Mary Alverna Hendrick

1924 – 2019

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Alverna Hendrick, recently of Ottawa, Ontario and former long-time resident of Old Chelsea, Quebec, announces she passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 28, 2019 at Windsor Park Manor. She was surrounded by several of her children and grandchildren during her brief and sudden illness.

Mary will be missed terribly by her loving family including her six children, Bob Hendrick (Arley, and late Mary Ellen) of Kemptville, ON, Catherine Revells (late Mike) of Nepean, ON, Janice O’Connor (late Joe) of Wainwright, AB, Dianne Hendrick of Ottawa, Tom Hendrick (Jennifer) of Calgary, AB, and Jim Hendrick (Angie) of Henderson, Nevada; 12 grandchildren: Scott (Karina), Shannon (Tim), Erin, Breanna, Todd, Susan, David (Amy), Noreen (Kevin), Laura Lynn (Robert), Jason (Sarah), Elizabeth, and Georges Henri (Lily); and 12 great-grandchildren: Quinn, Reagan, Aidan, Meah, Ryley, Connor, Aidan, Hope, William, Cameron, Andrew, and Sienna.

A beloved daughter and sister, Mary was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Mary Ann Morris; six brothers, Leo, Edmund, Ernie, John, Martin, Gerald and Gorman Morris; and her sister Christina (Rita) Diotte. She is survived by dear sister-in-law Elva Morris.

Mary Morris was born in Wakefield, Quebec in 1924, one of eight children born into a large farm family. Mary and Connor Hendrick, her beloved husband of 50 years, were married in 1946. The Hendricks settled into farm life in the Old Chelsea area, raising six children and becoming an important part of the community. Driving through the area now, you will see streets named after Mary and other family members. During her years on the farm, Mary worked hard to take care of her husband, children, and extended family. She also later worked for Stats Canada in Ottawa for a number of years. She enjoyed travelling for site seeing and pilgrimages to various parts of Canada and Europe, especially Ireland.

In the mid-eighties Mary and Connor moved to Alberta. Connor passed away in 1996, and in 2009, Mary moved back to Ottawa to be closer to more family. She made her home in Windsor Park Manor where she enjoyed several years living independently, winning far too often at Bingo and more than her share of crib games right up until her final days. She cherished her visits with family who will always remember her beaming smile, wonderful sense of humour, and strong Catholic faith. Her strength was reflected in the many serious health challenges she faced and overcame, living a long and full life. Mary entered into eternal rest at home thanks to the gentle and compassionate care of Dr. Farey and the wonderful staff at Windsor Park Manor.

Visitation will be held at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road (near Bank Street), Ottawa, on Monday, February 4, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 685 Walkley Road (near Riverside), Ottawa, on Tuesday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Joe officiating and a reception to follow downstairs. Cremation will follow with a spring burial in Old Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary Hendrick’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Good Morning.

I am Catherine ,Mary’s eldest daughter

Welcome to the celebration of the long life of our mother

Mary Morris Hendrick

Aug 22, 1924 to Jan.28, 2019

On behalf of Bob, Janice, Dianne, Tom and Jim[who could not be here but is with us in spirit } along with Mom’s daughters- in-law Arlie and Jenn, and her 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, I thank you for joining us today as we bid good-bye to Mary our Mother

Mary Alverna Morris, [my how she hated that Alverna part —and she had to use it as there were other Mary Hendricks as well].

Mom had a very busy and fulfilling life right into her 95th year.

Mom was from UP the Gatineau

daughter of Thomas Morris and Mary Ann O’Rourke with 6 brothers-

Leo, Jack or Johnny as we called him, Edmund ,Ernie, Martin and Gorman and one sister Christina whom everyone called “Rita".

When Mom finished her secretarial courses at 16 she sneaked away to Ottawa to work but Grandpa Morris came right down and took her home for another year.

Her second attempt was successful , working and safely living with relatives, she went on to meet and later marry our father- Connor Hendrick.

[He too had a different name too- John Connor- but I don’t recall mom ever

referring to him as JC]

She settled into farm life with Connor and Grandpa Hendrick- her rather bossy father-in-law- .

Mom said she was used to living with 6 brothers so she didn’t take much lip from anyone including Grandpa. Along came the kids her six children.

