Marie T. Whelan
June 11, 1927 to May 3, 2023
Obituary
Surrounded by her children, and leaving them with a lifetime of happy memories, Marie Whelan passed peacefully away on May 3, 2023.
Predeceased by: her parents, Leonard and Rita (Bates) Hayes; her parents-in-law, Captain John and Marcella (Burke) Whelan; her husband, Dr. Patrick Joseph Whelan; her brother Rev. John L. Hayes; her sister, Sr. Elizabeth (Betty) Hayes; her brother Most Rev James M. Hayes, Archbishop Emeritus of Halifax; brothers-in-law, Rev. John Whelan, George Whelan, and Dr. Ronald F. Whelan; and sisters-in-law, Agnes Greene and Mary Rockwell.
Left with loving memories are sons Timothy (Mary Louise), Patrick (Annette Sue), John L. (Susan Hickey), James (Kathryn), and Daniel (Lingli Ma), and her daughter Mary Rideout (Arthur). Also left to mourn are nineteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty-Lou Whelan, special niece, Marcy Greene (David Feder), and a large circle of family and friends.
Marie was a loving and dedicated mother who, following the death of her husband in 1970, raised her family as a single parent. She returned to school at the age of 50 and obtained a Bachelor of Education Diploma from Memorial University after which she worked as a teacher-librarian in the St. John’s Roman Catholic School Board for 11 years. Her resilience, dedication to her children, the wise counsel she provided them over the years, and the faithful and selfless way in which she conducted her life have provided them with an example of how they should conduct themselves in their roles as parents, people of faith and as contributing members of society. Marie’s children, her grandchildren, and now her great grandchildren are an enduring testament to her legacy.
Marie held strong to her faith and served as a dedicated member of the Basilica Parish. Over the years, she was a member of the parish’s Liturgy Committee, Environment Committee, and RCIA Team. Marie was also a volunteer at the Emmaus House Food Bank and was a dedicated minister of Holy Communion to the sick.
Marie and her family are very grateful to all the staff of The Residence at Littledale where Marie resided for the last 2 years and received exemplary medical and spiritual care in the beautiful warm community.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Emmaus House food bank.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, May 7 from 2PM – 9PM with a vigil service to begin at 8:30PM.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM NST and will be live steamed at thebasilica.net
Schedule
Visitations
2 - 9 PM on May 7, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Monday May 8th
Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Mary and family,
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. I have many fond memories of your mom during our many visits to Bonaventure ! Sending healing thoughts and hugs!
John and Family,
You have our sincere condolences.
Fred and Judy Lee
To all the Whelans,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother – a most incredible woman and role model. She blessed so many with her empathy, generosity, insight, and great sense of humour. Most especially, we will all remember her infectious heartfelt laugh. Marie, and you, welcomed me into your family and home, and my med school experience was so much richer for the Sunday dinners and special events spent sharing great discussions over wonderful meals at the Whelans! Heaven will be a brighter place now that Marie is there. Our sincere condolences, love, Anne (Duffie) and Neil (Chamandy)
To The Whelan Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother. May your memories of her give you comfort during this difficult time .
My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Deepest sympathy,
Sandra Goff
I am sorry to learn about the passing of your mother, Danny. Mrs. Whelan was a mighty woman. May she rest in peace.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
All my beloved Whelan’s and Rideouts,
Marie was a lodestar in my life from my earliest memory..She was so beautiful in every aspect of that word..Her killer sense of humour and of the ridiculous,could entertain everyone from toddlers to Cardinals. Her kindness like her cookery was legendary.
In later years sitting in the back porch at Herring Cove with her,Sister Betty,and my aunt Joan listening and laughing. as they debated all topics under the sun was simply a joy .You her wonderful family ,the treasures of her life were so lucky to have had her for so long.I simply loved her and was so lucky to have had her in my life.The heavenly reunion must be spectacular.
All my love,
Mary C.
