Mary-Eileen McClear Obituary

Mary-Eileen McClear, born 30 December 1948, died 10 April 2021; she was predeceased by her brother Tom; she is survived by her husband Ted Derry, her children Brendan and Julia, and granddaughter Allegra. Also survived by her sister Sheila, sister-in-law Rebecca, nieces Sheila and Elisabeth, daughter-in-law Bethany, son-in-law Dan, and many loving relatives on Ted's side of the family. Mary-Eileen was the third child of Gerald and Gertrude (Kearney) McClear of Owosso, Michigan. After graduating with a Master's Degree in Library Science from Western Michigan University in 1971, Mary emigrated to Canada. It was here she began her professional career, specializing in children's services in St. Catharines and later with the Midwestern Library System in K/W. After marrying and moving to Baden, Mary and husband Ted were blessed with their first child, Brendan; shortly afterwards, Mary-Eileen set out on her own as a professional storyteller, a role she was born to play, one she pursued with passion, imagination, and excellence. By the time daughter Julia came along, Mary was well established as a storyteller of international renown. Creator, performer, editor and writer, she was also teacher and mentor to legions who admired and respected her. Family, home, community, and her beautiful gardens were the cornerstones of her life. She was an insatiable reader with interests broad and varied. All who knew her will remember her warm smile, her kindness and generosity, her compassion, her wisdom. She lived her life with grace and dignity; so too did she die, in peace and contentment, surrounded by her devoted family in her home of over forty years. The world took note at the moment of her passing - daffodils and tulips bloomed, a rainbow painted the evening sky, a cupid weathervane spun on its axis. Mary-Eileen saw the best in each of us; she was the best of all of us. In keeping with Mary-Eileen's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Canadian Red Cross, or the Storytellers of Canada. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg. Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca

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Published by Waterloo Region Record on Apr. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary-Eileen McClear

Sponsored by Mark Jutzi Funeral Home Ltd. New Hamburg Chapel.

6 Entries

Heather Whaley

May 12, 2021

As a fellow storyteller, I know that everyone here in Southern Ontario and beyond admired and loved Mary-Eileen. So many of us visited her story barn and had invitations to tell at the Schneider Museum in Kitchener for her festivals. Her departure is sad and difficult to accept. Treasured memories always, and my deepest condolences to her family and close friends.

Rae and Barbara Crossman

May 4, 2021

We were saddened to hear of Mary-Eileen’s passing. As a storyteller, she crafted language, gesture, eye-contact, and breath into narrative spells. She focused our attention. Brought us to realizations. Extended our understanding. Taught us the value of story. And with her emphasis on encouragement and sharing, she welcomed us and so many others into the storytelling community. We offer our condolences and respect. Our thoughts are with you.

Jinni Hartmann

April 23, 2021

My deepest condolences to you Julia, Ted and Brendan. Mary-Eileen's light and spirit were infectious. I loved the days she spent at Schneider Haus with us, holding visitors captive with her amazing stories. And I can't thank her enough for bringing you, Julia, into our lives for a summer at Castle Kilbride. You have all the brightest parts of your mother in you, Julia. Her spirit and joy will live on through her family. So many of us will miss this amazing woman and share in your sadness.

Maureen Plomske

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Kathleen Bowman

April 22, 2021

I had the pleasure of hearing Mary Eileen tell a story before I had my first child. She changed my world. I went on to have four children, work with seniors in the community and in LTC, and she gave me more of a passion for telling the story then just reading a book to someone! Her story telling came alive. We could hear the flowers bloom, the light switch click, and the sheets rustling, she was just that magical. The world, as has your family, has lost a beautiful soul who could touch us all. I will be praying for peace and healing for your family.

Erick & Ruth Traplin

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Memorial Events
for Mary-Eileen McClear

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Mark Jutzi Funeral Home Ltd.

291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, ON N0B 2G0