Mrs. Mary Ann McBride

Birth Date:

September 5, 1939

Date of Death:

May 18, 2009

Age:

69 Years

Services for Mary Ann McBride

Place: St. John the Baptist Church, Halifax, NS

Date: May 22, 2009

Time: 11:00am

Altar Complement

Celebrants of the Requiem Mass:

Father Jerry Gauvreau, C.C.;

His Grace Archbishop Emeritus James Hayes;

Permanent Deacon Michael Lynch;

Lector (and Honorary Pallbearer) Rich Rout

Newspaper Notice

Halifax Chronicle Herald, Thursday May 21, 2009

It is with grief so profound as to be immeasurable that her husband announces passage from this life to the next of his beloved wife Mary Ann Berner McBride on May 18. She was born on September 5, 1939 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. After graduation with highest honours from Saint Francis University, Loretto Pennsylvania in 1961, she became graduate assistant to Professor Carroll Quigley of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. She returned to her alma mater to teach in the Saint Francis department of History and Political Science for four years. It was there that she met her future husband, who was then a lecturer in political science. In 1964, while she resumed her studies at Georgetown University, Mary Ann became engaged to Edward McBride. They married on June 26, 1965 in Pottsville and spent a three month honeymoon in Nova Scotia. Two years later, Dr. William Dalton, Chairman of the Saint Mary’s University Political Science Department offered a teaching post to her husband. The couple was elated to return to their adopted province. Eventually Mary Ann returned to university teaching after receiving a master’s degree in History under the tutelage of Dr. John McCormick. Upon the latter’s retirement, he recommended that Mrs. McBride teach a course in his specialty, the English Civil War, whereupon she returned to teaching for three years. At both Saint Francis and Saint Mary’s there were students who regarded her as an inspirational and gifted teacher, who would serve as a model for their future intellectual endeavors. As for her husband, in nearly forty four years of marriage, he found his wife to be the purest soul, kindest heart and keenest mind he would ever know. She leaves a sister Theresa Berner Hubler of New Jersey and a brother Joseph, also of New Jersey. She was predeceased by her parent Peter and Helen (Foley) Berner; a sister Kathleen Berner; and two brothers Raymond and Conrad. Among her living relatives of the younger generation, a niece Kathleen Huber-Hayes and her husband Vincent are particular favorites. Visitation will be held at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home 2032 Robie St., Halifax Thursday May 21 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A funeral mass to honour Mary Ann’s life will be celebrated by Father Jerry Gauvreau in St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Purcell’s Cove Road, Friday May 22 at 11am. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Parish, 26 Purcell’s Cove Road Halifax, NS B3P 1B5 and/or The Companions of the Cross, 199 Bayswater Ave., Ottawa ON K1Y 2G5

Pallbearers

Asked: Accepted

Brian Downie, QC Brian Downie, QC

Kevin Downie Kevin Downie

John Fitzpatrick, QC John Fitzpatrick, QC

Gavin Giles, QC Gavin Giles, QC

Fred Crooks Fred Crooks

Matt Napier, QC Matt Napier, QC

Gregg Knudsen Gregg Knudsen

Brian Maloney Brian Maloney

As I stood in the doorway of Saint John the Baptist Church, and watched eight stalwart men lift Mary Ann upward for her last earthly journey, I adapted a line from a poem by A.E. Houseman:

“Shoulder high they bore (her) home”

-Edward McBride

Music Selections for Mary Ann McBride:

Marian hymns beautifully sung by soloist and choir

Flowers for Mary Ann McBride:

Berner Family

Lynn & Randall Balcome

Heidi Joshay-Kimball

Gavin Giles & Denise Starting

Loving Husband

Saint Mary’s University Department of Political Science

Dr. Colin Dodds

President, Saint Mary’s University

Mary Ann McBride leaves the legacy of a luminous marital love that will last forever. Such a love will withstand her husband’s sorrow, however profound, his deprivation, however devastating and his loneliness however bleak.

