It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of Mary Kirwan at Health Sciences North in Sudbury on Monday, February 27, 2023 at the age of 81 following a brief illness. Loving wife of John J. Kirwan, mother of son Brent Kirwan (Cassie) of Ottawa, and daughter Paula Jorgensen (Curtis) of Aurora. Adoring grandmother of Andrew, Lara, and Kate Jorgensen.
Mary was born in Sudbury in 1942 and grew up in the Donovan neighborhood as the daughter of August and Barbara Pintur (both predeceased) and treasured sister of older brother Joseph Pintur (Joan). She was known as Auntie Mary to many cherished nephews and nieces to which she always took great interest in their lives and special milestones.
She was a graduate of Sudbury Tech, where she was a cheerleader and went on to work for Ritari Travel and Insurance. Many of the friendships formed in those years began a lifetime of shared memories and empathy with those she knew and loved over many decades.
Mary wedded John in 1965 and became the proud parents of Brent and Paula. Those that knew Mary learned she loved to dance, to spend time with her friends and family, and keeping fit at the gym. Perpetually active, she filled every moment…never slowing down, selflessly devoted to helping others. Mary was also fond of spending time watching her grandchildren at their many sporting events and enjoying a swim at the family camp on the French River. She was known to be tubing behind the boat in her 70s, and even skating at Kivi Park on her 80th birthday…such was her enthusiasm for life.
In her retirement years she and John discovered the joys of travelling to sun and sand, as well as a visit to Europe where she was able to visit her parent’s village in Croatia.
Mary served tirelessly for the Meals on Wheels program, with over 20 years of service and an award for Volunteer of the Year. She was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, and of the Catholic Women's League. Mary had great and deep affection for her family, many friends, a result of a life well spent with love, laughter and joy. She will be dearly missed by so many.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Sandra Cameron and the caring and compassionate staff at HSN 6 South.
In lieu of flowers donations to Health Sciences North would be appreciated.
Memorial Mass at the St. Andrew The Apostle Church (1250 Barrydowne Road, Sudbury) on Saturday March 4th, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Friends may gather at the church hall at 10:00 AM prior to the Memorial Mass.
The funeral livestream will also be available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdPrqE9x5ORSRZrZU9W7W3Q
Interment to be held a later date.
John, Paula and Brent. I was saddened and shocked to hear of Mary’s passing. I’ve known the Pintur family, Mary and Joey since the 50’s in the Donovan. Throughout the years our families reconnected through teaching with John and going to fitness classes for years with Mary. Our daughters Paula and Julie are still close friends since elementary school. Mary was always a friendly, caring and upbeat person. You and your family will miss her but remember her by sharing stories and memories of her that will help comfort you as you continue to feel her loss and absence in your life.
Sending you love and sympathy.
March 3, 2023
Our deepest condolences on the passing of our dear Mary. I have fond memories of our fun times playing badminton with you John and Mary. Mary was such an enthusiastic lady and fun to chat with. She will be dearly missed by you John and your family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
March 3, 2023
Our deepest condolences to you John and family. I cherish all the good times we had playing badminton with you and Mary. Mary was such an enthusiastic lady and a joy to chat with.
She will be dearly missed.
March 3, 2023
John, Brent, Paula and families.
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. My parents (Nick and Anne Bratina ) were friends of her parents when they came from Croatia and with Mary from her childhood. Our families were all members of the famous Donovan area. As l grew older, l knew Mary as my kolo teacher alongside Ann Halovanic. She was always smiling and full of enthusiasm.
Accept my sincere condolences and may all your memories made together help you through this difficult time and all the days ahead.
Angie Prskalo
March 2, 2023
Dear Paula, Curtis and kids, Sending our thoughts and sympathies to all of you on the very sad loss of your dear Mom. We hope you can find strength in one another and the wonderful memories of family times spent together over all of the years. Sincerely, Joanne and Simon
March 2, 2023
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing! And we just touched bases again after many years – remember our fond badminton days and all the fun we had! Will contact you when we get home! Prayers and thoughts are with you!
March 2, 2023
A wonderful vivacious “young” lady. Will be missed.
March 2, 2023
Dear Paula & Brent:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have good memories of your lovely mom from Sudbury days.
Wishing you all the best as you, your Dad and families celebrate her well-lived life.
March 1, 2023
My condolences to John and family. Mary will greatly be missed by her family and friends.
My prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Gloria Henderson
March 1, 2023
To John and Family……I was so saddened to hear of Mary’s Passing. I have fond memories of her as one of our neighbours on Westmount Ave and as a fellow parishioner at St. Andrews. Sending my deepest condolences and keeping you in my prayers.
March 1, 2023
John our very deepest condolences on the loss of your wife Mary, always so sad to for all who knew Mary, she always took time when she saw us to ask how we were and our family. May Mary rest in peace, our prayers are with you John and family.
March 1, 2023
John and Family
So sorry to learn of Mary’s death. Mary was a true lady and someone I loved meeting to chat. Our Sun chats after mass were always my pleasure. Mary was so pleasant and cheerful. She will be sadly missed. I send my most sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Joe
March 1, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all Mary’s family and friends. Mary and John are neighbors and friends with my sister and her husband. That is how many in our family came to know Mary. It’s hard to put into words what a great soul she had, always on the go, a wonderful sense of humour. We shared many laughs with Mary. She will be greatly missed. As my sister Dene said “God must have needed a very special Angel!”
March 1, 2023
Our most sincere condolences to you, John, Paula, Curtis and kids. She was a very special woman, who loved and cherished her time with all of you. I will miss her smile and the laughs we shared (mostly at the expense of our husbands). I hope you can all find peace in the memories you share with her. Hugs to you all.
March 1, 2023