Obituary of Mary Estelle CONNELLY

May 21, 1955 – September 26, 2011 Life is an exciting journey into which we weave lives together to form one. Our “one” is Mary, our sons Jack and Shea, and myself, Joe Connelly. It is with great sadness that now our “one” is without Mary – having lost her to a three-year battle with cancer which she fought with great dignity and determination. Mary was born and raised in Scarborough, ON, moving to Calgary in 1979. We married on March 8, 1985 and welcomed into our lives two wonderful sons – Jack on February 2, 1990 and Shea on September 14, 1992. Mary’s mother, Betty, lives in Toronto, as does her brother, Jack. Mary is predeceased by her father, John. Mary loved life in every way, but two passions became who she was. First was raising our children into the fine young men they are today. While Jack and Shea were always Mary’s first loves, she found time to spend with many other young children who are mentally challenged and youth at risk. Mary believed all children are equal and all deserve the same chance in life. Mary’s second passion was the great outdoors. An avid runner, Mary won the Peachland Marathon (for her age) and competed in the Boston Marathon with the family cheering her on. In winters, she learned to ski after the age of 40, and in summers, was drawn back to the mountains as an avid hiker. Mary was always the strong, athletic, healthy one in our family – it’s hard to imagine that she was taken so early from us. But then again, with her love of life, of children, and of nature, perhaps there is a more important role for Mary now. We miss her – the house is big and quiet. But the three of us have never been stronger and that was Mary’s gift to us. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We also send our deepest thanks to the staff at Chinook Hospice who cared for Mary and helped us say good-bye. In memory of Mary and her passion for hiking in the mountains, donations can be made to the TransCanada Trail in her name (www.tctrail.ca). For those so inclined, please have Mary’s plaque placed in the Canmore Pavilion so Jack, Shea and I can visit in her favourite place. Joe Connelly, loving husband of Mary and proud father of Jack and Shea. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Mary Connelly, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.