Mary Ann Wierzbicki

Mary Ann Wierzbicki (nee Warmington)

Each life has a story, and Mary Ann Wierzbicki’s story is one of a life of faith, generosity and gratitude, and stands as an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know her. On Thursday, March 24th, 2022, just six days shy of her 97th birthday, Mary’s long and loving life ended.  Predeceased by her husband Albert (Gabe) in 1997, Mary left behind a legacy of love as “Mother” to three sons; Albert (Pat), Ron (Star), and Ed (Kathy): “Grams” to seven grandchildren; Kim, Laurie (John), Brian, Stephen (Laura), Karen, Kyle (Erin) and Logan (Jen):  “Gigi” to ten great-grandchildren; Ethan, Sienna, Hannah, Michael, Matthew, Clara, Stellan, Magnus, Ivy and Hutchinson. She is survived by siblings Bobby, Phyllis (Rene), Doreen, Dorothy, and Bruce (Faye), and predeceased by brothers Freddie, Ronnie (Pearl) and Jimmy (Gerry). She had many nieces and nephews, and an extraordinary number of friends, who all held her close to their hearts.

Mary was born in Sault Ste. Marie on March 30, 1925 to Lorne and Anna Warmington.  She lived all of her formative years there, and recently described her parents as a “God given gift to us all”.  Right from the start she worked hard, and at seventeen she became a bricklayer’s helper at the Algoma Steel Plant.  She married Albert Wierzbicki in 1944, and then settled in Sudburywhere they started their family.  

Mary was a dedicated mother to her three sons.  While raising her family, she opened her own business called “Mary’s Style Shop” on LaSalle Blvd.  Over the years Mary took on a variety of roles and proved that she was not afraid of a hard day’s work.  She acted as a school crossing guard, a nursing assistant, a babysitter, a waitress, a janitor, a kitchen cook and caterer with the AzildaLadies Vanier Club, and even took boarders into her own home to provide extra funds for her growing family.

Mary always knew how to relax and have fun. She sang country tunes, yodeled with ease, and played the guitar at “get-togethers” as she loved to call them.  She enjoyed Bingo, lottery tickets and casinos---hoping to share her winnings with her family.  She hosted countless gatherings for friends and family, always with plenty of food for all.  She was the kind of person who made everyone feel comfortable and welcome at any given time.  

But it was the years spent at their cottage on West Arm Lake Nipissing that unleashed her true passion---fishing! Right up until the summer of 2021, she proved to her family that she could still reel in “the big ones”.

Volunteering always came easily to Mary because of her caring nature. Her involvement and commitment to the work of the Azilda Lioness Club and the Minnow Lake Lions Club, gave her much joy over many years. She loved selling tickets for fundraising, participating in telethonsand conferences, and just being part of the fellowship that came with being a Lion. She was able to actively participate right up until the pandemic.

The family would like to thank all the many caregivers who helped her over the years, whether in her apartment or at the hospital. We also know that they would have experienced Mary herself graciously thanking them for every deed and kindness. Her language was one of positivity and gratefulness. A special thank you also goes out to her loving neighbours and friends who kept her company with nightly visits and regular card games. These ongoing efforts to keep her in theirlives made her wish to live independently possible; and that was her dream come true.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Mary on Saturday, May 21st at 1:00pm at the Minnow Lake Lion’s Club, 3088 Claude Street, Sudbury.  Donations to the Heart and Stoke Foundation would be much appreciated.Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.

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