Obituary of Mary Doris Stafford

The death of Mary Doris Stafford born in Saint John on July 13, 1919, occurred on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a short hospital stay. Mary was the wife of the late Frank J. Stafford and a daughter of the late Ernest and Gertrude (Quinlan) O’Leary. Mary was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a Supervisor in the Dietary Department. Mary was a charter member of St. Pius X Parish and the first Catholic Women’s League president, being a member of both for 53 years. She was also a member of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, the CN Pensioner’s Association, and the Federal and Provincial Liberal Associations. Mary enjoyed election work and was a member of the NB Liberal Association and the NB Women’s Liberal Association, having been honoured by both for her many years of election work.. She also enjoyed working at many civic elections. As a pastime, Mary took great pleasure in her outings with her special friend Hazel, keeping in touch with her many telephone friends, and enjoyed trailering up until 2009. Mary is survived by her one son, Donald J. Stafford (Georgina); one daughter, Jean Marie Burns (John), both of Saint John; one brother, Timothy O’Leary of Saint John; a sister-in-law, Connie O’Leary of Saint John; eight grandchildren, Deborah, Natalie, Sandy, Paulette, Amie, Katie, Patrick and Nathan; six great-grandchildren, Tiana, Allison, Emilee, Genevieve, Madeline, and Oliver; two great great grandchildren, Trinity Hope and Annabella; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Mary was predeceased by brothers Jack, Joseph, and Harold O’Leary; and by a granddaughter, Paula Marie Burns. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Friday, April 30, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10:00 am from St. Pius X Church, 316 Somerset Street. A reception will follow the Mass, hosted by the St. Pius X Martha Guild, the 649 Jubilee Committee, and the Bereavement Committee. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Golden Grove. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to St. Pius X Church Building Fund or any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.