SCHMÖCKEL, Mary (nee KELLY) - June 18, 1934 – April 16, 2022
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mary was the eldest of three children born to Margaret and Henry (Harry) Kelly.
She immigrated to Canada in 1962, where she met and married Helmut, the love of her life.
Growing up in Belfast during the war years, children in Mary's neighbourhood, which stood perilously close to a munitions factory, were often told to be good or else the Germans would get them, and she liked to say that one of them finally did.
She set up a cozy home for them in Scarborough, where they happily remained for more than 55 years.
She was a dedicated volunteer, canvassing for many years with the Canadian Cancer Society, and helping out as "Snowy Owl" in her neighbourhood's local Brownie unit.
Though she left her homeland, it never left her. Ireland, and the family, neighbours, and streetscapes she grew up with, made regular appearances in day-to-day conversation. Her accent was described by some as "mid-Atlantic" but you could hear the Belfast loud and clear when she got mad.
She was smart, principled, fierce, funny, and had the best phone voice you ever heard.
Mary was predeceased by her grandmother Mary, father Harry, mother Margaret, husband Helmut, and brother Anthony.
She is survived by her daughter Wanda, sister Isobel, sister-in-law Marie, best buddy Celine, son-in-law Mark, and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. She lived a very good life and would be cheered to know how much she is missed. Bye, love.
Thank you for everything.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local homeless shelter.
A Funeral Mass and Memorial will be held in late May.
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