MARY HERRIOT (O'SULLIVAN)

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MARY HERRIOT (nee O'SULLIVAN) Mary Loretto O'Sullivan made her debut into this world in Winnipeg on August 22, 1924, the sixth of seven children born to Nellie and John O'Sullivan. There is no doubt she was born an actress. Although her roles were limited to school productions, those who knew her might agree she could add a splash of comedy (and drama, occasionally) to almost any situation. Even during the last few years, our drama queen' could make people around her laugh out loud at her quick-witted, usually right on the mark, comments. If you were thinking it, she would probably say it! After attending St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Academy (Commercial), mom went to work at Winnipeg Electric and the Wheat Board. It was through her boss at the Wheat Board that she was introduced to a young soldier from St. Vital who had returned home from the Second World War, Bob Herriot. Mary and Bob were married at St. Mary's Cathedral on August 12, 1950. Like so many young couples of their time, they lived in a downtown Winnipeg apartment where they made what would become a wonderful, lifelong friendship with Shirley. They were blessed with four children who survive them daughters, Barbara (Ted Miller); Nancy (Carmine Militano); Mary Elizabeth (Brian Deane) and son, Robert (Sergio Quibus) and four loving grandchildren, Anthony, Kaitlyn and Danny Militano, and Kacey Deane. Once married, mom stayed at home to raise her children but enjoyed many activities through her involvement with the Mothers' Guild at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. It was here that she met her good friend and partner-in-crime, Jackie. As well as many antics while out driving around the city, this duo, could also be seen stopping at the side of the road so that mom could talk to some poor soul and give them a few dollars. Mary Herriot was a generous person. Perhaps because her family was so poor when she was growing up, she had a special place in her heart for anyone she thought was in need. On October 14, 2008, Mary died peacefully on 3West at Deer Lodge Centre with all her family close by. The actress in her gone with just the unconditional love remaining, she left us quietly with a simple last breath. Mom's last two years had been made so much more comfortable because of the amazing care she received from all who surrounded her the incredible people on 3West who cared for mom in such a gentle, loving manner and treated her with such dignity. She quickly became one of the family there. Whether flying up and down the hall in her wheelchair with her little Size 5's going a mile a minute or giving someone a piece of her mind, her presence was made known. Even at her height of 5 feet, Mary Herriot was truly larger than life. Heaven will be a sparkier place with all the O'Sullivans there now, but Bob will be smiling again. Mom was predeceased by our father, Bob in 2001 and by her siblings, Jewel O'Sullivan, Helen Johnston, Patricia O'Sullivan, John O'Sullivan, James O'Sullivan, Fabian O'Sullivan (in infancy); and niece, Cathy Newsome. She is survived by her in-laws, Bernice Flood, Alexandra Herriot, and Paul Herriot (Frances); and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass was celebrated in Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, October 16, 2008 but all are invited to attend the Memorial Service being held for Mary on Monday, November 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Worship Centre, second floor of the Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue. Interment to follow at a later. Special thanks to Fr. Mark Tarrant and Reverend Aubrey Hemminger for ministering to mom in the last two years and to Fr. Sam Argenziano for giving her a beautiful send-off. SERENITY PRAYER God, Grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, And the Wisdom to know the difference.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2008