GILROY (Hayes), Mary Ellen
Truro, NS/ Lauderdale by the Sea, FL Mary Ellen Gilroy (Hayes) 77. wife, partner, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. After a brief illness following an unexpected stroke, Mary passed away peacefully on Thursday April 28, 2022 at Holy Cross Hospital in Lauderdale by the Sea where she was lovingly cared for by the many doctors, nurses and staff. We thank you. Born in Lowell Massachusetts, Mary was the daughter of the late Austin E. and M. Eileen (Finnegan) Hayes. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Gilroy (Rory Kowdrysh) Toronto and Allison Brown (Greg) Halifax, and grandchildren,
Bridget, Mary Kate, Will and David. Mary is also survived by her siblings: Richard, Thomas, Peter, Jeffrey, William, Frances and Martha, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband
David and twin brother Bryan. Mary was the proudest grandmother to her four grandchildren. She cherished their calls, pictures, notes and visits. She loved to send presents and took pride in her shopping shrewdness. Skiing, hockey and anything to do with music, she loved to see her grandkids thrive.
Her brothers and sisters were very special to her, and she never missed a birthday or anniversary, carefully tracked in a calendar which was maintained with rigor.
She loved them all. An avid homemaker, Mary worked at Mcquarrie’s Drug Store in Truro, NS, where she ran the Home Health Care Department for years. Many will affectionately remember her walking down Prince Street in her white scrubs, but never walking home. Our Dad would religiously pick
her up there and just about anywhere else she asked of him. She was the apple of his eye and always responded to her (many) requests with a simple, yet poignant, “Yes, Dear”. Mary had a great affection for the sea. She loved her time “at the beach” in Massachusetts, Brule Beach and Lauderdale by the Sea. In each of these, she developed friendships both new and old with all kinds of characters. Quick with her wit and love of people, she fast made friends with everyone she encountered. After Dad’s passing, she bravely
made the annual winter pilgrimage to Florida. After a few painful years, she met Glen Collins, who became her constant companion until her untimely death. They loved their home and took pride in renovations of the condo, a beautiful spot that overlooked her favorite ocean. Take comfort knowing that she spent her final days happy, loved and enjoying her very fortunate life.
Special thanks to Glen for making that happen. A cheerful celebration of life will take place in Truro on Friday June 24th at the Truro Golf Club from 4-6pm. Her final wish was that she would be thrown a “huge party” so that we would all remember her in style. In lieu of donations, please hug your family and friends, eat some gluten free food and spend time recalling the many memories shared.