Obituary of Mary Helen Harrigan

Mary Helen joined God’s other saints on Sunday, September 30, 2018. 

Mary Helen was born in Flandreau, South Dakota on May 16, 1941 to parents Robert and Lucy (nee Mettel) Martin.  She graduated from Dominican High School, Detroit in 1959 and A.B. Sienna Heights College, Michigan in 1963.  Mary Helen taught Grade One her entire life, beginning in Roseville, Michigan for six years, then the America School of Paris, France from 1966-1967, and eventually with the Waterloo Separate School Board from 1969 – 2007.  She was a devoted volunteer with hospice and Winston Park Nursing Home, Kitchener from 2007 – 2018 and was honoured with the Ontario Volunteer Distinguished Service Award in 2012.  She is lovingly remembered with gratitude by family, friends, colleagues, and former students for making them better people.  

Mary Helen is survived by her husband Patrick, children Sara and Daniel, son-in-law Michael, sister Gwen, grandchildren Jacob and Finn, nephews Bob and Paul, nieces Kathy and Laurie, and traveling companions Sheila and Andy.

Thanks to Dr. Ward, Dr. Yew and hospice nurses for their tender care.

The Harrigan family will receive relatives and friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 8:45 p.m.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 173 Lourdes Street, Waterloo on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 11 a.m.  A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice of Waterloo Region or the Donkey Sanctuary may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.