In the sturdy conviction of reunion in Heaven, I commend this “reflection on Mary Ann’s perfection” to everyone who knew her well and to anyone who would want to know her better.

The seven graces of Mary Ann McBride, as witnessed by and attested to, her adoring husband.

COR AD COR LOQUITUR

I. THE GRACE OF LOVINESS, DEVOID OF VANITY

II. THE GRACE OF BRILLANCE, DEVOID OF CONCEIT

III. THE GRACE OF PIETY, DEVOID OF OSTENTATION

IV. THE GRACE OF GENEORISTY, DEVOID OF SELF-INTEREST

V. THE GRACE OF KINDNESS, DEVOID OF CONDESCENSION

VI. THE GRACE OF LOYALTY, DEVOID OF EXEMPTION

VII. THE GRACE OF MARITAL LOVE, ABOVE ALL AND SUFFERING ALL, BEYOND ALL BOUNDARIES AND BEYOND ALL RECKONING

A Marian Prayer

In honour of Mary Ann McBride, composed by her husband

Blessed Mother please be our bridge to Christ.

Who could better serve as our bridge to Christ than you who held the babe of Bethlehem in your arms,

Than you who guided the Boy of Nazareth with your hands,

Than you who kindly drew the broken, bleeding Man of Calvary to your sorrowing breast.

Our Lady Immaculate Chalice filled with the Living God,

We love you.

The Seven Deprivations of Edward J. McBride, Widower:

I. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S WISDOM

II. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S WIT

III. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S LAUGHTER

IV. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S SMILE

V. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S CARESS

VI. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S EMBRACE

VII. HE IS DEPRIVED OF HIS WIFE’S LUMINOUS PRESENCE

First and enduringly, there are the seven graces of Mary Ann, wife beyond compare; second, and temporarily, there are the seven deprivations of Edward McBride, widower. Third and transcendently, there are manifold ways in which Mary Ann is like unto a mirror of Mary, Mater Dei.

My dearest darling Mary Ann:

COR AD LOQUITUR

Each day I offer to thee:

Love for thee

Faith in thee

And Hope through thee

Mary Ann is aptly named because she practiced the Marian virtues of quit, deep, steadfast, constant devotion to the work of service, knowledge, and love of the Lord.

MIRROR OF MARY: IN ALL THINGS THAT ARE GOOD AND TRUE AND HOLY

Family Heritage For Mary Ann McBride

Father Mother

Peter Berner Helen Joley Berner

Born: 1895 Born: 1904

Place of Birth: Glen Arbor, PA Place of Birth: Heckersville, PA

Place of Death: Pottsville, PA Place of Death: Pottsville, PA

Other Family Members

Theresa Berner – sister

Joseph Berner –brother

Kathleen Berner – sister (deceased)

Raymond Berner – brother (deceased)

Conrad Berner –brother (dedeased)

Dottie Martini Berner – sister-in-law

Kathleen Huber Hayes – niece

Place of Rest for Mary Ann McBride

Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

Spiritual Bouquets for Mary Ann McBride

George & Eileen Connors

Howard & Lily Higgins

Norma MacIsaac & Paul McEchern

Ken & Mary MacInnis

John K. Sutherland & Nicole Sutherland

Marc & Diane Bolduc

Dagmar Worthington

Betty & Brian Maloney

Ronald O’Handley

Herm Willis & Ellen Chesal

Saint John the Baptist Catholic Women’s League

Matt, Jan & Napier Family

Elizabeth Boyal

Condolences for Mary Ann McBride

Dear Ed,

Please accept my deepest and sincerest sympathy on the death of Mary Ann. Everyone who knows you, would automatically see not one but two of you together, always sharing a special, loving relationship that was a joy to see and an inspiration. Our daughter Jenny Kate was a student of Mary Ann's some years ago at Saint Mary's and still remembers her as a wonderful, dedicated, and caring teacher, a real mentor of the young. And you and I were colleagues for many years as well at Saint Mary's. Best wishes, always, Ed. Your friend, Mike.

