Mary E. Loncke
Celebration of Life
Mary E. Loncke
(nee Nagy)
We invite you to join us
on Friday October 1, 2021
as we remember and celebrate
with love, laughter, and line dancing
the lifetime of Mary E. Loncke
from 2pm to 5pm
at the Delhi Hungarian Hall,
71 King Street, Delhi, Ontario
Casual and colourful attire is encouraged.
*meal will be served from 3pm to 5pm
Mary E. Loncke
January 5, 1940 – March 29, 2021
She always signed her name as Mary E. Loncke, because there were other Mary Loncke’s. Truthfully, there was nobody quite like Mary E. Loncke. Her goal was not necessarily to have a long life but to have a good one. She accomplished both.
Born Mary Elizabeth Nagy, she was predeceased by her Mother Victoria Keleman (1973) and her Father Charles Nagy (1974), eldest sister Margaret (1999) and brother-in-law Jim Pongracz (2014). Mary is survived by younger sister Violet Nagy of Delhi, nephews Fred (Catherine deceased 2014), Bob, Frank, and Jim (LuAnn) Pongracz. She had a special bond with some of her great nieces and nephew: Anthony (Melissa) Pongracz, Stephanie Pongracz (Rick), Jennifer Malcolm (Kevin), Tanya Pongracz, and with her 2 great-grand-nieces Olivia and Ally.
Mary enjoyed life! She did well in her academic and sports endeavors but excelled in sociability. She graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Hamilton in 1962, where she made lifelong friends. Her love, and specialty, was being a Nurse in the Operating Room. She spent a few years in the OR at Norfolk General Hospital before departing for the OR in London’s Victoria Hospital.
Mary’s residence in Old South became her beloved home. She was able to pursue her passions of Art History at UWO, visiting European museums, and skiing, even taking her “adopted” nephew with her to Whistler. She volunteered as an usher at London Little Theatre as well as The Grand. Line dancing was a retirement endeavor, she ‘loved’ it, and while travelling extensively, often on cruise ships, she enjoyed the camaraderie of her groups and dancing itself. Her fur babies were her company at home.
She wasn’t interested in global affairs or depressing news. Mary was always ‘UP’; always an available shoulder for her friends in need, and for Mary, once a friend, always a friend. She was extremely loyal. Her wide network of London friends returned that loyalty, and their friendship and assistance was much appreciated, particularly during her short hospitalization.
In keeping with Mary’s expressed wishes cremation has taken place. Due to COVID 19, no formal services are being planned at this time. Memorial donations to the Grand Theatre or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are appreciated and may be made directly, or by cheque through Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe St., Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 2J8 (519-409-5575) entrusted with final arrangements. Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at wareingcremation.ca
Mary, was my Canadian cousin. She always had to remind me how we were related, I could never remember ! My first meeting of Mary was in 1948 , when my parents and I came to visit Mary and her family on her Dad’s tobacco farm. Next, my buddy from high school drove to to be with Mary at her graduation from Nursing School in 58’. We were able to get together maybe 6-7 more times over the years, not enough !!! I shall miss her her beautiful soul.
Bob Balint
Violet, we send you and family, our deepest Sympathy, upon hearing of Mary’s passing . So glad we had a wonderful lengthy phone conversation with Mary in January. Lots of laughs reminiscing about our “fun” times at Delhi High District High School, many years ago!..with plans to meet this summer . Mary was a ray of sunshine and we will miss her.
We,re so saddened by the passing of such an amazing friend. So many wonderful memories. May she Rest In Peace.
I met Mary through Patti Fisher years ago. Mary was such a loyal and kind friend to Patti and because of her friendship to Patti, she also treated me with the same sincerity and generosity of spirit. She was so easy to be with and laugh with – I always enjoyed her company. I am sorry to hear of Mary’s passing – my sincere condolences.
I was so saddened to hear that Mary is gone. I’ve known her and enjoyed having fun with her while we worked together with Orchestra London for many years. I was a nurse at St Joe’s and also I was usher captain with the orchestra and could always depend on Mary for ushering (unless she was going on a trip).We shared many nursing stories and life stories and lots of giggles. That’s the one thing I most remember about Mary was her warmth and her signature giggle. I have missed her as the orchestra regrouped and we didn’t need as many ushers but I made it a point to call and include her as she had been so faithful. I am so sorry that I wasn’t aware of any illness but I did know that Mary had some heart issues as we talked frequently on the phone about it . I will miss her and her sweet smile but I know she is at peace now and doesn’t have to worry about anything. I will miss her but am grateful to have known her for as long as I did.
God rest your soul Mary, enjoyed many years of working with you at “Vic”
Mary will be greatly missed. She always made people feel special. Unfortunately we only visited with her a couple of times in the last year or so. Mary made the world a better place. We were privileged to know her. Mary (another) and Dan Loncke
izzygizzy8@gmail.com. Mary and I were classmates in nursing and remained friends for all those years.We saw each other every reunion and sometimes in between where we could pick up as if time stood still.She was an amazing lady and will be missed.
I met Mary Loncke in 1987, when I joined the operating room at Victoria Hospital. She was my mentor and first charge nurse (Urology) at the old South Street campus. She took me under her wing and guided me. We had a lot in common, including making the most of the life we were given. We not only enjoyed our work, but also the many work parties, ski trips, antiques shopping and auctions. We developed a caring friendship. Over the years she looked forward to the Christmas Santa Claus parade with my kids, which wasn’t complete without stopping after at McDonalds for a meal. My children would all call her Mary Loncke. At some point, one of the kids asked me what Mary Loncke’s last name was, assuming that Mary Loncke was just her first name. We enjoyed her company whether she would join us at the house for dinner, a drop in at her place for coffee to catch up, have a laugh or chatting on the phone. I used to tease her that I thought she enjoyed my husband’s company, more than mine. She would laugh but she never corrected me. It became a tradition that we would enjoy a delicious meal at The Keg, to celebrate birthdays! She inspired me with her love of the arts – theater, literature, dance and music. Christmas was magical as she decorated her brick bungalow. One of my fond memories, was being at her place one evening a few days prior to Christmas. The Christmas decorations were up and in full display, however I noticed she didn’t have a Christmas tree. She got dressed, including her matching boots and purse. We walked over to Valu Mart to pick up some groceries. As we were leaving the store, Christmas Carols were playing from an outdoor speaker. Right in front of us were just a couple of left over ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas trees. She picked one out. As we walked away from the store, Mary Loncke carrying the small bag of groceries and myself dragging the Christmas tree, “I’ll be home for Christmas” was playing over the loud speaker and white fluffy snow was swirling and dancing around us….. it was truly magical. Thank you my friend. You will always be in my heart and never be forgotten.
Always enjoyed working with Mary such a kind and compassionate Nurse.
Rest in Peace Mary. Deepest sympathies to Violet and the rest of her family members. Sincerely – Debbie
Wonderful words that brought tears and smiles. Wonderful life. Wonderful lady!
Loved that gal. Love that family.
I will miss my dear, dear longtime friend so very much.
A dance floor will just not be the same without her on it.
I know you’ll be dancing with the angels in heaven, our Mary.
Dear Violet,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your dear sister Mary. She was such an independent and feisty individual and yet, truly cared very deeply for those she called her friends. We clicked right from our first meeting as OR nurses over 45 years ago. In recent times, she took it upon herself to dedicate time helping me to care for my husband, Randy, as he became ravaged by Alzheimer’s. I was blessed to have know her. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Patti