Mary Frances Teresa Kehoe passed away August 8th, 2020 peacefully at the Glebe Centre, her home for over five and half years. Born March 14, 1926, in Sudbury, daughter of the late Francis Joseph Kehoe and of the late Mary Alice (Ryan) Kehoe. Beloved cousin to Jane Seraphim, Vancouver, and Nora Newton, Toronto. Graduate of Ottawa University, BA 1946, MA (Sociology) 1973. Retired in 1991 after 37 years with the Canadian Labour Congress, chiefly in public relations. Earlier employment included Foreign Affairs (1948-50), Catholic Hospital Association of Canada (1958-60); Catholic Women’s League of Canada (editor-The Canadian League, (1960-1961). She edited the revised edition of Labour Unions – An Introductory Course, published in 1963 by the Extension Department of St. Patrick’s College. Mary lived through the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the arms race of the Cold War. She was a committed peace activist, served on the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace and with Ploughshares Ottawa, an interfaith peace coalition group, formed to support refugees from Guatemala and El Salvador, Mary founded the Visiting Homemakers Association of Ottawa, serving on its Board from 1956-1977. She volunteered many years with Canadian Mental Health Association, on development of educational programs related to needs of the poor, peace and gender equality. Served on committees at St. Joseph’s Church, Ottawa. Enrolled in September 1977, Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, at a ceremony at Notre Dame Basilica, Ottawa, in commemoration of the 150 Anniversary of the Diocese of Ottawa. In June 2008, Mary received the United Way Community Builder Award at City Hall. Mary was generous towards the poor and a good friend to many. We will miss her hearty laugh. Thanks to Glebe Centre staff, especially to those on Kentwood Floor; Social Worker, Alison; Spiritual Care Co-ordinator Jim; and her caregivers, Barbara, Nelcia, Florette and Luz. Cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 28th at 12noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 174 Wilbrod Street (at Cumberland), Ottawa.  Join us between 11am - 12noon to share memories.