Mary Anne Keating passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2014 surrounded by loving family in Elora at the age of 100.She is predeceased by her husband Francis (Frank, 1981), granddaughter Elaine Molto (1982), great-great-grandson John Bridge (2011), sister Florabelle Prior, and brothers Wilfred and Allan Goetz. She is survived by her six children Leola Molto (Joe), James (Fran), Eddie (Fran), Anne Curtis (Frank), Allan (Jane), and Linda, and sisters Doris Johnston and Rita Tefft.Born on December 12, 1913 in Maryhill, Ontario, she was one of six children of John and Otilia Goetz. Growing up on the farm instilled a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life, from the fields to the construction site. As a devoted Catholic, she was a member of the Catholic Women’s League since 1940 and participated actively in the church. She was commonly referred to as Gramma throughout the town of Elora.
Her greatest pride was her ever-expanding family, always telling waiters and cashiers about her 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Often seen at the arena cheering on her family, it was not uncommon for her to take in three hockey or lacrosse games in one day. Mary was never one to leave the party early and often stayed to the very end of weddings and family gatherings. Mary will be remembered as a woman who valued family, hard work, and a good game of euchre.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Wellington Terrace, which Mary called home for the past two years, and to the wonderful staff at the Guelph General Hospital surgical unit for the recent care and kindness they provided. Visitation will be held at Graham Giddy Funeral Home in Elora on Thursday, September 4th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Elora at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, September 5th at 11 am, followed by internment and reception.
Donations can be made in memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, and McMaster Hospital in Hamilton. www.grahamgiddyfh.com (519)846-5352