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Posted May 6, 2023 | 8:54 PM
Mary Viola Donahoe (Clark and nee Pugh), was a beloved wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, during her incredible 96 years of life. She passed
away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Crown Ridge Place, in Trenton
Ontario.
Mary was born in Burtt’s Corner, NB, on December 23, 1926, the youngest of 3 girls, born to William and
Hazel Pugh.
Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse until grade 8, when the family moved to Fredericton, NB. She
graduated from Fredericton High School – commercial course, and began her career as a stenographer
for the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs. Mary met Dick Clark (Richard), and they married in 1948. In 1949,
she left her job to begin her second career, as mom to Andy, Suzanne and Brian.
Mary later returned to work as the Secretary to the Dean of Women at UNB. After a transfer in Dick’s job
landed her in St. John’s NL, she worked as an Executive Secretary for NL Refining Company and later,
the Co-ordinator of The Lester Hotel.
Mary was widowed in 1985.
Mary was fortunate to meet an old school friend, Ed Donahoe, who had become a widower himself.
Mary moved to Markham, Ontario in 1987, to meet Ed’s large family, and they were married. They
enjoyed many activities together and were a sight to behold on the dance floor.
Ed and Mary moved to Richmond Hill, after Ed’s retirement, in 1991.
Ed and Mary wintered in Florida and enjoyed the retired life together, until Ed’s passing, in 1999.
Mary lived in Richmond Hill for many years in her condo and then Richmond Hill Retirement Residence,
until her move to Crown Ridge Place, in Trenton, to be closer to her family, in September 2022. Mary
was loved by the staff and residents at both Richmond Hill Retirement Residence and Crown Ridge
Place.
Mary enjoyed life to the fullest. She was an avid curler and bridge player. She enjoyed lawn bowling
and would never turn down a game of cards or Rummicub.
Mary held friendships close and enjoyed spending time with everyone. She was a gracious hostess who
loved to entertain.
We will remember Mary for her love of family and friendships, her ability to make friends, everywhere,
including the bench at the mall, her sense of style, which she carried until her passing, and for her warm
smile.
Mary is pre-deceased by her husbands Dick Clark and Edward Donahoe, sisters Bina Moores and Treva
Grant, daughter Suzanne Woolridge, son Brian Clark, grandson Andrew Woolridge and step-son Paul
Donahoe.
Mary leaves behind her son Andy Clark, grandson Rob Woolridge, step-children Colleen & John Schenk,
Pat & Val Donahoe, Luanne Donahoe, Pete & Sharon Donahoe, Laura Lee & Danny O’Brien, Maureen
& Todd Owens; step-grandchildren Todd, Virginia, Courtney, John, Gerrie, Edward, Eric and Joshua;
step great-grandchildren Honsik, Maire, Jude, Nikolai, Alek, Madeleine and Harper.
“Mimi” is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews Donna Lee, Barb, Ian and Stephen, and their
families.
Her memory will be held dear to the hearts of many cherished friends, young, old, and in-between.
A private celebration of life will be held later this month.
Mary’s ashes will be interred at Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa.
Many thanks to Crown Ridge Place. The care and love shown to Mary will not be forgotten.
Donations may be made to:
ALS Society of Canada
Canadian Lung Association
Canadian Cancer Society
Or a charity of your choice, in her memory.