Mary Alverna Hendrick

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.