Marie Elizabeth (Langan) O'Malley

Marie is survived by her loving children, Thomas (Heike Wenaus); Elizabeth Ann Cody (Paul); Carolyn (Wayne Jackson); Gregory (Jenine), her grandchildren, Neil, Kimberley and Jeffrey Cody; Ryan and Conor O’Malley; Keelan, Brianna, Jessica, and Zachary O’Malley, and her five great grandchildren, Luke, Alex, and Andi Cody, Dawson Cody, and Lincoln O’Malley as well as many nieces and nephews. Marie is also survived by daughter-in-law, Mary Gorman, as well as her lifelong best friend, Marie Jones.

Marie was the youngest daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Murphy) Langan. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 65 years, Gerald (Gerry); son, Daniel (Danny); and siblings Gerald, Mary, Anna, Jessie, John (Johnny), and William (Bill).

Blessings in life come to us in many ways, but none so precious as loving wife, mother and friend, Marie. Born on Christmas eve, 1932, Marie truly was a gift to her family. Raised in Woodside, Nova Scotia, Marie was an incredibly bright and witty young woman. Starting university at only 15 years old, she was the youngest member of her graduating class at Mount Saint Vincient University. Marie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Secretarial Sciences. Every day for the next 70 years, Marie would wear her graduation ring with great pride. After graduation, Marie went on to teach at the Halifax Regional Vocational School, where she first met Gerry when playing together in the staff bowling league.

Shortly after her and Gerry’s marriage, Marie left the work force to devote herself completely to her family. She was an exceptional mother, instilling core values of kindness, generosity, and service to community in their five children. Once her youngest son was of school age, Marie returned to teach Business Technology, English, and Law for many years at Queen Elizabth High School, all the while supporting her husband’s very active professional career and assuming a lead role on many volunteer boards and committees. Marie served as a member and president of the Catholic Women’s League of Nova Scotia, and Vice President at the national level. She also served on the Board of Governors of Mount Saint Vincent University, the University Alumni Association, as a Board Chair and member at Northwood Manor, and as a member of the Board at the Home of the Guardian Angel.

Marie turned her attention to the broader needs of her community and became an elected representative in the Halifax Municipal Government, subsequently retiring from her career in education. Serving as both alderman and deputy mayor, she listened with genuine interest to her constituents, and worked tirelessly to address their concerns.

Marie always approached life’s challenges in a positive manner, seeing first the good in people and remembering the importance of a keen sense of humor. She taught her children to give generously of themselves and to live up to their true potential. Although incredibly humble, her remarkable intelligence did not go unnoticed. She was an equal partner to her devoted husband, as Gerry so affectionately referred to her as “The Boss”.

Marie spent 45 wonderful summers in Malagash, creating cherished memories with her family at their beloved ocean cottage. Every return trip to the city was marked by a delightful stop at the local ice cream parlour for her favourite grapenut ice cream.

Known for her incredible generosity, Marie found great joy in giving gifts to her loved ones (and particularly in spoiling her grandchildren). Christmas shopping was a special tradition; Marie would scour the mall for hours on end in search of the perfect presents while Gerry napped contently in the car. Marie was also known for her impeccable sense of style, always having the perfect outfit for every occasion. It is rumored that she single-handedly kept Mills Brothers in business for many years.

Marie spent her final years being attentively cared for by her son Tom in his Porters Lake home, where she was entertained endlessly and found great comfort in her furry four-legged friend Stanley.

Visitation will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, on Thursday, August 8th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held at St. Stephen’s Church (formerly Saint Mother Theresa of Kolkata), 6351 Normandy Dr. Halifax on Friday, August 9th at 11:00 am. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - North End (www.ssvphalifax.ca/north-end), a charitable cause held near and dear to mom’s heart for many years.