In Celebration of

Mary Jane Puiu

March 8, 1950 -  May 16, 2023


C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous vous annonçons le décès de notre bien-aimée Mary Jane Puiu. Elle était une fille, une sœur, une tante, une amie et une enseignante aimante. Cette guerrière tenace a lutté contre des maladies chroniques invalidantes pendant des années, tout en réussissant a y trouver de la joi malgré tout. Mary Jane a inspiré des milliers de personnes en leur transmettant son amour profond de la musique et de la vie.

Femme de contradictions, elle était une personne exigeante mais aussi compatissante et douce lorsque le réconfort était nécessaire. Humble mais totalement confiante en ses capacités d’enseignante et de musicienne, elle dirigeait ses chœurs avec savoir-faire. Une femme majestueuse avec un rire rauque, contagieux, qui souvent éclatait aux moments les plus inopportuns. Son don inné pour la gestion, de pair avec sa passion indéniable pour la belle musique, ont fait de sa chorale l’œuvre de sa vie.

Il est déchirant de dire que les familles FACE, église orthodoxe Saint Nicholas Antiochian, McGill Choral Society, Women Making Music ont perdu une « grande dame ».

Elle laisse en deuil sa sœur Priscilla Puiu (Riaz Ladha), son neveu adoré Karim Ladha (Hattie Gibson et leurs enfants Remy et Robin) ainsi que sa grande cohorte d’amis et admirateurs.

Un service religieux orthodoxe, pour les proches, aura lieu le 12 juin à 10 :00 heures, à l’église Orthodoxe Saint Georges- 575 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal.
Un hommage lui sera rendu à l’église Saint Enfant Jésus à 12 :30 - 5039 Saint Dominique St., Montréal.
L’enterrement aura lieu au cimetière Mont Royal à 14 :30 - 1297 chemin de la Forêt, Outremont.


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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Mary Jane Puiu. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. This fierce warrior battled debilitating illnesses for years, but still managed to find joy. Mary Jane inspired thousands, instilling a deep love of music and life.

A woman of contradictions, she was demanding but was a compassionate and gentle person when comfort was needed. Humble yet totally confident in her abilities as a teacher and musician, she conducted her choirs with skill. A majestic woman with an infectious raucous laugh, which often erupted at the most inopportune moments. Her innate gift for management, coupled with her undeniable passion for beautiful music, made her choir her life's work.

It is heartbreaking to say that the FACE, Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox church, McGill Choral Society, Women Making Music families have lost a "grande dame". Thank you for everything, Mary Jane, you will be forever remembered.

She is survived by her sister Priscilla Puiu (Riaz Ladha), her beloved nephew Karim Ladha (Hattie Gibson and their children Remy and Robin) along with her large cohort of friends and admirers.

An Orthodox service for close friends and family will be held on June 12 at 10:00 am, at the Saint George Orthodox Church - 575 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal
A commemoration of Mary-Jane’s life will follow at 12:30 pm at Église Saint Enfant Jesus - 5039 Saint Dominique St., Montreal.
Burial will take place at the Mont Royal Cemetery at 2:30 PM - 1297 Foret Rd, Outremont

Guestbook 

(5 of 11)


Beverly OBrien Cuco (Cousin)

Entered May 31, 2023 from Calgary Alberta

Our sincere condolences to family and friends. I have many fond memories of Mary Jane. She was so much fun when we were growing up. She often pinched our cheeks for fun. I remember her at the Romanian Hall learning folk songs and Christmas Carols. Her amazing voice would raise the roof at church. May she rest now and join the choirs of angels. Beverly Cuco Obrien

George Bruce Cuco (Cousin)

Entered May 31, 2023 from Amherst Nova Scotia

Taught me how to swim at the Romanian summer camp. She had a great voice.

Dalal Matta-Salamé (Colleague)

Entered May 31, 2023 from Montreal

My sincere condolences to Mary Jane’s family and friends. Face school is mourning your loss 😢🙏

Janet Johnson (Fellow teacher at F.A.C.E.)

Entered May 31, 2023 from Laurentians

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. Mary Jane befriended me and took me under her wing when I joined the F.A.C.E. family. A great loss!

Sherry Salhany ( Cheryl ) (Choir member St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church)

Entered May 31, 2023 from 384 Rue Crepeau Saint Laurent Quebec H4NOA6

Mary Jane.. We saw how you had difficulty walking with such pain and discomfort during the past years of rehearsals and church services, yet you kept on going with such dignity and courage, and willingness to continue. We thank you Mary Jane, and will always remember and reminisce those wonderful memories and grateful days. Pray that you Rest In Peace among family and friends. ...🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