It is with profound sadness we announce the passing on January 12, 2021, of our beloved sister Mary Elizabeth (Donald) Calamai in her 77th year at the Juravinski Hospital. She was cared for by brother Rick and sister Patsy and the wonderful caring staff at the hospital especially Nathan, Shawnee, Joy, Natalie, Lauren and Dr. Raza. Mary was an avid world traveler having lived in London, Nairobi, Washington D.C., Vancouver and Ottawa as she accompanied her husband Peter at his various postings with Southam News. In later years they delighted in travelling together with a group of friends from University affectionately referred to as “The Dorking Dozen”. Mary moved to Stratford with Peter in 2016 to spend their retirement, closer to friends and the theatre that they loved. She was an avid Theater goer who actively fostered the same love in her many young nieces and nephews, treating them and their parents to an annual trip to the Stratford Festival since 1996. Mary was a collector of many things, with a special interest in beautiful fabrics, china and ephemera. She loved good food especially when accompanied by close friends and family, and a glass of white wine. Mary enjoyed spending time at the family cottage and was able to enjoy one last summer there in 2020. Mary is predeceased by her husband Peter Calamai, her parents Lt. Col. H. L. (Bud) and Frances Donald, her nephew Alex and her brother-in-law Doug McArthur. She is survived by her siblings Margaret McArthur, Jim Donald, Joe Donald (Sherree), Sue Rooney (Jim), Patsy Donald (Kevin McTiernan), Mike Donald (Mary Ann) and Rick Donald (Rose). She is also survived by brother in laws Michael Calamai and Paul Calamai (Kathy Sharpe). She will be missed dearly by her many nieces and nephews, Keith McArthur (Laura Williams), Liane Netherton, Fiona McArthur (Andrew Popov), Jennifer Cote (Jacob), Joe Rooney (Carly Howard), Stephanie McArthur, Jessica Donald (Mark Carolan), Christine Armstrong (Jeff), Tim Donald (Kirsty), Steve Donald (Marcy), Jenna Donald, Ashley Donald (Lee Pelham), Patrick Donald (Chelsea) and Christopher Donald. Mary also loved spending time with her great nieces and nephews, Lauryn, Josh and Izzy Cote, Samantha Netherton, Connor and Bryson McArthur, Neva and Meara Popov, Nicholas and Madeline Armstrong, Matthew Donald and Madison Donald. She will also be remembered by her Calamai nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mary leaves behind a close group of friends, many of whom she has known for nearly six decades. There will be a Memorial Mass and Celebration of life at a later date. In lieu flowers the family asks for donations to the Cure GRIN Foundation.
Canadian donors get tax receipt through partnership with University of Toronto:donate.utoronto.ca/give/show/552
US / International donors: curegrinfoundation.salsalabs.org/fundraising/index.html
About GRIN Disorder:
curegrin.org/what-is-grin-disorder/
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Calamai Mary nee Donald Jan 14 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Dundas, Province: Ontario