Later when the were in school or high school Mom began working at Taxation in Tunney’s Pasture .

When health issues arose it was time to retire and then off to live in Innisfill, then Crossfield and Airdrie, AB.

Why Out west? because when the kids grew up —Mom and Dad ran away.

Dad had fallen in love with the West during the war. Being the youngest of 13 in wartime he had to stay back and help on the farms so he went to Saskatchewan - and fell in love with the land .

-but his plans had to change when his Father told him to return to Old Chelsea and take over the farm .

In those days children- no matter what age- did what they were told or else.

Dad was determined to return and someday live there . The opportunity came when farm property was expropriated for highway 105.

Mom and Dad moved West. and they both loved the Calgary Countryside.

By the way some of their kids followed them .

Bob, Tom, and Janice lived out West and there kids are real westerners.

Bob and Mary Ellen moved back east but Scott returned and like my daughter Susan and granddaughter Meah, live in Calgary too. Must be the Air.

About 10 years ago Mom’s poor health brought her back East , this time to Ontario,

She lived with me for a while but needed more assistance. Mom graciously accepted the move into Windsor Park Manor on Hunt Club Rd.

It was lovely and new, she had the perfect room so she could find her way around on her own her backyard patio was inviting and well used. She loved having visitors and made new friends.

And it was only 10 minutes from me, a bit more for Dianne and Bob so we visited often.

Our mother was made of wisdom and laughter and cribbage,

Strengths and weaknesses like us all

And sometimes I thought she ran on only 2 speeds- Mad and Glad.

But you got the job done, didn’t you Mom.

Loved by Connor ,

They faced all life’s challenges

Nurtured by that OLD FASHIONED love that endures all

Life had stifled Mom’s dreams too.

In those days, after the war, when smart young women got married, they had to quit their job.

[ No career for you young lady]

AND SETTLE To become the little housewife and mother,

A heavy task for our INTELLIGENT , CLEVER and independent Mom,

who ALREADY had lost her big dream of being a teacher-

‘No money’ said her Father.

Under her guidance we become mature, capable , independent adults.

She insisted we have a good education ,

so OUR life choices could not be controlled by others.

Our Mom was a good Mom-

Strict but loving- I remember her chasing Bob with a broom- I think he was trying out a new word- something that started with “F”

But hey -that just makes memories—

Mom was Not one prone to fussing and “spoiling ” kids[not much danger of that happening].

I heard more than once

” Make yourself useful instead of ornamental”

Mom instilled our Catholic faith to become our guide and foundation ,

And our little knees can attest to that from nightly saying the rosary and then a LITANY too.

And we still pray the rosary as big kids Mom, so it worked.

How did this lovely 100%Irish lady Mary, married to

this 100% Irish man, Connor-,

-[both with spirited and strong personalities,]

overcome life’s ups and downs-

WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER

LOVE of God first and foremost- even though we were late for Sunday mass at St. Stephens in Old Chelsea every week.

Love of FAMILY- her parents whom we visited in Low regularly, her siblings and countless nieces and nephews along with Dad’s family of 13 and oodles of relatives there too-so we had lots of visitors and family reunions.

We benefited from her talents too

Grandma was known for her incredible knitting skills so plenty of sweaters and mitts and whatever needed appeared for big and small alike.

Dad used to say-“boy if it was me there’s be a whole lot of knots in it”

She also was a great cook, and her cream biscuits always in demand. Mom made birthdays feel special with homemade decorated cake, gifts and maybe a card. However she had a real knack of loosing cards.

Christmas came with the tree inside only on Christmas Eve and midnight mass and presents for all.

Christmas dinner and Sunday dinners were special for all the family and guests- expected or not. Put on another plate.

She kept the fires burning LITERALLY during the cold winter months stoking that wood furnace in the basement.

She made clothes on her Singer treadle sewing machine and introduced me to my love of sewing.

She took courses was a talented in drawing and arts and crafts and she loved her crossword puzzles.

Mom also loved to travel and went to Europe, England and Ireland being her favourite. And of course pilgrimages to Notre Dame de Cape and St. Anne’s and Saint Joseph Oratory. She had a deep devotion to St.Ann

But the other part of her IRISHNESS besides LOVE- Was LAUGHTER

We cannot imagine Mary without her laughter and gorgeous smile. Mom was shy about her smile until the last few years and then she let it go and glowed.

