PRETE, Mary Prete

Passed peacefully away at Baycrest, North York, Ontario, on December 13, 2025, following a brief illness from an aggressive form of cancer.

Mary was born in St John’s, Newfoundland, on August 14, 1955, and was named after her mother. Her middle name, Assumpta, reflects the Catholic Feast of the Assumption, firmly anchoring her naming within the liturgical calendar and making it a coherent and traditional choice in the context of her birth and baptism in August 1955. She devoted forty years of service to Extendicare, where she spent her working life. Mary was married to her husband, Michael Prete, for thirty years, and together they raised their son, Michael William Prete whom she cherished deeply.

She enjoyed travelling from an early age. On her first airplane journey travelling alone, she flew from Toronto to Newfoundland to visit her aunt Kathleen. Although her parents were initially anxious, they were reassured by the non-stop flight and the knowledge that her aunt would meet her at the arrivals gate in St John’s. Owing to engine problems, the aircraft was required to divert to Montreal, where crew and passengers remained overnight before continuing the journey the following day. Mary’s parents only learned of the disruption when her aunt telephoned to ask about her arrival. Mary made the necessary arrangements and completed the journey independently, arriving a day later than planned.

Later in life, she travelled with her close friend, Akemi Kato. Her most memorable journeys were visits to Vancouver and New York City to spend time with her son and her daughter-in-law.

Mary bowled for over thirty-two years, an activity she enjoyed for much of her adult life, and cherished the companionship of her two cats, Marley and Maggie.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael Prete; her parents, William ‘Bill’ Brendan Ennis and Mary Ennis (née Martin); her eldest brother, Paul; her nephew, Ryan; and her very good friend, Akemi Kato.

Leaving to mourn her with fond and loving memories are her devoted son, Michael Prete, and his wife, Kristina Prete (née Barišić); her siblings Bill (Susan), Brian (Christine), George (Bradley), Fabian (Kathleen), and Barbara. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Mary Ennis (née Borg); her close friends Diane and Olive; her many nephews and nieces; and extended family and friends.

The family wish to express their sincere thanks to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Baycrest for the compassionate care provided to Mary in her final days.

A visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1X7, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the charities listed below. The online memorial guest book and leave condolences can be found below.

Mary will be remembered with affection and respect by all who knew her.

Visitation