Obituary of Thomas McGarry

McGarry, Thomas J. With family by his side and in the comfort of his home, Thomas J. McGarry was blessed to pass away peacefully at the age of 91 on September 15, 2014. Born in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland to Thomas and Kate McGarry on May 16, 1923. Landed in Canada in 1948 aboard the RMS Aquitania, where he met and married the love of his life - the late Josephine (Jaye) Dedyna McGarry (2009). Tom remained an active member of St. Joseph's Church after he and Jaye were among its first newlyweds in 1953. Cherishing his Irish heritage, Tom named his plastering business Shamrock Plasterers and helped to found the London Emerald Isle Society, where he served as President for many years. Devoted father to his children Maureen Spencer Golovchenko (special son-in-law Philip Spencer), Thomas McGarry Jr., and Monica McGarry. Loving Grandpa to his five grandchildren Jennifer Savage (Adam), Lisa (Sean Hill), Robert and Ashley McGarry, Christopher Golovchenko, and great-grandson, Myles Savage. Warmly remembered by Dawn-Marie McGarry. Survived by brother Patrick (Josephine) in Ballyhaunis, Ireland, and their six children Mary Jo, Susanna, Yvonne, Thomas, James, Darren and families. Tom was predeceased by his brother Martin (2000), sister Dymphna Moran (2001) and brothers Paul, Christopher and John in childhood. Tom always enjoyed his Dedyna family in-laws, and will be missed by John (Susan) Dedyna, Clara Wunder, Connie Dedyna and Claude McDonald. Predeceased by Jaye's other siblings Mary (Jerry) Rieck, Rose (Clarence) Hodgins, Angie (Russ) Smith, Toni (Ted) Seibert, Doris (James) McGrath, Joe Dedyna, Jeannette McDonald and brother-in-law Jim Wunder. Tom, and his sharp Irish wit, will be recalled by many nieces, nephews and friends with fond memories of this loving leprechaun. Tom will be especially missed by his 'Best Man' and lifelong friend, James Kendellen. Many thanks to Fr. Michael Bechard, Sister Diane McDermott and the wonderful health teams at CCAC, Revera, VON, St. Elizabeth and Parkwood for their seamless support of Tom during his final year. Visitation will be held at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Thursday evening from 7-9 o'clock and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock with prayers Friday evening at 7 o'clock. Tom's celebration of life Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, on Saturday morning, Sept 20 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), Salvation Army Day Program, Holy Family Parish or a charity of your choice.