John, sue and all the Whelan family . Your mother Marie Was a privilege to know and her passing is a sad moment for you and all her wide circle of friends . Please accept our heart felt sympathy . . From all the Moyes family..
Whelan Family
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother,. Live each day in her memory and reflect on the joy she brought to you all.
Regards
Andrew Munn
John, Sue, and Brigid,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you from all of your Northcliffe Drama family
Mary, Jim & families,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.
John and all who knew and loved this obviously amazing woman:
Cyril and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you all.
Her legacy is beautiful: What an amazing contribution to humanity she has made, by her own deeds and by the family she has left behind.
May God give eternal rest to her soul; may He also comfort you in your loss.
Mary, Art, Jim, Kathy and the Whalen family
We are so very sad to hear that you have lost your dear mother. What a beautiful legacy she has left us all in her wonderful children and grandchildren. Thinking of you all and sending you our love and heartfelt sympathy at this sad time.
love, Frank and Elizabeth
To my old next-door-neighbours The Whelans: Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother – always in my mind as “Mrs. Whelan” with fond memories of popping into your house, downstairs in the TV room or upstairs in the kitchen, stealing carrots from the garden, playing Red Rover in the back yard! Your mother led an incredible life of Grace and Resilience. My prayers are with you all. Take good care – Walter
To the Whelan Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom – a beautiful lady, dedicated Parishoner of the Basilica – a life well lived.
God Bless All,
Lucia Gray
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mrs. Whelan. She was a truly wonderful lady.
Sincerely Leslie (Horan) Galway
John, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. May you, Sue, Bridget and all your family find comfort and solace in her life so well lived. May she rest in peace.
Dear Mary and family.
Shall be offering mass for you Mom today as you bid her a final farewell.
I was remembering that it’s over 40 yrs ago that I was appointed to the Basilica and meet her there.for all these years she was been a constant support by her prayers and care.
I think it was during those years dhe because a eucharistic minister and was part of the first liturgical committee with Sr Asumpta and Jack Fardy .
I have great memories of those days and the many lovely meals we had at your home.
I thought of the scripture quote from the canticle of Simeon” at last all powerful Master you give leave to your servant to go in peace accordingly to your promise…
May your Mom rest in eternal peace.
Your are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 today .
With you in spirit .
Fr Gary ..
To all the Whelan family;
Our sincere condolences on Marie’s passing. We were saddened to hear of your loss and yet we are all so fortunate to have had her as a part of our lives too. I am so blessed to be among the many “Ne’er do wells” that she invited into your home and to share in the warmth and love and laughter that your family embodies. Sunday night suppers at the Whelan’s house is probably the only thing that sustained me through med school! She has had such a positive influence on the lives of so many people and the legacy that she has created will never be forgotten.
Sending you love and the laughter of fond memories.
“The Frenchie family”
Marie was a great friend to all the Walsh family, and especially to Mom (Carmel )and Aunt Marie (Brennan). We are blessed to have witnessed the friendship and support for one another of Marie and the other “Women of Jerusalem” over a lifetime, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. The faith, love and friendship of these women lit the path for all of us. The only fitting response is gratitude. From all the Walshes to all the Whelans, we send our condolences and deep thanks for sharing your mother with us.
To the Whelan family
My deep and sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Mother and Grandmother. I had weekly chats with your lovely Mom, as she sat in my chair, having her hair done, for many, many years. Her love of family was evident in all our conversations, wether it was about a family dinner, a music recital, time with grandchildren or the many trips to Nova Scotia. She was always cheerful, with a beautiful smile and very kind, and I always looked forward to our time together.
Prayers to you all for the days and weeks ahead.
Sandra Jones
Mary and family,
My condolences to you with the loss of your mother and grandmother..
May you be comforted with many beautiful memories.
Jim, Kathy and the Whelan family, Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. She leaves a wonderful legacy that lives vibrantly in her large family.. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Bill, Heather, and family
An incredible lady has passed.
Intelligence, grace , humility, and a generous smile and laugh.
She will be greatly missed,, but leaves a wonderful legacy
Heather Daly
Mary and family
Sending our condolences at the loss of your dear mother. May your many memories bring you peace at this sad time.
Anne and Ford Bursey
Timmy, Patty, Johnny, Mary, Jimmy, Danny and families. Sincere condolences on Marie’s passing. She had such an incredible impact on so many lives throughout her remarkable lifetime. She was the matriarch of a large and extended family who achieved so much (and will continue to do so) from the wisdom she possessed and shared so graciously. There are so many indelible memories that we will all cherish including the famous 2 am “dinners” at 10 Bon after Christmas Eve midnight mass every year 🙂 And of course her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. We will remember her in our hearts and souls today, tomorrow and forever!
Dave (G) O’Neil
To Mary, Art and Maria , Jim and the Whelan Family, Condolences on your loss. Marie had a well lived and productive life . Always cheery , with a smile for everyone. A joy to talk with as she supported and watched with pride many concerts and events of her grandchildren. My parents Dave and Daphne Parsons were great friends of Marie and Pat and marvelled how she raised your large family . They had great memories of the swim group in the 1970’s including Marie and your Uncle Ron. . Our thoughts are with you Take Care Ean and Jane Parsons
Our condolences to all the family on the loss of your Mom.
She was a wondeful person, always so kind, and I recall many happy times at 10 Bonaventure when I was a kid.
Bonny and David Power
Midland, TX
To the Whalen Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Family and Friends of Marie,
You have lost a valiant woman, a woman of faith, hope and love. May your precious memories sustain you as you mourn the loss of the one you loved so well.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth (Betty Rae) Lee, pbvm
Jim, Mary and families,
My deepest sympathies on your great loss. I didn’t know your mom, but Uncle Ron would often speak highly of her when he visited mom and dad. Blessings to you all during this sad time.
John and family,
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful woman. I had the pleasure and privilege of serving many years on the Basilica Liturgy Committee with her. Very fond memories. Unfortunately, I will not be home in time to attend her funeral. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace.
Marcy and family;
So sorry for your loss.
Kind regards
Colleen Hanrahan & John G. Abbott
Mary, siblings and families
So sorry for the loss of your mother. She was an amazing and inspirational woman. Produced and raised a fine family on her own. Just a wonderful person!
Treasure the memories.
Sincere condolences from Karen, the kids, and I.
My deepest sympathy to the Whelan family on the passing of a wonderland lady! Marie was the librarian at Prius X Boys when I was Principal!. She was a gracious kind and wonderful presence in the school. I remember her cheerful smile ! A very gracious lady!
She was indeed a woman of faith and gentle determination ! My sympathy.
Brother Sean Whitty cfc
John and family , please accept our heartfelt condolences
Tim & Judy Chalker
On behalf of Archbishop Dunn and the Archdiocese of Halifax, I would like to express our sincere sympathy and condolences to Marie’s family.. Her siblings: Archbishop Hayes , Father Jack Hayes and Sister Betty all were faithful servants here in the Archdiocese of Halifax
Marie was called to married life and raised a wonderful family and was very much a servant of the Church. The Whalen family spent many summers here in Halifax in the old Hayes homestead and she will be fondly remembered by the older priests of Halifax and the people of Herring Cove
Be assured that she will be remembered at many Masses here in Halifax.
+Archbishop Emeritus, Martin Currie
Condolences to you Mary and all your families, thinking of you all at this hard time, I will greatly miss seeing Marie around and her charming smile and witty comments.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother. She brought much joy and happiness to our mother through their steadfast friendship over many decades. Our family has always held Mrs. Whelan in the highest regard and know how much you will miss her. May she rest in peace.
Mary and Art, Kathy and Jim and families,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your much loved Mom. What an extraordinary life whose foundation was built on family and faith. And to you, Mary, who always took such gentle loving care of your Mom. I will say a special prayer for strength and comfort in the days ahead. May she now rest in peace reunited with your Dad.
