Mary passed away peacefully at Mount Saint Mary Hospital, Victoria, BC, on September 7, 2020 after a dignified battle with Alzheimer’s.
Mary was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, November 13, 1926, to the late Jobe Tanus and Lily (Khattar) Abbass. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years Malcolm, her infant son Gerard, born 1960, her brothers Joseph, Ferris, George, Rev. Francis and John, and her sister Philomena Hanna. She is survived by her daughters Honora Johannesen (Sigurd) of Victoria, Lillian Szpak (Robert) of Langford, BC, Ann-Marie (Alisa Palmer) of Montreal, her son John-Hugh (Mary Johnston) of Orillia, ON, and nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, as well as brothers Tony of Moncton, NB, and Cyril (Susan) of Toronto, and sisters Annie Hashem, Katherine Huskey and Simone Abbass, all of Sydney NS. Also left to mourn are her many cherished nieces and nephews and relatives.
Mary was a vibrant, lively and creative go-getter with boundless energy who drew others with her radiant empathy, sincerity and joie de vivre. Raised in a large, hard-working Lebanese family on Cape Breton Island during the Great Depression and Second World War, she overcame challenges to become a Registered Nurse at New Waterford General Hospital and a uniformed member of the Red Cross. It was at the dances in Glace Bay that she met her future husband Malcolm, with whom she shared a storybook life filled with love, romance, adventure, world travel and a burgeoning family, accompanying him on RCAF postings to Edmonton, Baden-Baden Germany, Centralia, ON, Hamilton and Kingston, before settling in Ottawa for over 40 years and eventually resettling in Victoria.
Mary was a devoted Catholic who lent her considerable energies to organizing and supporting parishes wherever she lived, including erecting two new churches, and she remained a tour-de-force in the Catholic Women’s League most of her adult life. She worked as an OR nurse at several hospitals during her career, practised private palliative care, and served more than 20 years as the public health nurse at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation head office where she was cherished and respected for her open door and sincere counsel. She was also active in politics, helping organize successful federal and provincial Liberal campaigns, and together with Malcolm served meals at the Shepherds of Good Hope soup kitchen in Ottawa.
A gracious “hostess with the mostest” who loved cooking, entertaining, reading tea leaves, playing Bridge and Tarbish, singing and dancing, her exuberance spilled over into everything she did and she was sought after for her counsel and support. She made everyone who confided in her feel special, loved and capable of achieving anything. Mary’s greatest treasure was her husband and their ever-expanding family. Our beautiful Mum and Sitdy instilled in her children, grand and great-grandchildren a sense of limitless potential, plucky resilience, can-do energy and that each was loved thoroughly.
The family wishes to thank the Sisters of St. Ann and the staff of Mount Saint Mary Hospital for their unfailing medical and spiritual care, kindness and love, and Louisa Peters, Mary’s faithful and devoted Companion.
A Private Funeral Mass was held at St Patrick’s Church, Victoria on Friday, September 11, 2020.
Interment to be announced, at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Mount Saint Mary Hospital, 861 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 5A9. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
28 Responses
So sad to receive the news of Mary’s passing. I have such fond memories of many shared times in our lives. I spent a wonderful week with her as a young girl looking for work in Ottawa and I have always remembered her love, warmth and kindness. Another fond memory is when she sang “My best to you” at my wedding. Mary was fun, full of love and joy and will be greatly missed.
Sending my love to all of you,
Cousin Stephanie
Mary will be remembered by many in the Catholic Women’s League. She made friends all over the country while attending National Conventions. One vivid memory of ours is sharing a lobster dinner in Charlottetown. Lots of fun!
Our deepest sympathy to all Mary’s family. God bless, Edith & Dick Mockler.
Dearest Ann-Marie, Alisa, Isabel, Lora, and your families, with whom I’ve shared some very special and spirited occasions,
Those tender words you shared about your dear mom made me laugh, cry, sigh and want to dance exuberantly, all at once. That’s the kind of energy she inspired and has passed along through all of you.
My heart goes out to you as you walk through the grieving time. Love, Randi
Honora and family,
I remember being inspired by your mother – and knocking on doors to support her liberal party work! Her commitment to community and family were evident in how you lived your life here in Blackburn Hamlet. Thinking of you,
Mary was a wonderful lady and a great friend, our condolences to the family, wish we lived closer, Mary,Mac, Elie and I spent many happy evening in Ottawa playing cards.
Elie and Elaine Thimot,
Honora , Lillian, Ann-Marie , John -Hugh and all your families.
So sorry to read of your mom’s passing.I remember her well as a beautiful , joyful woman with a most delightful laugh. What a lovely tribute to her and I know her spirit lives on in each of you.
I was so sorry to read of Mary’s passing after living a long and wonderful life. I was so happy to meet Mary again, after many years, at several CWL functions! She was a warm presence who made me feel like she had been my friend all my life. Extended family was so important to Mary!
On behalf of my husband, John, I offer heartfelt sympathy to Mary’s immediate family, siblings and all who loved her.
Sent with Love,
Janet (Abbass) McCarthy
My gosh Mary lived a full and wonderful life and loved her family so much. I remember having a girls pj party in Victoria at cousin Lillians and another time celebrating Mary’s birthday. So much fun and laughter. Mary was the life of the party. She will certainly be missed but has left so many memories and love on those she touched throughout her life.
Sincere condolences to the entire family.
I am sure your Mom revisited the wonderful, full life experiences she was so fortunate to enjoy, as present day happening eluded her. sounds like she was well loved by so many. Sorry to hear of her passing. From this moment on you will all enjoy her ever lasting warm embrace and the sparkle of her loving smile! your Mom will be with each of you always and forever. My hugs and thoughts go out to all those left here. Extra thought of love to Anne Marie, Alisa, Isabel and Laura.
What a fantastic life she had! It certainly seems that not a minute was wasted, she seems to have left some wonderful memories for her family . Thoughts and prayers go to all those who will miss her terribly.
Much love
Bunny (UK)