MARY ODIATU

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MARY ODIATU (nee O'BRIEN) April 6, 1924 - July 16, 2016 Peacefully, with her family by her side Mom passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at St. Joseph's Residence, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mom will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her children, her daughter Nkechi (Ophelia) and husband Glenn Cuthbertson; sons Uche and wife Kary, Goziem and wife Karen, Chiedu and wife Carolyn; grandchildren Justus, Elias, Isaias, Kylie, Faustina, Sage, Max, Jolie, Ben and Theo. Mary is survived by her sister Sheila Lynch (Ireland); and numerous beloved nephews and nieces in Canada and Ireland. Mom was preceded by her parents Daniel and Norah O'Brien; her sisters and their spouses Annie, Nora (Sean Tracey) and Patricia (Tim Dowling); brothers Sean (Patsy) and Pat (Annie); brother-in-law Pat Lynch; niece/god child Adrienne Lynch; nephew Tadgh Dowling; her grandchildren Angelica Hope and Jordan Daniel; and Peter Odiatu. Born in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, Mom was the fifth of seven children.Though she moved to England and then Canada in 1971, Ireland always held a special place in her heart. Over the years Mom made many wonderful trips back to visit with family. A strong Catholic faith and quick Irish wit guided Mom in raising her children. One of her joys was attending daily mass at St. Mary's Cathedral. Exercise and eating healthy were important to Mom and she shared that passion with her family. As a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society for many years Mom practised the ancient movements Mom delighted in spending time with her precious grandchildren. She was always ready for a game of ping pong, miniature golf or to simply cuddle up and read a book. Advancing age did not deter Mom's joyful spirit and those she met enjoyed her company. Mom walked with a skip in her step and a welcoming smile that would always warm your heart. Prayers were held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba with Msgr. Stan Jaworski Presider. Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, July 22, 2016 in St. Vital Roman Catholic Church 1629 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba with Rev. Fr. Barry Schoonbaert Presiding. Interment followed at Fort Garry Roman Catholic Cemetery, 826 Crescent Drive Winnipeg, Manitoba and a reception followed in the Parish hall. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring staff at St. Joseph's Residence. In lieu of flowers, a Mass may be said for the repose of her soul or donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 4G2 . Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com "Those we love don't go away they walk beside us every day unseen, unheard but always near still loved, still missed, and very dear"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2016