Obituary – Mary Jane McKitterick

MARY JANE McKITTERICK
March 20, 1965 – Nov. 7, 2023

Mary Jane McKitterick passed in the arms of her heart’s desire, with her brothers also in the embrace, at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus on Nov. 7, 2023.
She is survived by her husband Matthew McGarvey; and her brothers Robert and John, of Kincardine.
Predeceased by her parents (Margaret) Suzanne McKitterick and (Charles) Michael McKitterick.
Born in Oakville Ontario, Mary Jane spent most of her early years in Oshawa. In Kincardine, she made many friends and developed a love of literature and theatre.
Mary Jane earned a B.A., M.A., and M.Ed. She was a powerful intellect and voracious reader, always challenging her own thoughts and welcoming new conversations. She was involved in teaching English in Japan, Habitat for Humanity in Indonesia, and peacebuilding in Rwanda. She culminated her career with “A Way Home Canada”, helping to solve youth homelessness. MJ supported progressive causes such as indigenous rights and reconciliation, diversity issues, natural gardening and community building.
Mary Jane’s love of work and travel was matched by her love of cooking with Japanese, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, as well as baking and cake decorating, and growing fresh herbs and vegetables in her natural garden.
In November 2021, Mary Jane was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. On Jan. 14, 2023, Mary Jane and Matthew were married in a small but beautiful ceremony on a sunny, cold crystalline winter afternoon at Britannia Yacht Club.
One friend summed her up well: when you spoke to Mary Jane, she made you want to be the best version of yourself. She often quoted Maya Angelou, “Always do the best you can until you know better. And when you know better, do better.”
Thanks go to Dr. Lua Eiriksson and the teams at Juravinski Cancer Centre, the medical and support staff at Queensway Carleton Hospital and the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, and to Dr. Wesley Edwards. The nurses in all settings deserve special mention for their compassionate and professional care.
A celebration of Mary Jane will be held at the Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa on Jan. 13, 2024 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Another celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held in Kincardine on July 27, 2024, with details to be announced.
Donations to A Way Home Canada, Ovarian Cancer Canada, Wellspring Cancer Support or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated as suitable memorial tributes to Mary Jane.