Mary and family, I am so saddened to hear of your moms passing. She was always so sweet and kind. I will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.
Dear Tim, Paddy, Mary, Johnny, Timmy and Danny and her extended family;
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of our dear Mom and Grandmother. She embodied every characteristic of a devoted mother and grandmother, proud of all your accomplishments , an ardent supporter all through your formative years and throughout. Truly a pillar of strength and love.. Her characteristic traits were instilled by strong family ties to her Halifax roots and fortified by her deep spirituality and a sense of serving the needs of others. She had a strong and ardent Faith.
Marie was always a charming person, had a welcoming smile, and was always delightful company. Over the years she has been a loyal friend, never forgetting to keep us informed on all the “goings on’ of all of you.
Marie will be missed greatly. We can all be most thankful for her wonderful life and the legacy she has passed to all of us.
Rest peacefully dear lady and true friend.
Bernie and Annette
My deepest condolences to all the family. You are on my heart and in my prayers at this time and I hope you will take comfort in knowing that others share your loss.. All my love.
Peggy(Byrne) Sheppard
Cormack, NL
Mary Whelan was a giant of a Beautiful Person who assumed prematurely the heavy mantle of rearing , on her own , six highly accomplished and successful Children. She had to overcome deep loss and face pressuring high demand to remain calm, assured, efficient and productive yet with caring and kindness, steeped in deep religious faith and her own solid personal strength.. We admired and respected her so much!. She will be missed forever!
My deepest condolences to the family on the passing of a dear old friend.
Mary and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences as you celebrate the life of your beautiful mother and grandmother. Her tribute is a reminder to anyone who reads it that family, faith, and a charitable spirit are the greatest of aspirations, so wonderfully exemplified throughout her life.
To all the Whelan family,
Sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother/ grandmother. She was a wonderful and strong woman, raising you all for some many years on her own.. yet she seemed to enjoy life to the fullest.
Sorry that we are away at the moment , and unable to express our condolences in person.
Heather Hickman and John Brattey
To the Whalen Family,
Your Mom was a wonderful sincere lady whose example and strength is a guide to us all in raising our own families. She will be missed but you have joy of so many wonderful memories over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy and Rhonda Williams and Family..
Danny & Whelan family – our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Your Mother is an inspiration in so many ways. We will remember her in admiration. Family, friends and faith will see you through and allow focus on a life so courageously, generously and well lived. God Bless Mrs. Whelan.
Marie was a beautiful person and so very loved by all of her family. With our deepest sympathy, Danny and Michele
A dear friend to our family whose kindness and generosity will not be soon forgotten. I’ll always remember her wonderful laugh and great sense of fun as well as the many delicious meals and times we were fortunate to share together. It is comforting to know that these qualities are alive and well in her loving family and I hope that they can take comfort from this now and in the future. Love to all. Paul
Mary and family,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all and sending a hug.
Dear Mary and all the others in the Whelan family,
I would need to go back to the obituary to be sure I included all the names. It has been a while since I have seen any of you. I still picture you as youngsters when your Uncle was pastor in Bridgewater. I enjoyed spending time with your mother in Halifax from time to time. She had such energy and grace. My sympathy and prayers for all. love, Joan
Mary, Art and Whalen family, our deepest sympathies! I know your Moms spirit is alive and well in all of you and your children. Every smile will remind you of her beautiful smile and love. Love from Lucy and Jim
To Jimmy, Mary, Danny and the entire Whelan family Brett and I send our love and sympathy in the passing of your Mother.
Mrs. Whelan’s life is one to be honoured and celebrated for sure. What an impressive woman to have raised such a strong family. She was certainly an example of resilience that you all live up to as Whelan’s. We wish we could be there to attend her service as I’m sure it will be a wonderful tribute. Take comfort in her memory and each other.