Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Reeves

With great sadness, the family of Mary Elizabeth (Barry) Reeves announces her passing on September 11, 2024, at her home in Grand Bay-Westfield, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Saint John on August 26, 1945, Mary was the eldest daughter of the late Hon. J. Paul Barry and Rita Marie (Feeney) Barry.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Philip, and her children: Nigel (Elisa) Reeves [Roberts Creek, BC], Erin (Tim) Lukie [Calgary, AB], and Ian (Kristy) Reeves [Christchurch, NZ]. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Wyatt, Amelia, Scarlet, and Josey Lukie; Pippa and Seamus Reeves; and Quinn and Ines Reeves. Mary is also survived by her siblings: John (Charlene) Barry, David (Jane) Barry, Norah (Michael) Mallory, Thomas (Carolyn) Barry, Martha (Peter) Zed, Moira (John) Adams, and Michael (Susan) Barry, along with many members of her large extended family.

A lifelong learner and respected leader in education, Mary lived a rich and rewarding life, touching the hearts of many. After graduating from St. Vincent’s High School in Saint John, she joined the Marist Sisters in Edmundston. As Sister Mary Barry, she earned a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI, and taught in Thetford Mines, QC, and Hull, QC. She left the Marist Sisters in 1972 and took a teaching post in Schefferville, QC, where she became the first female principal in 1977. It was in Schefferville that she met Philip, married, and started their family. In the summer of 1979, they relocated with their three young children to Regina, SK, which became their home for 28 years.

Mary resumed her career with the Regina Catholic School Board, holding numerous teaching and administrative positions. She became the first female high school principal in Regina and eventually retired as Superintendent of Education for Regina Catholic Schools in 2002. Retirement, however, marked the beginning of an extensive career in voluntary service. Her expertise and leadership in education took her to the Philippines, the Republic of Georgia, and the Inuit communities in Labrador, where she supported change management. She also volunteered with SEVEC (Youth Exchanges Canada), Canadian Parents for French and lectured at St. Thomas University's Department of Education in Fredericton.

Mary’s volunteer work had a strong humanistic focus, including service on the Patient and Community Advisory Committee for CADTH, Medical Ethics Board at Horizon Health, Saint Augustine Parish Council, Bobby’s Hospice, the Age Friendly Seniors Committee in Grand Bay – Westfield, the Assumption Refugee sponsoring committee and the Sophia Recovery Centre,which became a beloved charity to her in Saint John. Her most recent passion was the work she was doing with the Canadian Catholic Network for Women’s Equality. Above all, Mary cherished her family, especially her role as "Grammy" to her eight grandchildren and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of 3CN and the Extramural Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate support, as well as to the extended family and friends who provided strength and comfort during this journey.

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John NB. Visitation will take place Sunday September 15 from 3;00 pm - 7:00pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday September 16 at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment will take place later that afternoon in Saint Augustine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Sophia Recovery Centre or a Charity of the donor’s choice.