Obituary of Mary C. Canning

On the evening of April 7, 2014, Heaven gained the world’s greatest nanny. Although we will miss her every day, her memory will live on in our hearts and her love for us will never be forgotten. We take solace knowing she is now reunited with her brother, Joseph E. Donelan. A Marine, Joseph was Nanny’s older brother, best friend, and hero. Ever since he passed away during a tragic boating accident at the age of eighteen, our nan has missed him every day for the past sixty-seven years. Nanny had an incredible love for her family up until the hour of her passing. Always stubborn and defying the odds of science, Nanny refused to leave us until Jaime and Jenna arrived from Connecticut to say their final good-byes. With her family surrounding her, Nanny finally joined her brother Joseph in Heaven. We have too many cherished memories with Nanny to count: seeing a giant pastel moon above the oceans of Breezy Point, collecting and selling our painted seashell masterpieces, breakfasts at the Luncheonette and chipwiches at the Sugar Bowl, adventures with her shopping cart (later replaced by her Jazzy scooter), endless games of Go Fish and Old Maid, her constant phone calls whenever any of us had an exam to ensure that her prayers were sent at the correct days and times, her love of sweets and Cheetos (" yellow things "). She introduced us to the combination of chips and coffee ice cream and the challenges of crossword puzzles, the magic of Spray ‘ n ’ Wash and the location of hidden dust. She was always so proud of us and told everyone about her grandchildren- and by everyone, we include policemen, hairdressers, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and even strangers. She also carried around photos of all of her grandkids, ready to brag at any moment. Her bottomless black pocketbook was always filled with Mentos- when she knew she was visiting us, she stocked up on a year’s supply. As our favorite babysitter, nanny would always tell us stories: taxis coming to Hicksville, Franklin the bus driver, and Norman the monster. Always quick to make us smile, our nanny had a million faces, stories, and catchphrases that never failed to make us laugh. We only hope to continue making her proud of us and making sure that her love for us will live on forever. Although we are going to miss Nanny every day for the rest of our lives, but we know that she is finally reunited with her beloved brother, father, mother, and husband in Heaven. We will remember her waving to us from the stoop of her little bungalow on 4 Janet Lane, always making sure she continued waving until we rounded the corner and could no longer see her- standing there with the largest and most beautiful smile, waiting to see us again. We know that- one day- she will be there waiting for us in Heaven, giving us a big hug and kiss. Until that day, Nanny, know that we love you and we will forever carry you in our hearts. God Bless always.