Mary Eliza Hanselman

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre on Friday, March 24 (age 90). Dear daughter of the late Angeline and Henry Pottie. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, Gerald (Jerry) Hanselman. Loving mother to Nancy (Peter DePodesta), Paris and Trish (Michael Browne), Mississauga. Grandmother to Shaun Savoy (Sabrina), Justin DePodesta (Michelle) and Andrew DePodesta. Also survived by great-grandchildren Katelyn, Anthony, Gwendalyn, Emrys and Niko as well as several nieces and nephews. Mary is survived by her brother Gordon, and predeceased by brothers Francis, Joseph, Raymond, Fred, Leo and sisters Della and Annie.

Mary was born in L’Ardoise, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. She later moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where she met her husband Jerry. They were married on May 21,1955 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and moved to Brantford where they lived the remainder of their lives. They had two daughters Nancy and Trish.

Mary always had a special place in her heart for “down East” and as a family, many summer vacations were spent driving to Cape Breton. Mary and Jerry continued to vacation there over the years as well as spending time in Vancouver and other destinations.

Mary was kind-hearted and loved her family and close friends. She and Jerry had a lot of fun together and we all remember the many “Mary and Jerry” stories that will continue to provide us many smiles and laughter in the years to come.

Mary worked part-time jobs over the years, but spent her life being a “mom” to her two daughters. She loved to take care of their home and was known for her great baking skills. When Nancy and Trish became involved in St. John’s Drum and Bugle Corps, Mary assisted by being a chaperone on several occasions. She was also a long-time member of St. Basil’s Roman Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s League.

Nancy and Trish would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Lifecare who took such amazing care of our mother. We cannot articulate how thankful we are that she spent her last days in the presence of these wonderful people. We would also like to thank the staff at Amber Lea and Riverview retirement homes where mom lived prior to St. Joseph’s.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home and Chapel, Brantford where a celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada or The Arthritis Society of Canada.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thorpebrothersfh.com.