PLUNKETT, Mary Anna (nee STRAUSS) Plunkett  - Mary of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully, at home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at age 83, after a long battle with COPD.

Mary was born on April 23, 1941, in Vulcan, Alberta. She was one of six children of Felix Strauss and Loretta (nee Kieswetter). Mary grew up on a farm learning many of the skills that would serve her well in a busy life.

Mary aspired to be a nurse and during her first year of training she contracted an illness which ended her nursing career but not her determination to have a fulfilling career.

She moved to Toronto, met her future husband and started a long and prosperous career working for Bell Canada. Over their 60 years of marriage, Mary and John enjoyed many years of creating wonderful memories with friends and family.

They were famous for their "Bell" dinner parties, in which work friends gathered yearly for grand dinner parties spanning over 35 years.

Mary was an active member of St. Gregory's Parish and a longtime volunteer (30+ years) with Dorothy Ley Hospice; fundraising, manicuring their gardens and overseeing and training other garden volunteers.

Mary was a devoted and loving daughter, a dedicated and loving wife, a cherished sister, a wise aunt and a giving friend.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John; brothers, Jim, Jerry and Ralph; and her parents. She is survived by her loving sister, Eilleen; younger brother, Richard; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A sincere thank you to all of the family and friends who showed Mary how much she was loved; to the staff at Right At Home Etobicoke North; and the palliative care professionals at Dorothy Ley Hospice, who supported Mary towards the end.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory's Church, 122 Rathburn Road, Toronto, at 10 a.m., on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Donations in memory of Mary can be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice, Canadian Cancer Foundation or the COPD Foundation.