Contributions to the tribute of Mary Catterall

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Monday, December 16, 2024

We take solace in special memories of David's sister Mary. She was born just before David's fifth birthday, the second of his four sisters. When she was brought home, as the family story goes, she was placed on his lap announcing she was his "birthday present". The family often celebrated their birthdays together. Mary introduced David to Connie - married and partners for 60 years. Mary is the mother of our nephews, Doug and Chris , about the same age of our sons, Patrick and Sean. It was our pleasure to watch them grow up as good friends. Returning home to Fort Erie after 38 years perusing our careers, it was a pleasure to be able to spent much more time with Mary, celebrating holidays together and enjoying her hospitality and cooking. David particularly enjoyed her quiche and turkey vegetable soup! She was a proud member and active with the Catholic Women's League, on occasion discussing her activities with us. David was fortunate to spend some time fishing with her and her husband,Jack; or walking with her and her beloved dog along the Niagara. Mary, our prayers go with you! David & Connie

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Michael Sharp uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, December 15, 2024

DOUG and MARY VENATOR SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT Sometimes, if you're very fortunate and blessed, a ship may pass in the night that will leave a lasting, lifelong impression with you of friendship, happiness and love. Doug's ship and my ship passed each other one night many years ago in the spring of 1965. I had travelled from Toronto to Fort Erie in an attempt to “beat the races” at the Fort Erie Race Track. It was of course a foolish idea, but at the time it was my very first adventure outside of Toronto, quitting my job, leaving my parents and all my friends behind, while I took the train to Fort Erie, suitcase in hand and $300 in my pocket, knowing not a single person in Fort Erie. I took a room at the Royal Hotel on a weekly basis and visited the racetrack daily “playing my system” .... there were two days each week when there was no scheduled racing and I was rather at a loss what to do with myself .... I was somewhat talented at playing pool in those days so I decided to find a pool room for a little relaxation and perhaps give me a chance to make a few dollars. Not knowing where the pool rooms were located, I chanced upon one on Jarvis Street, one of the few main streets in Fort Erie – I didn't realize it at the time, but my ship was about to pass another during that night. A young man about my age asked me if I would like to play a game of pool for one dollar a game plus table charges .... I of course did not know this individual .... he had dark wavy hair, wore glasses, had a slight limp and looked a little like Buddy Holly .... after playing and winning a few games, I realized there was something rather special about him .... he had a wonderful sense of humour, was very witty and we got along famously – the ships were getting closer ! He told me his name was Doug Venator and asked me if I would be at the pool room the following day at the same time .... I knew there was something very special about Doug and I wanted to see him again and continue our pool games. I arrived at the pool room about the same time the following afternoon and Doug was there patiently waiting for the chance to turn the tables on me, however that didn't happen, but once again we both had a wonderful afternoon playing pool .... I think by now Doug realized I was the better player, but he was enjoying our new found friendship as much as I was, and losing a few dollars didn't seem to bother him in the least. I was a bit surprised, yet felt quite honoured, when he asked me if I would like to come to his home for supper and meet his wife Mary and their baby boy Doug .... I of course agreed and that night I had a lovely supper and saw for the first time the important side of Doug's life .... Mary was lovely and they were both extremely proud of their little baby boy. Over the next couple of weeks I was invited to Doug's for supper on a number of occasions, but one night Mary's younger sister Danielle was in attendance and there was a definite attraction on both sides .... we went out as foursomes, played euchre many evenings with Danielle and I vs Doug and Mary – I don't really think the score mattered – we were all just having a wonderful time together ! Yes, our ships did pass in the night, a night so very long ago that only lasted a mere four or five months at most, and yet I have carried those wonderful memories of fun times with Doug, Mary and Danielle all these years and will continue to do so. REST PEACEFULLY MARY and know my thoughts and prayers are with you ! Michael Sharp

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Jenny Marinaccio donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA

Sunday, December 15, 2024

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Jenny Marinaccio posted a condolence

Sunday, December 15, 2024

My deepest sympathies. I have so many fond memories of Mary. She chose me as her flower girl at her first wedding and when Vince and I were kids, she brought us a kitten. We were so happy, we named the kitten Mary. Later, we found out that it was a male cat but we refused to change it's name. So sorry for your loss, Doug and Chris, and to her sisters, brother Harry and her brother, Dave - my favourite brother-in-law.

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Cathy Fraser posted a condolence

Friday, December 13, 2024

So sorry for your familie’s loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories. Cathy Fraser

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Michele posted a condolence

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Doug Rhonda and family; My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother/grandmother. Holding you in thoughts and prayers as you navigate this journey. m

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The family of Mary Catterall uploaded a photo

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

In loving memory of

Mary

1944 - 2024