Dear Friends,
I regret to advise that our dear friend and colleague, Joanne McGarry, passed away this past Sunday, April 27, 2014, in the late evening.
Joanne had been quietly battling pancreatic cancer for the past two years, but the disease took its toll this past weekend.
We are comforted in knowing that Joanne received the sacrament of the sick and absolution prior to her death.
And it is noteworthy that Joanne was taken from us on Divine Mercy Sunday, on the very day of the canonizations of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II. We sincerely pray that the entire communion of saints will bring her to her just reward.
Please keep Joanne’s family, husband David Paolini, and children Laura, Sarah, and Daniel Paolini in your prayers. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and determined advocate for the faith.
Joanne was appointed to her role as the Executive Director of the League in 2004, where she coordinated our national office, and managed the League’s public outreach, communications, development, and government and media relations. Joanne obtained her journalism degree from the University of Western Ontario, and served as the Managing Editor of the Catholic Register from 1980 to 1986. Thereafter, Joanne had served in various roles in the private sector, including managing her own public relations business. The League will truly miss Joanne’s frequent communications and devoted service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rosar-Morrison, 467 Sherbourne St, Toronto, with visitation the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, April 30. The mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 1, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, 78 Clifton Rd. Toronto, (St. Clair/Mt. Pleasant). The death notice can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=Joanne-McGARRY&pid=170842582
We are touched and extremely grateful to learn that Joanne’s family has directed that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CCRL. (It appears that Joanne is still working for all of us after her passing.) The League office will continue to receive your inquiries, and mailings. Please excuse some delays in returning your inquiries during this period of transition. Please note our spring dinner on May 22 will proceed in Toronto as planned, however saddened we may be.
We mourn the loss of our friend, but we are assured of the promises of Christ, especially in this holy Easter season.
May God bless the McGarry/Paolini family, and all of us.
Requiescat in pace.
Philip Horgan
President
Catholic Civil Rights League
416-466-8244
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholiccivilrightsleague
The Catholic Register: http://www.catholicregister.org