Mary Lee age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10 am after a courageous battle with cancer. Her final days were spent in the compassionate care of the palliative unit at St Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto, where she received exceptional attention and support from the staff. This relatively new facility and the caring staff are a blessing to the people of Ontario.

Mary Lee was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 19, 1945 to Gregory Patrick McCardle and Alyce Madeline McCardle (née Watters). Her father's cereal business took them from Winnipeg to Montreal to SW Ontario, finally settling in Willowdale, Toronto. Besides her parents (predeceased), she leaves behind husband Bob Cwirenko, stepchildren Leslie (John McNeil) and Stephen (Rachael Crowell), grandchildren Krista, Danielle, Nathan and Gillian, brother Gary (Diane) and nephews, nieces, and cousins. From her first marriage to John Mickevicius(deceased) she leaves brothers-in law Allan(Elida), Ray(Carol), and nephews Raymond(Nicole), Randy(Kim) and Johnny.

After Business School, Mary Lee started her first career as a commercial designer at Simpson's. Her second career was in ownership of fine dining restaurants, with her first husband John. Among these were the well-known Trattoria IL Timone in Oakville, Yves Bistro in Yorkville, Rosedale Cafe in Rosedale, and Spiaggia in the Beach. She finally retired from this extremely competitive business and became a Sales Rep with Right at Home Realty Inc. and as a partner of husband Bob. During this time she lived in Toronto's Sutton Place Hotel, Mississauga, the Beach, and finally, with her husband Bob, at the fabulous Southampton Condominium, where they made many lifelong friends.

Mary Lee had a very wide circle of friends and many interests. She loved to travel. Her favourite destinations were Florida, Mexico, Europe, the west and east coasts and auto trips all around Canada and the USA. She excelled at swimming enjoyed golf, gardening, and live theatre.

May she rest in peace with choirs of angels and surrounded by flowers.

At her request, she will be cremated and her remains will be interred at St John's Lithuanian Cemetery in a private ceremony. There will be a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Etobicoke, on Tuesday, October 1st at 11 am.

It will be livestreamed with viewers expected in Texas, Florida, both coasts and the Sault. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19th at the Southampton Condominium. All are welcome. For the details please email cwir@rogers.com.

Her final affairs have been entrusted to Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel in Toronto. There will be no visitations.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at St Joseph's Health Centre or a charity of your choice in her name would be appreciated.