Obituary of Mrs. Mary Plese
Mother always said that when she dies, she doesn’t want her picture in the notice. Brother Mike said, “But mom, those are the only ones I read!” She did like this picture though, taken last year with her much loved cup of coffee.
Mary was born on February 2, 1922 in Delnice, Croatia. Daughter of John (1955) and Rose (1995) Maynerick. She died after over 100 eventful years on August 10, 2022 at the Houses of Providence.
Predeceased by husband Steve (1974) son Michael (2013) and brother Edward (1983), she is survived by brother John, son Ronald, daughters-in-law Margaret, Donna and Cathy, grandchildren Andrew (Leona), Christopher and Martina (Kevin McGuffin), great grandsons, Ryan and Justin and many nieces and nephews.
The Maynerick family moved to Port Colborne Ontario in 1929. Mom went to high school there and married her beloved Steve in 1946. In the late 40s, they moved to Toronto and through hard work and perseverance, were able to buy a house near Parliament and Bloor. In 1958 they used their equity to buy a lovely house on Oakdene Crescent in Toronto’s east end. Many happy years ensued until Steve died of cancer in 1974.
Mom had to start working again and got her driver’s licence for the first time. She sold Oakdene and she and her mother shared a bungalow around the corner. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. When Rose developed Alzheimer’s disease in the early 90s, Mom took care of her as long as she could. Grandma Rose spent her last two years at the original Providence and Mom would visit her every day. Her next move was to her condo on Park Vista in East York where she met many new friends and became a part of an active social scene. She enjoyed lots of line dancing, euchre games and parties where she became the chief birthday cake baker. Mom’s move to the St. Clair/O’Connor Community was also a positive experience. She lived there for four years still appreciating her independence, until her short-term memory began to decline. Even with the memory loss in her later years, Mom still enjoyed her life. At the Houses of Providence, she thought every meal was delicious and loved the regular musical concerts and activities. Her urge to always be walking was a challenge for the staff, but they watched her diligently and though Mom did fall occasionally, she would always fall “gracefully” and rarely got hurt. Staff will no doubt miss seeing Mary in her seat of honour by the staff desk, where they could keep an eye on her and she in turn could watch all of the fascinating activity around the dining room.
Our family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Houses of Providence whose care enriched and prolonged her life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Houses of Providence or the charity of your choice.
