Mary Teresa Engels (née Cupidio) 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at New Horizons Tower residence in Toronto.
She is survived by her brothers Victor (Andrée) and James Cupidio (Leslie). She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Donald Ross Engels (2008) and leaves five loving children, Paul (Fay), Katie, Greg (Joanne), Andrea (Robert), and Susan (Kevin). Devoted grandchildren are William, James and Charles Engels, Sarah and Claire Gordon, Meaghan and Connor Engels, Russell (Emma) and Henry Saffrey, and Alice and Ted Donaldson.
Mary was born on November 9, 1931, to Marianna (née D’Amore) and Cleto Cupidio in Porto San Giorgio, Italy. Arriving in Canada in 1938, she lived in Hamilton before moving to Port McNicoll, ON. Earning her teacher’s certificate from Normal School, Mary taught elementary and secondary school students, completing a 38-year career teaching her favourite class, Kindergarten. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics and Italian from the University of Toronto, graduating with her eldest son in 1981.
Mary was a fabulous chef and gifted singer, who had a vast repertoire of songs for every occasion. She enjoyed live music, theater and the opera. Above all she loved family gatherings, especially birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
The family offers sincere and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful care staff at New Horizons Tower, all of whom brought joy and comfort to Mary throughout her stay at the residence.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 4th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 5th at 10:00 am at St. Olave’s Anglican Church, 360 Windermere Ave. The Rev. PJ Carefoote will officiate.

A celebration of life reception will follow at the Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Rd.
Memorial donations are appreciated to New Horizons Tower, 1140 Bloor St. W.

Donations to the charity can be made by cheque to New Horizons Tower or e-transfers sent to payments@newhorizonstower.com with a note “in memory of Mary Engel’s” in the message.

Charitable receipts will be issued from Dovercourt Baptist Foundation, a Canadian registered charity.