The family of Mary Loretta Fitzgerald (Pumphrey) is saddened to announce her sudden, but peaceful, passing on Saturday, May 27 at the Health Science Centre, at age 84. Predeceased by her adoring husband Desmond, parents John Isaac and Mary (Fleming) Pumphrey, brother Gerald, sister Monica Benoit, and in-laws Patricia and Len Hughes, Ted and Ruby Fitzgerald, John and Rita Fitzgerald, Marg and Bill Butler. Left to celebrate her life are sons Mark (Cathy) and Christopher (Anne Marie), and daughter Sheila (Mike Romanini); grandchildren Lisa (Don Pierce), Heather (Danny Maddicks), and Christine (John O’Brien) Fitzgerald; Terra (Jocelyne Faubert-Kudoba), Alicia, and Melissa Kudoba; Antonio, Roberto (Tiffany), and Alessandro Romanini; and Isaac and Hayley Fitzgerald; great-grandchildren Hannah, Desmond, Derek, Logan, Emma, Lacey, Rheauna, and Emmett; brothers Ron (Marilyn) and Gerald (Madonna), and sisters Sheila (Frank dec.) Mooney, Anita (Jack dec.) Murphy, and Angela (Ed Houde); in-laws Bill Benoit, Mary “Mame” (Michael “Aiden” dec.) Fitzgerald, and Peter and Marg Fitzgerald; as well as a multitude of much loved nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at 2 South West Pleasant View Towers for their exceptional care and kindness to mom. She lived a full and productive life; rich in faith, family and friends. Following a 35 year teaching career, she expanded her Catholic devotion to minister pastoral care to hospital and correctional institutions. Though these past few years robbed her of her brilliant mind and manner, we will remember her as a strong, giving and independent woman. Friends may visit Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, May 29 from 7-9 pm, and on Tuesday, May 30 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian burial from St. Patrick’s Parish on Wednesday, May 31 at 11 am. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or a charity of your choice.
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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St. Patrick's Parish
My sincere condolences to Mary’s family. As a long standing Senior Usher and Past Chairman of the Parish Finance Council of St. Mary Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Kitchener, Ontario I can attest to the extent of Mary’s work and spiritual impact on our Church at both a parish and personal level. Her encouragement, guidance, and very spiritual presence will always be remembered.
Mark, Chris and Sheila: Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. She was my teacher in both Grade Five and Six at Mercy and I remember her very fondly. I particularly remember her heroic efforts to turn my atrocious handwriting into something legible! She would often share stories of her childhood on Bell Island, always told with great humour and detail. May your memories offer you comfort.
Sorry to hear about Mary’s passing.. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fitzgerald and Pumphrey families at this time.
Helen Gosine
mark, Chris and Sheila, Your Mom was one of my “Limex” friends we took the course together in Waterloo 21 years ago. She was an incredible woman your Mom and a true and vibrant Friend. We will miss her. Just wanted to let you know we are celebrating a memorial prayer service in her honour on Friday evening June 2nd. All of the rest of the Limex grads will miss her sense of humour, her terrific candor, and her many other gifts. Sending you much love from her Kitchener/Waterloo family Ruthann Fisher
Christopher my friend, just managed to get internet connection but I did manage to send you a couple text since learning of your Mom’s passing. SO sorry to hear this but such is life, hand in hand with death. Upon reflection there are many things that come to mind about Mrs. FItz and Pennywell Road where many of us students at the old Fisheries College shared a cup of tea or started our St. PAtrick’s Day celebration but what comes to mind more than any is when my daughter, Megan, was very ill which was the lowest point in our lives. I came to pick you up and your Mom told me that she lit a candle at the Bacillica for her which did not mean a whole lot to a very black heathen Protestant like me but it meant a lot to me, so much that I remember it to this very day and I’m happy to report that my mature daughter is a very healthy, strong and spiritual person. Your Mom was a great lady in every sense of the word. Take care buddy and pass on my very best regards to Shiela and Mark.
Linda and Pete Richards
Dear Mark, Chris, and Sheila,
I met Mary at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario. She was a compassionate volunteer of the Spiritual Care Services. She effectively ministered to many of our patients, volunteers and employees.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, and to offer my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother Mary. As you share your stories of how Mary lived her life and how much she meant, may you find inspiration and strength. I also hope that you will find comfort in the warm memories of the beautiful life that has passed. Throughout this grieving time, may you also know the deep sympathy that is felt for your families and extended families.
