Mary B. Nolan's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announced the death of Mary Berniece Edward Nolan, who passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 87.
Mary went into the hospital on January 2nd with back pain. She exited with her dignity, facing deaths door, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, when she was brought home with hospice to face her final days.
As she lived her life, she faced her death with wit, wisdom, dignity, humor, and a strong will to never give in or show weakness.
Within hours of her death, she still made everyone laugh. After both the doctors and hospice nurses thought she would not survive, she kept on fighting. Fighting till her last breath where she finally found peace. Peace from the pain and peace in the pure joy of meeting her husband Marty J. Nolan and wonderful sister, niece, and brother in heaven.
Mary was born in Chicago and worked as a Catholic School teacher for 36 years with her sister Martha Lou Riley. Mary and her husband Marty retired and moved to Clearwater Florida in 1989.
Mary spent many years volunteering at Ruth Eckard Hall and Largo Cultural Center. She was a long-time member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Chicago, IL. and became a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Largo, Florida.
Mary is survived by Patrick Martin Nolan, her only son, and Melissa E. Nolan, her daughter in law. She is also survived by her true passion in life, her four grandchildren: Shane P. Nolan, Kenzie K. Nolan, Keely S. Nolan, and Luke M. Nolan. Her grandchildren brought her joy, love, and the will to live.
Under hospice care surrounded by her family, she stated a few words prior to her last breath.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love, love, love.”
May we all remember these words as our guidepost for life. May we all be thankful for what we have, may we all be thankful for the time we have with loved ones, may we all be thankful for this beautiful thing called life, and may we all use love as our cornerstone for the rest of our journey.
Rest in peace Mary B. Nolan. You will be missed.
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