________________________________________

My heartfelt sympathies to you, Dr. McBride. I was introduced to your wife when we met on Barrington Street one day too long ago to remember when, you were both enjoying the day of sunshine. I had remember you speaking if her with such affection during class (when you digressed from the lecture slightly) and was so pleased that you remembered my name and introduced me. I was particularly struck by how you were holding hands and seemed to so enjoy each others company after many years of companionship.

I think of you often and the impact you had on my time as a student at Saint Mary’s and I wanted to pass on my condolences on what must be a profound loss to you, your family, and your friends.

Take Care,

Michelle Fougere (Cox)

________________________________________

Professor Edward McBride

I was so sorry to read of your wife’s passing. From reading her obituary, she was a very accomplished lady who will be truly missed. There is not much one can say to lessen the pain but I feel it is nice to know that you/we who remain behind are remembered, not forgotten and still wished the best.

Professor McBride, if I may so sir, you were one of my best professors, that what I learned not only in the classroom but also from my association with you has served me well throughout my adult life. I shall say a prayer and may God be with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Cameron Crowell

________________________________________

Dear Professor,

It was a very sad moment when I heard of the passing of your lovely wife.

I will not claim to know the loss you are feeling but, being married to a wonderful woman and having lost my father years ago, I can imagine the heartache you now feel and extend my sincere sympathy.

Please know there are many of us who quietly admired the McBrides as they walked and talked their way to church or Saint Mary’s or some other destination around the city. You and your wife seemed to personify the dusty adage that advises us to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

This fine example has not been lost. And while this is undoubtedly difficult time for you , it does present a welcome opportunity for your friends – a large group, to which I proudly claim membership – to rally around you, in body and in spirit, and display a small measure of the support that you so generously haven shown to us over the years.

With warm regards, sincere condolences and continued admiration, I am

Your friend,

David M.T. Napier

________________________________________

Dearest Ed,

I was so, so sad to hear about the passing of Mary Ann on May 18. Had I heard in time I would have been at the visitation to pay my respects to such a beautiful, wonderful human being who is such a loss to all of us, particularly you. Please know that I and all of you colleagues in Political Science are thinking of you, and that if any of us in any way remiss in paying our respects in time, it was because we were not aware.

In particular, I would have wanted to be there to say a final farewell to Mary Ann, and to see in person how you are doing. How are you? I must say that through the years I have often thought of you, and of Mary Ann, because you have always been an inspiration.

Please take good care of yourself (and please forgive me for not literally handwriting this note – it is only because my penmanship had utterly deteriorated through the years)

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

With my love, thoughts and sympathies

Edna

________________________________________

Dear Ed,

I hope this note finds you in good health and spirits.

Thank you for including me in Mary Ann’s ‘last earthly journey.” Although it was a very difficult day, it was a day filled with many fond memories of friends and times at St. Mary’s. Those were special times thanks to people like Ed McBride. I am sure that the happiness that Mary Ann brought you was a key ingredient.

Thanks again and please feel free to call if you ever require assistance from any of your players.

Regards,

Kevin

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From Elizabeth Boyd (Former Headmistress of Our Lady of Schools)

Your wife’s love is still with you. Mary Ann died in your arms, and her arms will embrace you in heaven. May Our Lady, Mother of Holy Hope and everlasting love, who knows the same pain of separation, intercede for you.

________________________________________

From Yetta Withrow (Former student of Edward McBride)

In referral to the latter’s reference in the obituary of Mary Ann’s “kindest heart,” the kindest hearts we never forget.

________________________________________

From Hazel McNab (Widow of Dr. James McNab)

I was shocked and saddened to read of your wife’s passing since it was only recently we spoke in the emergency department. You spoke so eloquently of her and I know these must be the saddest days of your life –so hard to deal with. I do understand your pain and send my warmest thoughts. (this card which depicted a woman leaning over a fence, reminded me of someone reaching from the other side.

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Epitaah:

“Deus est caritas”

“God is Love”

On earth for sixty nine years, eight months and thirteen days, Mary Ann McBride has projected that love to us.

In heaven for eternity, Mary Ann McBride – without end- will