Obituary of Mary Catherine Smith

Mary, age 89,  passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025 following a brief illness.  We are happy Mary is resting in the arms of Jesus and is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband William Francis (“Bill”) who predeceased her in August 2005; and her cherished daughters Geraldine (August 1962 – March 2023) and Frances (July 1967 – February 1976).  She is also predeceased by her parents Mary (nee McKenna) and Michael Sheridan; and by her brothers Eugene, Michael and Anthony.

Mary was born in Newry, Northern Ireland on December 15, 1935 and became an SCRN (State Registered Childrens Nurse) in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1958.  She then moved to London, England where she again specialized in paediatric nursing at the Royal Whittington Hospital.  Mary met Bill – a man ahead of his time – as he was a male nurse,  who hailed from Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Mary married Bill in London, England on August 22, 1959.   In 1961 they immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario where Mary was thrilled to continue her paediatric nursing career at Chedoke Hospital. 

In 1973 the family moved to Kitchener, Ontario.  Here Mary began her second career in retail management.  Mary worked at Eaton’s Department Stores in Kitchener and Guelph, Ontario from 1973 – 1999.  Mary then worked at the St. Jacobs Antique Market in St. Jacobs, Ontario from 2002 until her retirement in 2009.

Mary’s faith was extremely important to her and she was an esteemed parishioner at St. Louis Catholic Church in Waterloo from 1973 until her passing.  She was a proud 58 year member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and served as President of the League from 1986 – 1988.   Mary also led the St. Louis Bible Study Ministry for many years and was often a reader at the Ecumenical World Day of Prayer. 

Mary created many deep and special lifelong friendships through her careers; her Church (in particular, the CWL); her neighbours and within the Irish community in both Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo.   Mary’s friendship, faith, youthfulness, intelligence, wit and sense of humour will be sorely missed by many. 

All are welcome to join us for Mary’s Funeral Mass which will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church (53 Allen Street East, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1J3) on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00am.  Fr. Phil Reilly, CR will be Celebrant.  Reception in the Parish Hall immediately following Mass.  In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will be held at a later date. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam / May her Soul Rest in Peace