Sincerely,
Rev. Cindy Lee
Chaplain, St. Mary’s General Hospital
Chris, sorry to hear about your mom, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Stay strong
Sincere condolences to the Fitzgerald and Humphrey families. Your mother Mrs. Fitzgerald was my Grade 6 teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School, and was one of my favorite teachers. She was the best! I myself, also lived on Pennywell Rd and remember your mother so well walking to school and church. I also taught as an elementary teacher for 30 years in St. John’s and Torbay. Your mother was an inspiration to me, to work hard and be an good role model and make a difference in the world. May she rest in Peace
Mark, Chris and Sheila
It is with a heavy heart that I wish to extend our sincere thoughts to you all and your families. Aunt Mary was a special person who always was so caring and thoughtful to me and my family. When Aunt Mary and Mom came for visits, it was such a great time with lots of late nights and solving all of the worlds problems. She was always the calming voice and she was indeed a very special lady. Her faith and convictions were remarkable and truly a gift for all to follow. May she rest in peace and has now rejoined with the whole crowd in heaven.
by Harold and Shelley Butler
Mark, Sheila, and Chrs and their extended family.
We are thinking of you all, Your mom will be remembered as one of the greatest aunts /friend anyone could ask for. Her love for her family and her faith is one that will stand out for me forever. How blessed we all are to have had such a wonderful person in our lives.My heart is heavy with the loss of such a special aunt. I love you all and God’s love arms hold each of you closely.Mom and dad send their love and have been talking so much about how much they both loved her.Love always .Ann Marie and Bard Uncle Peter and Aunt Marg xxoo
Thinking of you Sheila, Chris, Mark and families today. So sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing. It’s never easy.What a strong and funny lady she was. So many memories growing up and spending a lot of time at the Fitzgerald household trying to stay out of trouble because we all knew that Aunt Mary had super sensory powers and we got away with nothing. Her faith was powerful and I know right now Uncle Des and Ducky are happily together again.
Mark,Chris,and Sheila,
I was so very sad to hear of your mom’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom. The ones that stand out the most are at our kitchen table with my mom. She had such an incredible laugh and warmth. I have always admired her deep faith and devotion to her family. She will be surely missed. My sincerest sympathies to all of you.
Susan and Des Patton
Dear Mary,
I miss you very much, you were a special friend of mine for many years. We were always there to support one another. I miss our talks which were always filled with laughter! I feel in my heart you are going to reunite with Des – what a reunion that will be after so long!
Until we meet again, may God love you!
Love,
Mame
Chris, Mark and Sheila,
Mrs. Fitzgerald was a Force of Nature to be sure and I am very glad to have had the opportunity of being in her company in years past when her character and charm was so bright; Tina and I share with you both the sadness as well as the joy that must be yours now that she has finally found Peace.
Don & Tina Randell and Family
To the family of Mary, I am very sorry for the loss of such a sweet and caring lady. I have not known mary long, but the short time with her I do know how great she was. I looked forward to seeing her daily and talking about children with her, it seemed to be something she cared deeply for. Marys eyes would brighten every time i would ask about her family and their well being. It is a very big shock to me how quickly she went but at ease knowing she is at peace. 2 south west will not be the same without her jokingly ways and her big heart.
Mark, Chris, Sheila,
I was so sad to hear about your mom’s passing. When I think of her, there are so many memories that come to mind. Your mother was the embodiment of a woman who lived her faith. She was a role model to all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was strong and independent and gentle and compassionate. I always enjoyed our time together and especially loved sharing a laugh as she had such a rich sense of humour. I learned a lot from being around your mom and I will always be grateful for that. May the Risen Lord grant her the fullness of eternal life; may the same Risen Lord grant you and your family the consolation, courage and strength needed at this time. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Mary & Alex McCulloch
Mark, Chris, Sheila and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing. I have great memories of her and your father from as far back as my early childhood. She has touched all my family and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
All my love,
Kim, Wayne, Kaitlyn and Christopher Bishop
So sorry to hear about your Mothers passing..
Sincere condolences..
So sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing. She was an amazing woman, I’m so happy she was such an important part of our family. She had a great sense of humour and such devotion to her faith., she influenced so many. She will be missed for sure.
Sincerely, Anita & John Conohan
This morning I sadly recognized that warm, friendly smile of Mary and then immediately went to fond memories of three years I spent as a boarder on 87 Pennywell Road while attending MUN.
My sincerest condolences especially to Mark, Christopher and Shelia and to all of Mary’s family and friends.
This simple bay man Bell Islander was neither content nor happy having to with live in the great metropolis of St. John’s and attending the impersonal and unfriendly Memorial University. Both were made bearable only by the good fortune of living with a wonderful family with strong Bell Island roots. I did not just lodge there; I “lived” there and was warmly subsumed in the family and household. Both Des and Mary were so kind, and friendly and patient. I had to say patient as neither one gave me a hard time when I broke a new window while climbing through it onto the scaffolding!!
Every time I pass by 87 Pennywell Road now, it elicits wonderful thoughts of happiness and gratefulness..
Rest in peace Mary.
Ken Kavanagh
Bell Island.
Sincere condolences to the family on the passing of your mother. I remember Mrs. Fitzgerald very well as I lived three doors down on Pennywell Road (many years ago).