It is with profound sadness that we announce that, after a recent diagnosis of cancer and extremely brief illness, Mary Helena Kodric died on April 29, 2020 at the too-young age of 61. Mary was predeceased by her parents Vinko and Ivanka, and is survived by her siblings, Irene (Garry), David (Marrianne), and Sonja (Dev) as well her four beloved nieces, Laura, Heather, Lief, and Caitlyn, as well as by her beloved cat, Phoebe.
Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Mary was always a bright star. Considered by many to be the smartest person they knew, she shone intellectually throughout her schooling, was addicted to reading from an early age, loved watching movies and good television, and had a searing wit that could both cut and coddle, depending on whether you were on the receiving end of it or not. Her family was part of the small Slovenian community in Kitchener. Mary and her siblings have great memories of spending Sundays at Slovenski Park on the 401, swimming in the water hole, kids races, dancing and pig roasts.
Mary left Kitchener to attend the University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree, obtained her law degree at the University of Windsor, returning to make Toronto her adopted home and the place where she practiced law. Mary’s incisive mind and generous heart made her a wonderful family lawyer, while her skeptical nature and strong sense of social and moral justice gave her an edge many needed to contend with. Most recently, Mary was a panel member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She passionately protected the rights of children in various family law cases, knowing she was often the only one actually thinking about the kids in bitter family battles. Her disdain for some of the antics of the parties involved was palpable as she kept her eye on the welfare of those children.
Beyond her professional life, Mary was a sister, a devoted aunt, a cousin, and a friend. She had a diverse circle of friends, in the legal world, with extended family, and in her own community. Her friendship, once obtained, did not waver. Being as well-read as she was made Mary wise in the ways of the world; she was supportive and generous with advice to all of us. On the flip side, Mary always had boundaries with her family and friends letting us in just to a certain point. This was a frustration to many, but something she stayed true to right to the end of her life.
Mary was an avid and devastatingly competitive game player and trivia whiz. You always wanted to play with and not against, as she invariably found answers to the most obscure questions or could provide detailed background the rest of us couldn’t muster. She loved reading her daily newspaper, drinking coffee, and staying up way too late most nights, being a night owl. Her incredible intelligence, great friendship, sense of humour, and dedication to her friends, family and clients as well as her stubbornness and withering glances will be missed by us all.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date. At this time cremation has taken place. To honour Mary’s love of helping youth and her love of animals, a donation can be made in Mary’s memory to YouthLink or an animal rescue of your choice.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Mary's obituary notice on Facebook.
Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Mary was always a bright star. Considered by many to be the smartest person they knew, she shone intellectually throughout her schooling, was addicted to reading from an early age, loved watching movies and good television, and had a searing wit that could both cut and coddle, depending on whether you were on the receiving end of it or not. Her family was part of the small Slovenian community in Kitchener. Mary and her siblings have great memories of spending Sundays at Slovenski Park on the 401, swimming in the water hole, kids races, dancing and pig roasts.
Mary left Kitchener to attend the University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree, obtained her law degree at the University of Windsor, returning to make Toronto her adopted home and the place where she practiced law. Mary’s incisive mind and generous heart made her a wonderful family lawyer, while her skeptical nature and strong sense of social and moral justice gave her an edge many needed to contend with. Most recently, Mary was a panel member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She passionately protected the rights of children in various family law cases, knowing she was often the only one actually thinking about the kids in bitter family battles. Her disdain for some of the antics of the parties involved was palpable as she kept her eye on the welfare of those children.
Beyond her professional life, Mary was a sister, a devoted aunt, a cousin, and a friend. She had a diverse circle of friends, in the legal world, with extended family, and in her own community. Her friendship, once obtained, did not waver. Being as well-read as she was made Mary wise in the ways of the world; she was supportive and generous with advice to all of us. On the flip side, Mary always had boundaries with her family and friends letting us in just to a certain point. This was a frustration to many, but something she stayed true to right to the end of her life.
Mary was an avid and devastatingly competitive game player and trivia whiz. You always wanted to play with and not against, as she invariably found answers to the most obscure questions or could provide detailed background the rest of us couldn’t muster. She loved reading her daily newspaper, drinking coffee, and staying up way too late most nights, being a night owl. Her incredible intelligence, great friendship, sense of humour, and dedication to her friends, family and clients as well as her stubbornness and withering glances will be missed by us all.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date. At this time cremation has taken place. To honour Mary’s love of helping youth and her love of animals, a donation can be made in Mary’s memory to YouthLink or an animal rescue of your choice.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Mary's obituary notice on Facebook.
