Obituary of Mary Annie Wakim

Mary died peacefully at Belmont House, Toronto, Ontario, on August 12, 2022, in her 102nd year.  Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, she was the second daughter of the late Arthur Saleem Wakim and Emma (Emin) Wakim.  Surviving is her brother Arthur Samuel Wakim, Q.C. (and his wife, Martin), and her sister Helen Haddad. She was predeceased by six sisters: Annie Saab, Madeline Rudowicz, Catherine Wakim, Cecelia Shannon, Germaine McLorie and Theresa Stephen.  She will be fondly remembered by 18 nieces and nephews and their respective spouses, and 34 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mary graduated from St. Vincent’s Girls High School in Saint John, N.B. in 1938.  She then moved to Boston, Ma, where she enjoyed a 55-year career in retail sales that led to a managerial position in Corporate Customer Service at the historic Filene’s Department Store.  While living in Boston, she was involved in the International Institute of New England (IINE), a legendary non-profit social service organization responsible for helping refugees and new immigrants.  Mary participated in program development and the teaching of English at the Boston site on Commonwealth Avenue for over 20 years. Following retirement in 1995, Mary joined her large extended family in Toronto where she became actively involved in community activities. 

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Gail Walker, Director of Retirement Living and to Donna Locke, Director of Care, who together with their staff, provided a home for Mary in Belmont House during the last 8 years.  In addition, many thanks to the special caregivers of 3 West.  Donations to the Belmont Foundation, in lieu of flowers, would be graciously received.

A mass of Christian Burial followed by interment will take place in Saint John, New Brunswick at a later date.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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