Obituary of Mary Leona McGuirk

OBITUARY – MARY LEONA MCGUIRK

 

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Leona McGuirk, at Beach Grove Home, Charlottetown, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. During the last weeks of mom’s life, she was surrounded by those who knew and loved her, either in person or via video chat. Mom was raised in Donagh, Prince Edward Island, but also lived in Dromore, Peakes, and Charlottetown, where she had many good neighbours and friends. Family was most important in Mom’s life. Mom did without for many years, while raising the 11 of us. She would not spend one cent on herself, as any money she had, went to opportunities for her children. She was a good mother. She rejoiced in our happiness and was a steadfast supporter in our times of sorrow. Mom also thought the world of her sons and daughters-in-law, and they felt the same towards her. She made them feel at home from the moment she met them. Mom always signed her cards and letters to us with the three letters, MMG for Mom, Mary, Granny. It became our pet name for her, and she loved this term of endearment. In 1989, when all her children had left home, Mom moved to Charlottetown, where she enrolled in a back-to-work program at Holland College. After completing this program, she was able to acquire a position with Zellers. She treasured the years she worked there and took great pride in serving customers with care and courtesy. Throughout this period, while visiting Mom at her apartment in Charlottetown, it was always a pleasure to see the joy she took in laying out her clothes for work and her Zeller’s blue vest and nametag. These were important years of independence for her. Mom delighted in the births of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and followed their life achievements, rejoicing with delight. During one of our family gatherings, a grandchild remarked, while looking around the room, that all these people gathered over food and fun were here because of this one strong and special woman, MMG. Everyone who knew mom, will confirm that she enjoyed a good cup of King Cole Tea. Even during her last week, when alert, she would ask for a cup of tea. Family members and staff at Beach Grove Home got a kick out of this and mom’s often declared statement, “I love my tea!” Mom will be remembered through the generations, especially at Christmastime, as her family carries on her beloved tradition of making Christmas donuts.

 

Mom will be forever missed by her sons, Frank, Mervin (Kelli), Brian (Sheila), Ken (Cindy); daughters, Leona McCarthy, Diane (Harold MacPhail), Arlene vanDiepen (Johnny), Bonita Moore (Gary), Sharon, Paula McGuirk-Lemay (Mike), Laurie McBride (Johnny), 27  grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandchildren, Michael and Michelle vanDiepen (in infancy), Erin and Avery McGuirk (in infancy), Joshua vanDiepen, and Ashlee McGuirk, and her half sister, Patricia Coleman. She was also predeceased by her former spouse.

 

Resting at the Hillsboro Funeral Home, 2 Hollis Avenue, Stratford. PE, from where a visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel immediately following at 10:30. Interment at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, 110 St. Peters Rd., Charlottetown, PE. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of PEI, if so desired.

 

A good mother is one of the greatest gifts a child can have. We were blessed to have such a gift.