Mary Jane O'Leary

With broken hearts, we the family regret to announce the passing of Mary Jane O'Leary on March 15, 2024 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones. 

Mary Jane was a kind, caring and compassionate person who was always ready to lend a helping hand. She had a love for animals, music and was an excellent cook and baker and was handy at making crafts. She enjoyed feeding the wildlife, going to the boardwalk and also enjoyed long drives. Mary Jane was someone who would stand up for herself and others and was known to be "feisty". MJ's motto was "Iive, laugh, love". Until her illness she enjoyed movie nights and running errands for her friends in the apartment building in which she lived.

Among other jobs in Ontario, she worked as a receptionist at Broadway Vet Clinic where she loved and cared for many animals. It was here she made many lifelong friends including Dianne Duncan and Linda Lubera. In her later years she returned to her Cape Breton roots where she worked various jobs including working at Riverside Cabins and the Royale Hotel.

Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Wowk) O'Leary. Mary Jane is survived by her only son Raymond, the mother of her children Tracy Wile and grand daughters Melissa and Megan. She is also survived by her sisters Patsy (Don) and Valerie as well as  brothers Tom and Shawn (Peggy). 

Mary Jane was predeceased by her sisters Josie, Donna and Kathy, brothers Fred and Stevie and sister in law Lena. Mary Jane was also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved dearly.

There will be a celebration of life on Thursday, March 21st at 12pm at the Pier Community Funeral Home with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. A reception will follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and paramedics especially the doctors and nurses at the palliative care unit.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private burial at a later date. Donations may be made to the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.