Mary Verbena McGivney Weinert

She is predeceased by her parents, John Francis and Margaret (McGrorey) McGivney, her younger siblings; Patricia McGivney, John (and wife Sheila), James and Evlyn McGivney-Riley. She is survived by her sister Joan McGivney (Tom Hanes), brother-in-law Austin Riley and her three sons, Michael Robert (Rose-Mary), Brian Francis and Bruce James. Four grandchildren; Leah (Scott Carter), Meghan (Erik Frye), Melanie (John Heymans) and Alex (Lauren) Weinert and four great grandchildren; Nathan, Julia, JJ and Emmerson.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on May 7, 1935, Mary took on the role of big sister to all her siblings. She spent summers on her grandparents’ farm in Arthur, Ontario especially during the war years, helping in the gardening, baking and pickling, three joys she would continue undertaking her entire life right up to assisting in making last year’s Christmas cake and cookies. After high school, Mary trained as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto, graduating in the class of 1956. She spent two decades in Pointe Claire, Quebec, raising her three sons. Mom excelled at being a Cub/Scout den mother, a baseball and swimming mom and of course, cookie specialist at numerous fundraisers. For Mary, her family was the centre of her world. She moved back to Toronto and with her boys grown, she continued her love of helping young people, including assisting with ESL teaching for new immigrant children in local schools and her new role for over 20 years as “Mom” to the St Paschal Baylon Youth Group. Mom’s Catholic faith was strong and a key component in her life. Her dedication to St Paschal Baylon Church included being an active member for over 25 years of the SPB Eucharistic Chapel.

Mom’s health declined over the past 5 years however, while her body weakened and caused limitations, her mind remained sharp, recounting special events over Mom’s long life; nursing through Hurricane Hazel, being an aide to the wife of the Governor General, assisting missionary priests now situated all over the world, her travels in the USA and Italy, Papal audiences and friendships with several Cardinals, and of course for those who knew Mary, her love of Teddy Bears.

Visitation Friday, June 6, 1-4pm and 6-8pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill (905-889-8889). The Requiem Mass (funeral), Saturday, June 7 at 10am at St. Paschal Baylon Church, 92 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Donations to The Shepherds’ Trust and Chalice (Canada).

Requiescat in pace, Mom.