SULLIVAN, Mary Theresa
July 15, 2022 – Cochrane, AB
Mary Theresa Sullivan died, peacefully, in the Bethany – Cochrane, Alberta LTC facility on July 15, 2022, at the age of 91 years.
God gifted Mary the heart of a caregiver. Whether, as an orphaned child, caring for the younger orphaned children, or, as an adult, caring for her ‘adopted’ families, Mary was conscientious and loving.
Although Mary had had numerous suitors, she never married. Instead, she’d developed a close, ever-expanding network of friendships.
Towards that end, an unofficial, inconclusive list of Mary’s surviving “adopted family” members, include:
• Pearl (Merv) Karapinka, and grandchildren Adrian Karapinka and Aaron (Christine) Karapinka
• Neil (Mary) McNeil, John (Diane) McNeil, Cheryl (Brant) Sim, Maury (Cheryl) McNeil and Monty (Sharon) McNeil; grand-daughter-in-law Jessica (Tyson) Colban, grandchildren Tyler Sim, Angela Henkel, Chelsea Sim, Jennifer (Travis) Penner, Bonnie Miguez, Rachel (Trevor) O’Neil, Colin (Megan) McNeil, Jordan (Cearra) McNeil, Rebekah (Travis) Plamondon, Courtney McNeil, Adam McNeil and David McNeil; great-grandchildren Mackenzie (Cadon) Wiebe, Samuel (Madison) Colban, Sadye Henkel, Bradley Henkel, Jacob Colban, Judah O’Neil, Isaiah O’Neil, Noah McNeil, Savannah Penner, Memphis Sim, Bruce Plamondon, Charles Plamondon, Gracie Penner, Marshall McNeil, Elisha O’Neil, Kinsley McNeil and Alice Plamondon; great-great grandchildren Baker Colban, Theodore Wiebe
Similarly, amongst Mary’s numerous, cherished friendships, were:
• Marge Mickasko and family; Walter Pinno and family; Hilda Parfan and family; Elvira Callsen and family; Robert Pinno and family; Lore Bews and family; Faye Zamikowsky and family; Doris Kellington and family; Yvonne Preston and family
Mary spent a period of years at the O’Connell Institute, an orphanage run by the Catholic Women’s League. These were difficult, unhappy years for her and she often commented on how Lola McNeil rescued her from ‘that place’.
Mary developed a competitive spirit that she readily brought forward to numerous card and bingo games, or, the friendly scratch-and-win or raffle ticket opportunities she’d willingly participate in.
Mary loved music, especially, country music! But, oh, her love for animals!! Whether it was a friendly pet, domesticated fowl or livestock, she would fondly address and caress them to try to soothe their spirits. When afforded, she often had the same touch with people.
The interment ceremony is to take place at 10:00 AM, Aug. 20, 2022 at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, AB., Pastor Maury McNeil, officiating.
A memorial celebration of life is scheduled for 11:00 AM at the Castle Downs Baptist Church, 11250-153 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB. with a reception to follow. Again, Pastor Maury McNeil will be officiating.
Condolences can be sent to mcclique@shaw.ca.
The families would like to thank the caregivers, hospital staff and the attending doctors for their care and dedication.
Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of SULLIVAN Mary Theresa 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Cochrane, Province: Alberta