Obituary of Mary Patricia Suzanne Hergott

With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of our sister Mary Patricia Suzanne Hergott on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the age of 59.

Mary Pat will be deeply missed by her siblings Barb, Tim (Erika), Peter (Joy), Romy (Karen), Peggy Kent (Rob), Heidi (Andrew), and Paul (Leanne). She is also survived by one aunt, two uncles, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Forever remembered by John Byrne.

Mary Pat was predeceased by her parents Carl and Frances (nee Hoffarth), several aunts, uncles, cousins, and her niece.

Born in Kitchener in 1964, the fifth of eight children, Mary Pat grew up backing on to Breithaupt Park. Her childhood involved picnics in the park, playing in the wading pool, family get-togethers, Christmas and Easter chaos at the Hergott house, playing piano, baking, making Rice Krispie squares and road trips north where she saw “trees, trees, trees".  With three sisters, there were many shared good times, laughs, tears and glasses of wine. She was often “voluntold” to be a goalie for her brothers’ road hockey games. She loved animals; rescuing, caring, and nurturing them all, especially her beloved labs Che and Simba. Dad always joked about the “pool in our backyard,” and Mary Pat learned to love swimming there. She cherished her time at the cottage in the Muskokas, having great fun burning stuff, just like her mom used to.

In her mid twenties, Mary Pat suffered kidney failure. She recently celebrated the 30^th anniversary of her kidney transplant with brother Romy, who had provided her with a renewed life by donating one of his kidneys.  She was forever grateful for this selfless act that created a unique sibling bond.  In honour of the gift Mary Pat received, we ask each of you to please consider becoming an organ donor if you can.

In her adulthood, fitness was a joy for Mary Pat.  From working as a Dance Fit Instructor and a highly motivated Pilates Instructor, to eventually opening her own studio, Pilates Performance, Mary Pat had many accomplishments of which to be proud.  She had a great passion for Pilates, being very confident in her abilities and years of training to professionally teach the discipline to hundreds of clients over 17 years.  Her business did very well until she had to close it due to health issues.    

In her later years she took up playing the piano again, spent many hours doing crossword puzzles, drawing, crafting and reading a good book with a cup of tea.  She also loved to connect with people as she walked, often several times a day.  Whether she was meeting new people out on walks, or forming a deeper connection with longtime friends, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Special thanks to the Police Officers and Paramedics that responded, for their outstanding and compassionate assistance. Thank you to her family doctor, Dr. Tom Borys, and the many health care workers in town and in Hamilton that cared for Mary Pat over the years. Finally, thank you to Mary Pat herself for the love she gave us.

A visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, July 22 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. with vigil prayers to be said at 8:30 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Teresa’s RC Church, 44 Leonard St., Kitchener on Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. A private family interment will take place at a later date at Parkview Cemetery.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the K-W Humane Society may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.

She is happy and pain-free now, and with Dad and Mom and all her beloved pets. And eating all the gluten she wants!

We once were 8, now we are 7.

Rest in peace, dear sister.