Mary Josephine McGruer (nee Friel)

January 8, 1931 to January 21, 2020

Obituary

Josie McGruer passed peacefully away with family at her side at home in Mono, Ontario on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Josie was a devoted wife, mom, grammy, great grammy and friend. She has joined her husband, Alex McGruer II on the Eternal Shore and is deeply missed by Alex III (Cecilia Farewell), Daureen (Ron Murphy), Andrea (Rick Fitzgerald); grandchildren, Nora, Robin, Sandy, Ben, Sullivan, Heather, Ryan, Kate and Evan and great grandbabies; Carter and Boden and many friends. Josie was predeceased by brothers Charlie, John, James and Hugh and baby Anna. Josie and Alex came to Canada from Scotland in 1967 with their two children and quickly claimed Newfoundland as their heart’s home and welcomed their third child. Josie was a long-time volunteer at the Hoyles-Escasoni Complex and was involved with her church and faith community. She found great joy in hosting and attending ecumenical bible studies and retreats. Indeed, her tea buns were a feature at these gatherings and were ever after known as ‘Josie’s Holy Buns.’ Josie was an artist and seamstress.  She was a tenacious defender of the marginalized and attributed her fearlessness to growing up with four brothers during war blitz days in Clydebank, Scotland. In her sixties Josie was faced with the loss of her sight.  She gracefully surrendered her drivers license fearing she might hurt someone. She became an ambassador for the CNIB and found new ways to manage life and remain independent. Even in her later struggle with dementia her faith guided and strengthened her and those around her. Her gifts of hospitality tenacity, determination, faith, and grace will be remembered and cherished by those who loved her.  Her mantra, “What’s for ye won’t get by ye,” carries on with her family.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 9:30 am at St Pius X Church, Smithville Crescent, St John’s. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In keeping with Covid protocols please inform us if you plan to attend, drmurphy3@sympatico.ca or call Daureen at 519-215-1280.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Pius X Church, Development and Peace or the Newfoundland Pony Society.

To send a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com.

 

Schedule

funeral

9:30am, Thursday July 29th

St. Pius X Church, Smithville Cres.


Condolences

Leave a Condolence

Your email address will not be published.


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Alex and Cecilia, be assured of my sympathy and best wishes to you and all your family as you continue to mourn your Mother’s death and now celebrate her long and good life. Noel

Alex/Cecilia and families our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Amen Mrs. McGruer.

Alex and Family we are sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your Family. May she RIP.

Alex and family,
My sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother.
I was not aware this happened in January .
Your mother had a full life-well lived.
Hope you are well.
Ann Chafe

To Alex McGruer III and Cecilia, and the rest of the McGruer family, sincere condolences.

She was a lady I thought of dearly I call her mother Out of respect Because her and her family I was connected to And how I loved her long Chats especially when I rebuilt her deck On the back of her house . She gave me as good as I gave And turned and laughed at me , Her eyesight might have Failed her But she never lost her hearing She always knew when it was Me heckling Her As she walked down Elizabeth Avenue on our way to church She would act like she was pissed At me for calling At her on the street But then she would give you that big Josie smile. I always think Of her and her family as I drive by their Alld house and the good times we had In the house. You will be Missed mother Thank you for your love and kindness.

Alex and Families…….our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time as you share stories and celebrate your mother’s life. Hugs to you all.

Ray and Bev Gaudet

Alex , family and friends my deepest condolences on your loss.

My condolences. People as nice as this lady are rare to find. Always a nice smile and something good to say.

Wayne O’Toole

Josie was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever been privileged to know. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.. Due to my own health issues I will not be able to attend the funeral but I will keep your family in prayer..
Marian Shea-Ivey

Alex and family ..our sincere condolences on your mom’s passing..Sounds as though your mom had an enriched life! Bill and Trish Dodd