She could find laughter in most situations - —-well eventually anyway,

And any good Irishman knows a wake cannot be complete without reminiscing on the laughs shared with our departed love ones,

So today Mom we add Laughter and smiles to our tribute to you, celebrating you life as we say good-bye.

———As some of you know Mom —had been restless lately to get her wings.

She really thought she had a good chance before Christmas but thankfully she was wrong

and it gave us the time to really enjoy our last Christmas together

plus we have been blessed to have a happy month added too.

We had more of her comments, smiles and laughter , her prayers and her love. And -oh yes- and more cribbage games.

But at 94 it is a reasonable desire to want to be home with her Saviour and Lord.

Her prayers have been answered and only God knows how many Morris’, Hendrick’s and neighbours and friends joined Connor welcoming her at St. Peter’s gate.

Mom, our Love goes with you,

and memories will sustain and sooth us as we love through our grief and loss,

and WITH our faith in A LOVING GOD AND ETERNITY,

we send you forth Mary- our Mom- Grandma- Great-grandma, aunt, cousin, neighbour and friend,

With a tear and a prayer and a smile we will remember you.

So Mom , good-bye.

Fly home with the angels- your wings are ready And TINGED with GREEN I’m sure.

We love you and thank you - our newest angel - and Oh,yes,

I have it on good authority that in Heaven there’s a Cribbage board with your name on it . Keep winning Mom.

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Alverna Hendrick, recently of Ottawa, Ontario and former long-time resident of Old Chelsea, Quebec, announces she passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 28, 2019 at Windsor Park Manor. She was surrounded by several of her children and grandchildren during her brief and sudden illness.

Mary will be missed terribly by her loving family including her six children, Bob Hendrick (Arley, and late Mary Ellen) of Kemptville, ON, Catherine Revells (late Mike) of Nepean, ON, Janice O’Connor (late Joe) of Wainwright, AB, Dianne Hendrick of Ottawa, Tom Hendrick (Jennifer) of Calgary, AB, and Jim Hendrick (Angie) of Henderson, Nevada; 12 grandchildren: Scott (Karina), Shannon (Tim), Erin, Breanna, Todd, Susan, David (Amy), Noreen (Kevin), Laura Lynn (Robert), Jason (Sarah), Elizabeth, and Georges Henri (Lily); and 12 great-grandchildren: Quinn, Reagan, Aidan, Meah, Ryley, Connor, Aidan, Hope, William, Cameron, Andrew, and Sienna.

A beloved daughter and sister, Mary was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Mary Ann Morris; brothers, Leo, Edmund, Ernie, John, Martin, Gerald and Gorman Morris; and her sister Christina (Rita) Diotte. She is survived by dear sister-in-law Elva Morris.

Mary Morris was born in Wakefield, Quebec in 1924, one of eight children born into a large farm family. Mary and Connor Hendrick, her beloved husband of 50 years, were married in 1946. The Hendricks settled into farm life in the Old Chelsea area, raising six children and becoming an important part of the community. Driving through the area now, you will see streets named after Mary and other family members. During her years on the farm, Mary worked hard to take care of her husband, children, and extended family. She also later worked for Stats Canada in Ottawa for a number of years. She enjoyed travelling for site seeing and pilgrimages to various parts of Canada and Europe, especially Ireland.

In the mid-eighties Mary and Connor moved to Alberta. Connor passed away in 1996, and in 2009, Mary moved back to Ottawa to be closer to more family. She made her home in Windsor Park Manor where she enjoyed several years living independently, winning far too often at Bingo and more than her share of crib games right up until her final days. She cherished her visits with family who will always remember her beaming smile, wonderful sense of humour, and strong Catholic faith. Her strength was reflected in the many serious health challenges she faced and overcame, living a long and full life. Mary entered into eternal rest at home thanks to the gentle and compassionate care of Dr. Farey and the wonderful staff at Windsor Park Manor.

Visitation will be held at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road (near Bank Street), Ottawa, on Monday, February 4, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 685 Walkley Road (near Riverside), Ottawa, on Tuesday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Joe officiating and a reception to follow downstairs. Cremation will follow with a spring burial in Old Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary Hendrick’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation.