Newmarket
September 06, 2008 09:48 PM
Patrick Mangion
Whether it was for her community or during her battle with cancer, Mary McCluskey never stopped giving.
Adored by children, universally respected and an inspiration to her peers, Mrs. McCluskey was a tireless volunteer, quick to deflect the praise heaped on her.
Following a courageous 11-week fight with cancer, Mrs. McCluskey died Saturday Aug. 30 at age 59.
She is survived by her husband, Alastair, and their only child, Ryan.
They met while working together in the marketing department at Bell.
“She had long hair, gorgeous eyes and a heart of gold. People just gravitated to her,” Mr. McCluskey said.
A Toronto native, growing up in the Beaches, Mrs. McCluskey joined Bell at just 17, working her way up the company before retiring after a 30-year career.
But it wouldn’t be a regular retirement, in the usual sense of the word.
Instead, she rallied around various community challenges after moving from Scarborough to Newmarket in 1992.
She was always one of the first to step up when one of her son’s sports team needed fundraising volunteers. She was affectionately known as the Candy Lady around her son’s elementary school for the pockets full of sweets she distributed to children.
Her work with the Giving Tree ensured those less fortunate never went without gifts during the holidays.
“Over 1,300 people in our community enjoyed Christmas this year because of your thoughtfulness and generosity. On behalf of the 167 families, the clients and staff of Rose of Sharon, Newmarket and Aurora Community Living, Crosslinks, York Region Support Services and the 15 homes for the homeless, seniors and those suffering from mental or physical challenges, the St. Vincent de Paul and the Giving Tree organizers would like to thank you for making a difference,” one thank you letter stated.
“It was amazing how involved she was, how she touched people’s lives,” Mr. McCluskey said.