Mary Helen Menifee

In loving memory of Mary Helen Menifee (nee Kibsey)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Helen Menifee, who left us far too soon at the age of 60, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Toronto Western Hospital. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her adoring family, with her children holding her hands.

Mary was a fiercely loving and endlessly devoted mother to Danny and Dayna, and the beloved partner-in-crime of Richard. She was the caring daughter of Helen Kibsey and the mischief-making youngest sibling to Martin (Randi), Michael (Lori), Roxanna (Gilles), and Stephen (Line). She is predeceased by her father, Paul Kibzey. Mary was also the proud pet parent to Leia, Bandit, Stormy, and a spirited flock of chickens. Her love knew no bounds—she was an “other mother” and loyal friend to many whose lives she touched deeply.

Born on December 4, 1964, in Sept-Îles, Quebec, Mary grew up as the spark of her family. She graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School in 1982 and earned her Medical Secretary diploma from O’Sullivan College in 1984. Her early years were full of beach days, camping trips, family antics, and hours of games.

In 1986, she moved to Ontario and began a vibrant new chapter. Mary worked at Goodyear from 1989 to 2012, and later at Suzuki Canada, where she supported dealers through bilingual customer service in both English and French. She was the go-to problem solver, known for her calm professionalism, sense of humour, and ability to connect with people across the country. Mary loved being part of workplace communities and was always involved in fun activities—Halloween dress-ups, friendly competitions, and Amaryllis-growing contests among them. She brought joy to her colleagues and took pride in lifting everyone's spirits.

Alongside her professional life, Mary devoted herself to caring for her aging mother—her second full-time job, done with grace and fierce dedication. Aptly nicknamed the "Energizer Bunny," she never stopped moving, helping, or caring.

Mary had a brilliant sense of humour, quick wit, and a big, adventurous heart. She loved gardening, bird-watching, raising chickens, crafting, and bingo nights, and was always trying out new hobbies just for the fun of it. She never said no to a new adventure and was endlessly curious about the world.

As much as it was a struggle, Mary Helen kicked ass as a single mom. Even though she commuted between Barrie and Toronto for 20 years, she was always there when her kids needed her. Not only that—she had a habit of unofficially adopting her kids' friends, especially when someone needed help. “Your parents don’t make you supper? I’ll feed you.” “You need a place to stay? Stay here.” “You need to be dropped off somewhere? Give me the address.” Her heart was huge and always had room for more.

Though her absence leaves the world a little less bright, she lives on in our memories and in nature. She would tell us to look for her there: in the hum of hummingbird wings, a dragonfly landing on you, or the quiet flicker of a firefly.

A gathering will be held in her honour at Legacy Funeral and Cremation Services in Barrie, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. All who knew Mary are welcome—swing by for some snacks, tell stories, and bring any photos of her you’d like to share.

Memorial donations to Ralphy's Retreat Animal Sanctuary or a gift to help with Celebration of Life costs would be appreciated by the family. 

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