On July 19, 2009, Mary joined Dominic on their final honeymoon.
Born in New Glasgow on August 20, 1930, the only daughter of the late William and Frances Gallagher, Mary passed away peacefully with her daughter Patricia and her family by her side.
She was predeceased by brother Dennis and Brian at birth. Mary graduated from Saint John’s Academy in 1948 and went on to the nursing program at Saint Martha’s School of Nursing. Shortly afterwards she met and married the love of her life, Dominic, and together they raised six children while running the family business “Dominic Raniowski Sales and Services”. Their many travels took them to England, Ireland, Poland, United States and Canada. In Mary’s words those times were their mini honeymoons.
Mary was very involved in Saint John the Baptist Parish in the role of Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of the CWL where she held numerous positions. In her early years, she volunteered at the Pictou Landing First Nations School. Her later volunteer work included Pictou County Food Bank, Helpline, Grief Support Group, Aberdeen Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Palliative Care Unit, Foot Clinic and acted as hospital receptionist when needed. Mary also served on the Board of Directors of the Pictou County Co-Op. Mary was a founding member of the Abercrombie Volunteer Fire Department . She was an active member of Branch 34, Royal Canadian Legion where she was proud to have her father’s dress band 85th Highlanders uniform on display.
The thing Mary was most proud of was her six children that she leaves behind: Peter (Maureen), Abercrombie; Anne (Gordon MacDonald), Blue Mountain; John (Judy), New Glasgow; Patricia(Greg Jenkins), Springville; Dennis (Dana), Riverton; and Catherine (Stanislaw Rucinski), Texas, USA. She will be sadly missed by brother Joe (Sandy), Dartmouth, and her loving 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Visitation Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to be held on Wednesday 11 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church followed by interment in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Holy Cross Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca