Obituary of Mary Theresa Dever

Mary Theresa Dever (nee McGillicuddy) passed away unexpectedly at her home in north end Saint John on Wednesday January 19, 2011 in her ninetieth year. She died the way she lived; in peace. Mary was born April 24, 1921 on a farm at Skiff Lake, New Brunswick. As the eldest of six children, she set out on her own at the early age of 16 to board in Woodstock to attend high school. Upon graduation in 1940, she moved to Ottawa where she worked in the federal Department of Finance. But nursing was her calling so she relocated to Saint John to study and train at St. Joseph's Hospital, where she graduated valedictorian of her class. Mary then spent many years nurturing and healing as a dedicated nurse both privately and in hospital, then later at Ruth Ross Residence where she administered care to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. One evening in Saint John, Mary met the handsome James H. Dever. They danced and he swept her off her feet. They married on June 16, 1951 and for 54 years, they raised their family with love and laughter. Mary and Jim always enjoyed hosting large family gatherings at their cottage on the St. John River, a tradition Mary continued after Jim's death in 2005. Following Jim's passing, Mary said she felt there was only a veil separating them. Now the veil has lifted; they are together. Mary was deeply involved in her faith community of St Pius X Church. She served as a long time member of the CWL and Bereavement committee and for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Michael (Brenda), John (Eleanor), Bill (Betty), Catherine (John) MacKenzie, and Paul (Janice); siblings Josephine (Lou) Curry, Con (Joanne) McGillicuddy, Lou McGillicuddy; and will be deeply missed by her 11 loving grandchildren: Sarah (Matt) Dever Letson, Theresa (Brian) Dever Fitzgerald, Patricia MacKenzie, Christopher Dever, Michael MacKenzie, Jennifer Dever, Christine MacKenzie, Alex Dever, Gregory Dever, Grant Dever and Conor Dever. Her family will all miss her unending love, her calming presence, and her gracious spirit. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim; brothers Charles and Francis. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 7-9 PM and Friday January 21, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church, 316 Somerset Street, on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM with reception to follow. Interment will be held at St. Augustine's Cemetery, Westfield in the spring. For those who wish, remembrances to any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.