PROKOPEC, Mary
Mary Prokopec (nee Midghall) passed away surrounded by family in Elora, Ont. on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Douglas, and dear mother of Marianne and Michael (Karen). Loving grandmother of Sebastien, Nicholas, Jack and Charlotte. Born the youngest in a boisterous, bustling household consisting of five older brothers, Mary grew up in the east end of Toronto with only one older sister who could come to her aid. Her sister, Ann, who would later become a Sister of St. Joseph (Sr. Mary Ernest), explained that, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” prompting Mary to follow her example and become a tomboy too. Truth be told, Mary was immensely proud of each of her siblings (Ernie, Gerry, Ray, Ann, Cliff and Paul) and their many accomplishments. The family drew on their strong Roman Catholic roots to sustain them through several tragedies. The first was the death of Mary’s mother, Teresa O’Donohoe, before Mary turned two. At the age of twelve she and her brothers and sister were orphaned by the early death of their father, Ernest Midghall. Her maternal aunt, Ann Shea, had stepped in to help raise the children following the death of their mother, and she fully took over responsibility for Mary’s upbringing when she was orphaned. She showered Mary with love as if she were her own biological child resulting in a very close mother-daughter relationship. Following her graduation from St. Joseph’s College School Mary entered the work world, first working for Bell Telephone and shortly afterward becoming a dental assistant under the tutelage of Dr. Rod Freeman. These careers were just the first of many that Mary successfully pursued. She re-invented herself many times over, teaching dental hygienists, and working as a Travel Counsellor, a Real Estate Agent and certified Real Estate Appraiser before starting her own business creating silk and dried flower arrangements and even passing on those skills in a series of courses she taught. Amazingly, Mary managed to work marriage and a family into her busy life as well. In early 1962 she was talked into a blind date with a fellow named Doug Prokopec. Her date appeared at her door, “wearing a DP hat, and driving a dark green Volkswagen Beetle!” of all things, but she went out with him anyway and became a stunning bride a few months later. She had established a career and found herself an eternally devoted husband. Who could ask for anything more? The young couple soon took the step that truly proclaimed their everlasting love story to the world… they purchased a matching Volkswagen Beetle. Their first child, Marianne, arrived pretty quickly too and she soon found herself with a younger brother, Mike. The family moved from Toronto to Lakefield and later to Buckhorn, Ontario, before making a big move to the east coast. Mary, Doug, Marianne and Mike lived nearly ten years in and around Charlottetown, P.E.I. and fondly remember the many strong friendships they made on the Island. A move back to Ontario saw the couple establish homes in Waterloo and later, Fergus, Ontario, before Mary’s illness dictated a move to a condo in Elora, and then to Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Facility. The past decade became increasingly demanding, but particularly for Doug. He demonstrated his unfailing devotion to Mary time and time again, and lovingly met her every need at home for a length of time which astonished friends, family and especially professionals experienced in the care of Alzheimer’s patients. Theirs is truly a love to which all aspire; one that may change, but will never end. Mass and funeral were held at St. Joseph`s Roman Catholic Church, Fergus. www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519 843 3100
