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Mary Dorice Donnelly

1937 - 2021

Mary Dorice Donnelly obituary, 1937-2021, Toronto, ON

BORN

1937

DIED

2021

Mary Donnelly Obituary

MARY DORICE DONNELLY (nee Copeland) January 5, 1937 - July 26, 2021 Our mother passed away peacefully with Jim, her ever loving husband, at her side. Mary succumbed to Lewy body dementia after years of a very fierce, Mary-like struggle. Born to Doris and Richard Copeland as an only child, she leaves husband James Arthur Donnelly, children David (Margaret), Caroline Hammond (Dale), James (Monique) and Stephen (Shelley), and grandchildren Kathleen, Alison, Jamie, Elijah, Emma, Rachel, Finn, Kristen (Matt) and great-grandchild Ronan. Mary's wonderful, full life story can be told in these chapters: spectacular wife, supportive mother, dedicated educator, inveterate world traveller and finally, clothes horse. As a wife, Mary inspired and challenged her infatuated husband. She was beautiful, ambitious, a vocal feminist, and a consummate host. Going on 62 years of marriage, Mary and Jim spent fewer than 10 days apart. Mother to four rebellious children, leader of trips across continents, Mary instilled a keen sense of public duty and adventure in all her children, for which we are eternally grateful. Mary loved being a kindergarten teacher, social studies consultant, and finally Vice-Principal. She obtained her Master's degree at night, taught during the day, and took all manner of courses and classes to improve herself. Friends made at the Toronto Board of Education were a constant whirl of dinner parties, ski trips and adventures. Travel dominated Mary's 25-plus retirement years, taking her husband and friends all over the world. Growing up in Leslieville, Mary dreamed of a life of travel while pulling shifts hulling strawberries for local supermarkets. She was admired for wearing white gloves to dances, when really, she was hiding the red juice stains on her hands. A special thanks to Lisa and all the caregivers who helped dad care for mom these past years. Cremation to take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Our parents' enduring love affair started with John Donne poetry, 'Here take my picture; though I bid farewell/Thine, in my heart, where my soul dwells, shall dwell.'

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jul. 31 to Aug. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Donnelly

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12 Entries

Arlene Noble

September 29, 2021

Mary and I were colleagues in the Social Studies Department. Her creativity, energy, support, sense of fun and professionalism made her a valued member of the department. We all loved working with her.
Jim and family, you are in my thoughts.
Arlene Noble

Sarah Harmer

August 31, 2021

This is a wonderful tribute to a special person. It was always a pleasure to be in Mary's company. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Doug Cameron

August 12, 2021

Jim, David, Caroline, Jamie, Stephen, and families. We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. The Donnelly family and Whitefriars Drive are synonymous with family, friends and community. Jim, you and Mary may have started as the youngest family on the street those many years ago, but you were the foundation of friendships and example for many.

We remember Mary for her civic duty and drive to help others. As an educator, while we never saw her direct contributions, we could see her commitment and gifts in everything she did. She was a beautiful person and half of a special couple our family knew for 56 years!

We were so very pleased and thankful that we were able to visit with you Jim and Mary a couple of years ago back home on Whitefriars.

We wish all of you our condolences and sincerest wishes as you remember and celebrate the life of a wonderful friend and neighbour of the Cameron family.

Colin, Joyce, Doug and Caryl (Brunet) Cameron

Nora McKay

August 10, 2021

I have such fond memories of Mary when she was a VP at Bedford Park School. I will always remember the kindness that she showed toward me.
She definitely set the standard for dress code..a 'clothes horse'..Yes!! I loved the beautiful 'autumn' colours that she wore!
My condolences to the family.

Ron Raphael

August 4, 2021

Our families were back fence neighbors with the Donnellys for many years. The children played together and we even had an opening in our cedar hedge so they had easy access to both back yards. Mary was a respected educator and devoted her career to education. At our recent family Zoom meeting we recalled many anecdotes of events the two families shared. A great person, mother and professional. Our condolences to Jim and the family. Ron Raphael

Terry Byram

August 3, 2021

So sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was an intelligent, lively, woman with a great sense of humour. Back in the day Sheila and I had many good times with Mary and Jim.
Condolences to Jim and family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Marg McKnight and Marg Evans

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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Denisa Mertiri

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Oksana Deacon

August 1, 2021

Mary was a gracious lady. So kind and caring. Her infectious smile and keen wit brought laughter into the room.
She will be missed.

Jane Callahan ( Balmer )

July 31, 2021

Oh Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you often, and cherish our chapter together so very many years ago

Mary Rishworth

July 31, 2021

Sending our condolences to you all at this time and remembering when we were neighbours on Whitefriars Dr.
Mary Rishworth and Family

Ann Crysdale

July 31, 2021

Dear Jim -- Please accept my condolences on behalf of my late Mom and Dad -- and me! I remember you two SOOO well when we were "kids" on the block at the TBE. Much love, Ann

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