Obituary of Marija Ceponis

Mary Ceponis April 13, 1919 - August 18, 2017. It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ceponis in her 98th year on August 18, 2017, at Bluewater Health, Sarnia. Mary was born in Lithuania on April 13, 1919. She fled her native land during World War II and settled in England where she met and married fellow-Lithuanian Stanley (Stasys) Ceponis. They came to Canada in 1951 to St. John, New Brunswick "with just a bag of oranges and seven dollars." They settled in Sarnia and in 1957 received their Canadian citizenship, of which they were very proud. Both Stan and Mary worked unstintingly in maintenance with the Lambton County Separate School Board for many years. Mary retired in 1984 after working at Sacred Heart School, Lecaron Avenue and later at St. Pat's Catholic High School when it was located on East Street. During her time at these schools, she made many friends with teachers and students, alike. She became a much loved confidante to many. Stanley, the Board's maintenance foreman, retired in 1985 and passed away in March 1996. As an immigrant couple, Mary and Stan treasured their Lithuanian heritage but loved Canada and instilled in their children a strong work ethic and appreciation for education. Mary liked nothing better than chatting with friends and neighbours over a cup of tea (and for many years a cigarette until she quit) at her kitchen table in her home on MacMillen Parkway. Deeply religious, she was a faithful parishioner and a 50-year member of the Catholic Women's League of Sacred Heart Church. She loved singing hymns. Her lovely voice would fill the house and, in recent years, the room at Vision with her favourites. Mary will be remembered as a fabulous baker. Her delicious apple pies have never been duplicated. Also, she was renowned for her green thumb that was showcased in her extensive flower gardens on MacMillen. She was very proud of her children and will be greatly missed by her son Al and wife Marie of Sarnia, her daughters Donna and husband John Hammond of London, Ontario and Laima and her recently deceased husband Jim Dingwall of Gibsons, B.C. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Peter (Courtney), Mary Ann and Veronica Ceponis; Mary Jane (Chris Snoeks), Margaret (Steve Dame), Elizabeth (James Balch), Michael (Jill) Hammond, and Chris and Kathryn Dingwall. She was predeceased by her grandson Philip Ceponis. Mary also took proud delight in having nine great grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, Abby, Callum, Cara, Kathryn, Evie, Jedd and Gordie. She had hoped to live to see an even dozen. Mary had been living at Vision Nursing home on Ontario Lane for the past five years. The family is especially grateful for the kindness and compassion provided by Dr. Gannon, the many nurses and personal care workers. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your gentleness and care towards Mary. There will be no funeral home visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. If desired, a donation in Mary's memory can be made to Vision Nursing Home, 229 Wellington Street, Sarnia, ON, N7T 1G9 (website: vision74.com). Arrangements entrusted to McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com