Mary Patricia (McMullin) McGuigan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dearly loved mother, Mary Patricia (Pat) McGuigan (née McMullin), who left us on December 5, 2025, at the remarkable age of 95. Pre-deceased by her beloved husband James Timothy, she is the cherished mother of Bryan (deceased) (Vickie Tidwell), Glenn (Maureen Grennan), John (Anita Legler), and Lynn; the adored grandmother of Shaun (Kendall Olsen-Maier), Brendan, Matthew (Erin Craig), Michael (Erin Fuller), and Alyssa (Kevin Ferrara); and precious great-grandmother of Violet, Ava, and Madison. Also left to mourn are dearly loved nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Her world was torn apart with the unexpected loss of her first-born son, Bryan, twenty years ago. We find great comfort knowing she is now reunited with him and our beloved father. We are also comforted knowing she is reunited with her parents, siblings, and the many relatives and friends who went before her.

Born on January 26, 1930 to James Parnell McMullin and Mary Ann McMullin (née Dewar), she brought joy to all who knew her—a joy that never wavered even in her final moments on earth. Legend has it she was “vaccinated with a gramophone needle at birth,” because she began singing soon after and never stopped. Her joy and her music were nurtured through her father, a gifted vocalist, mother, an outstanding pianist and her four older siblings, Margaret, Frank, Arlene (Edward (Ted) Golbourn) and William (Bill) (Kathleen (Kay) Shea).

As a teenager, she became a regular soloist at St. Raphael’s Church in Outremont and guest soloist at St. Michael’s Church in Mile End. It was at St. Michael’s, one Christmas Eve, that her beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night” caught the attention of a young James Timothy McGuigan. They were soon married, and together built a family filled with joy, love, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion.

She joined the St. Aloysius Choir once her children were grown, marking the start of a new chapter publicly sharing her gift of music. Her voice graced weddings, funerals, ecumenical celebrations, talent shows and brought comfort and joy to nursing home sing-alongs. She cultivated deep friendships through St. Aloysius and several other choirs, including those at St. Brendan’s and St. Boniface.

We are profoundly grateful to all who nurtured and celebrated her radiant spirit, helping her light shine ever brighter. Her life is a testament to the power of joy, love, and music. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to comfort and inspire her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

We wish to extend our heart-felt thanks to all who have shared their condolences. Our sincere gratitude to Father Paul Pomkoski of St. Brendan’s Parish for his friendship, support and the spiritual guidance he provided to us and to our mother over the years, especially these last few weeks.

Every Christmas with our mother was filled with magic and joy. To help bring that magic and joy to those who may not have enough and to honor her many years of devotion to St. Brendan’s, we kindly ask that donations be made to St. Brendan’s Christmas Campaign in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made online at www.stbrendansparish.com/donations (look for “Christmas Food Drive” or the “Christmas "Adopt-A-Child" Gift Campaign”).

A funeral service will be held at St. Brendan’s on a to-be-determined date in the new year.

She has our eternal love and gratitude for the very special way she touched and continues to touch our lives.