will always relish those moments she took to laugh with me, challenge me and support me. She was a unique individual, one who had the ability to bring out the best in all of us. I feel honoured to have worked with her and I will miss her very much.
My soul is greatful for knowing Mary. Mary marched to the beat of her own heart.My heartfelt love and strenth go out to Mary’s loved ones. When I endulge in chocolate, The first bite will always be for Mary! Her spirit is a part of me.
I would like to say how happy I am to have known Mary.. Memories… Let them fill your mind, warm your heart and lead you through to the next chapter. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Gordon and all of Mary’s family. Mary and I shared the love of chocolate and I always made sure there was lots available whenever it was my turn to host book club. I will miss Mary’s laughter, unique viewpoint on books and strength of character. She was my hero.
Dear Heather, Tony and all of the families. It is with deepest regret that we learned of the passing of your mom. We have you in our thoughts and prayers and wish you comfort in your time of sorrow. Heath please contact us. Love Brian, Cheryl,Tara
I had the privilege of working with Mary, while on the Board of Directors for the Sexual Assault Centre-London.She was almost single-handedly responsible for building a board membership of amazing women who wanted to make a difference…and Mary was certainly someone who made a difference! She was passionate, serious about causes that spoke to her, and also so down-to-earth about life, love and dying. She was able to attend a dinner party of Board alumna at the end of April, and her words continue to inspire all of us. I can’t begin to imagine how much she will be missed by her partner, family and good friends. For those of us whose lives she touched, we can be grateful for the time we had with her. Joanne Sherin
I was shocked and saddened to read of Mary Catherine’s passing. I had not seen her in many years and only knew her for a short period. However, I have often thought of her over the years, as she was a person who was difficult to forget. She had a great sense of humour, a wonderful always-ready laugh and the courage of her convictions. Anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to know her has only to read her obituary to imagine what a unique soul she was. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but always remembered with loving thoughts.
My sympathies to Gordie and the rest of Mary’s family. Her loss will be deeply felt by you and all the others whose lives she touched in some important way. Happily, the fruits of her work will continue to enrich the lives of the people she served with such dedication and we will not forget her.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Gordie,Peter,Barbara, Sue and Heather. We have all been so fortunate to have known Mary. She has been such a good fiend to many people and we will carry her with us always.
Sending our sincere consolences to your families. Mary Catherine Ann was an amazing woman and I am so happy that I had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.
It was with great sadness that I heard of Mary’s passing. She was an inspiration for me not only during the years I worked with her, but also long after. I will not be able to make it on the 21st, but I will most certainly raise a glass to her then and often in the years to come. My condolences to her family and friends.
To all of Mary’s family:
Heartfelt condolences on Mary’s passing. What a remarkable woman. I met Mary two years ago when I joined the Book Club she had belonged to for over 20 years. Mary’s compassion, strength, humour and wisdom will be among the many gifts I so admirmed. She taught me much about how to live life. She will be missed by many. May the love of family and friends support you at this time.
Hello Barb.
I was sorry to hear about your mothers death. Mary and I had several conversations about death and also about drinking wine and eating chocolates. I have done both to celebrate the wonderful woman that she was and still will always be in the hearts of those that had the honor of knowing her.
Frieda
I am very sorry to hear of your loss and to not have the opportunity to meet this lady in fall. She was to speak at the National Conference for the Brain Injury Association of Canada in Regina. Upon reading her obituary I must say that she sounds like ‘my kind of woman’, unpretentious, caring and ready to have fun when she can. There are too few people like her in this world and now there is one less. Your family has been blessed, I am certain, by her presence. My sympathies to you all.
Shirley Johnson
President
Brain Injury Association of Canada
I am unable to attend the celebration of Mary’s life party; but I treasure many memories of Mary including eating brownies for breakfast on the morning after parties and unknowingly helping her make the sandwiches for my own bridal shower! My sincere condolences go out to all the family, especially my nephew Peter and niece Heather. Your Mom was a treasure and I know you will treasure your memories of her.
It was evident by all the family and friends gathered at Mary’s Celebration of Life that touched the lives of so many people. Her memory will always be kept alive by her children who share the same passion and zest for life that Mary did. It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to know Mary and be a part of such a great family. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all during this difficult time.
Lots of love,
Lou and Maria Pais
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mary Catherine. I am saddened by your loss.
I knew her as a trusted colleague for more than a decade. It is hard to measure the depth of her compassionate legacy for all of us who work in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. She often listened closely when others had no time to do so, and she helped some speak up even if they were hesitant. Her smile lit up the room, and her voice got everyone’s attention!
Mary Catherine, thank you for your leadership and inspiration.