Very M. Lacey

Passed away peacefully with close family at his side on Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 at Houses of Providence, Toronto, in his 98th year. Bishop Lacey, the last of his family, was predeceased by brothers Fr. Emmett Lacey and Leonard Lacey, and sisters Sr. Mary Lacey IBVM, Eileen Weatherhead, Theresa Lauria, and Rita Lacey. He will be missed by his nieces: Joan Nicholson (Jack), Tone Lauria Douglas (David), Mary Foell (Greg), and nephews: Michael Weatherhead (Eugenia), Emmet Weatherhead (Mary), Wayne Weatherhead (Teresa), Frank Lauria (Sandra), Peter Lauria and Leonard Lacey, as well as great-nieces and nephews, their families and many dear friends.

Pearse Lacey was born in Toronto in 1916. He attended St. Helen's Separate School and St. Michael's College before entering St. Augustine's Seminary in 1936. He was ordained in 1943 in St. Michael's Cathedral by Archbishop James C. McGuigan.

From 1943 to 1957 Father Lacey served in many Toronto parishes including St. Cecilia's, St. Monica's , and St. Pius X. He also served at St. Patricks Parish in Port Colborne. He was a Military Chaplain during WW II, and later Chaplain at St Michael's Hospital. In 1959 he completed building Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in Etobicoke. From 1966-1979 he was Rector of St. Michael's Cathedral. In 1967, he was given the title of Monsignor.

He also served as a separate school board Trustee and was a lead organizer in the development of St. Stephen's Downtown Chapel, which opened in 1977. In 1979, he was consecrated Bishop and appointed Vicar for the western region of the Archdiocese of Toronto as well as Vicar for Priest Personnel. After decades of faithful service, he retired in 1993.

Friends may call on Sunday April 6th, 2 - 4 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m. at R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (south of Steeles Ave.) Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m at Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Ave. (north of Finch). Cardinal Thomas Collins to preside. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.