Obituary for Mary-Catharine Kuruziak (Szczygiel)
KURUZIAK, Mary Catharine (nee Szczygiel)
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Catharine Kuruziak of Welland, on June 20th, 2022, in her 71st year. Known to many as “Momma Coon”, she was the devoted wife of the late Nicolas Kuruziak, and is survived by her daughters, Pamella and Donna Dempsie, and her brother, John and his wife Jennifer.
She was also a temporary “Mom” to thousands of orphaned raccoons, birds, possums, squirrels, dogs, cats and a plethora of other wild and domestic animals for over 30 years.
MC, or “Momma Coon” was a respected and revered wildlife rehabilitator, writer, mentor and educator who founded and directed Niagara Wildlife Haven for over 30 years. She also played a significant role with OWREN (Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation Education Network) for many of those years. Her passion for wildlife, educating the public, her peers, and everyone else that would listen was ceaseless, and she devoted her life to helping every beating heart that came her way. She was a tireless spokesperson and advocate for all animals, each and every day.
We will miss you Mom. May you fly high and free and may your hands always be wet when you eat, (If you know, you know.). We know you are currently receiving a million tiny hugs by furry creatures at the Rainbow Bridge and that you are smiling from ear to ear.
In honouring Mary Catharine’s wishes a private family service has taken place. In lieu of funeral services, and to honour our beloved “Momma Coon”, we ask that all who wish to participate please make a donation in memory of her, to your nearest local wildlife rehabilitation facility. For a complete list in Ontario, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-wildlife-rehabilitator
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Catharine Kuruziak of Welland, on June 20th, 2022, in her 71st year. Known to many as “Momma Coon”, she was the devoted wife of the late Nicolas Kuruziak, and is survived by her daughters, Pamella and Donna Dempsie, and her brother, John and his wife Jennifer.
She was also a temporary “Mom” to thousands of orphaned raccoons, birds, possums, squirrels, dogs, cats and a plethora of other wild and domestic animals for over 30 years.
MC, or “Momma Coon” was a respected and revered wildlife rehabilitator, writer, mentor and educator who founded and directed Niagara Wildlife Haven for over 30 years. She also played a significant role with OWREN (Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation Education Network) for many of those years. Her passion for wildlife, educating the public, her peers, and everyone else that would listen was ceaseless, and she devoted her life to helping every beating heart that came her way. She was a tireless spokesperson and advocate for all animals, each and every day.
We will miss you Mom. May you fly high and free and may your hands always be wet when you eat, (If you know, you know.). We know you are currently receiving a million tiny hugs by furry creatures at the Rainbow Bridge and that you are smiling from ear to ear.
In honouring Mary Catharine’s wishes a private family service has taken place. In lieu of funeral services, and to honour our beloved “Momma Coon”, we ask that all who wish to participate please make a donation in memory of her, to your nearest local wildlife rehabilitation facility. For a complete list in Ontario, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-wildlife-rehabilitator
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca