Mary C. Terpatsi's Obituary
Heaven has gained a bright and shiny new star with the passing of our Mary Catherine on September 6, 2015.Born in Montreal Quebec Canada on Nov 20/1940, Mary grew up wild and free with her 4 sisters, Anne Wilson of Mississauga, Ontario; Eileen Walsh of Paris, Ontario; Donna McMahon (Chuck) of Bragg Creek, Alberta; and Maureen Bryson (Blair) of Salt Spring Island, BC and her terrific parents, William (Bill) Walsh and Mary Duffy Walsh, in the country on a farm in Dorval QC from the age of 5 to 16; attending a French Catholic school, Ecole Joubert, for 5 years, then English Catholic school in Lachine QC. Moving back into the city, Mary graduated from Resurrection Of Our Lord High School in Lachine, QC, after which she worked for a few years in banking before moving to Seattle, Washington in the mid-sixties. She continued her career there, but had always longed to be a teacher. After moving to San Diego in 1974, she met her wonderful husband Peter, whom she adored and who predeceased her in Sept 2002. They had a fabulously happy marriage, during which she returned to school, getting her degree in English from UCSD and moving into teaching for 20 years at The American Language Institute at SDSU. She also became a member of MENSA during that time.She had a razor sharp wit, and a wicked sense of humor, cracking jokes right up until the very end. She was a great collector of beautiful teapots and all things Christmas, her favorite time of year. She will be sadly missed by all, including nieces and nephews, Robin Wilson (Debbie), Natalie Rogers (Jeff), Leah Heath (Terry), Gradey McMahon (Treena) and their children, great-nephews and great-nieces Nathan Wilson, Tanner Heath and Brynne Heath, Allen Rogers and Mara Rogers, Kayley McMahon and Coltyn McMahon. Heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Vitas Hospice of San Diego, particularly beloved nurse Marivic Calimlim Senatin, Flora and all the home caregivers and of course her darling friend Josephine, who looked out for her for years. Rest well, Sweetheart.~~~~~~~~~~~~ A special note from Leah Heath, niece of Mary ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The saying goes, “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel”. The ability to connect with people, to make them laugh, our “AMB” was the best at that. Our grief is a testament to her ability to connect with all she came in contact with. She’d have you rolling on the floor laughing at her stories. To know her, was to laugh with her.You only have, in your life, a very few people who think you are amazing, people who really think you can do no wrong, think that you are the best. For me, Auntie Mary Catherine was one of those people, and I profoundly feel the loss of her constant support and acceptance.In our sadness, when we are feeling so alone, and missing her, we have to remember that grief isn’t the absence of love, grief is the very real proof that love is still there.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?