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Cullen, Mary 'Lucille' (Baker)

July 26, 2016 91

Cullen, Mary 'Lucille' (Baker)

‘I have fought the good fight’ ‘I have finished the race’ ‘I have kept the faith’ (2, Timothy). The Cullen family announces with profound sadness the passing of Lucille Cullen at Health Sciences North on Tuesday July 26, 2016 on the Feast day of St. Anne at the age of 91 years. Lucille was born in Belleville, ON November 30, 1924. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael James “Jim Cullen” (March 8, 2016) for 67 wonderful years. She was the ‘love of his life.’ Dearest Mommy to Louise Stewart (Owen) of Toronto, Susan Liske (Evan) of Port Perry, Denise Ballantyne (Bob) of Waterloo, Jim (Terry Mills) of Sudbury, Annette Whalen (Kirk) of Waterloo and Michael (Lucie) of Sudbury. Cherished Grandma of 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Dear sister of Barbara Laporte of Bowmanville and brother Edward Baker of Toronto. Predeceased by her parents, Edward York Baker 1944 and Anna Loretto Baker (nee Connolly) 1979 and her sister Catherine Huggins, ‘Kay’, 2003. Lucille grew up in Toronto and Ottawa. She graduated from Immaculata High School in Ottawa. She was married to Jim “Jimmie” on January 22, 1949 at St. Clare’s Church in Toronto. They moved to Sudbury in 1956 and became one of the founding families of St. Andrew the Apostle. Lucille was a devoted, dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Mom became National President of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada from 1990-1992, Ontario Provincial President 1983-85 and Sault Ste. Marie Diocesan President 1976-78. She was Recipient of CWL Life Membership 1977, Charter President of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 1958 and became a CWL Charter Member 1952 in St. Luke’s, Thornhill. As National President, Lucille travelled to Rome in 1990 representing the CWL members across Canada at the canonization of St. Marguerite D’Youville and was chosen to personally meet the Holy Father, now St. Pope John Paul II at the audience with 5, 000 Canadian and international pilgrims. Other travels included a CWL Delegate to NCCW (USA), National Convention in Dallas, Texas and Atlanta Georgia, the WUCWO Assembly, Guadalajara, Mexico and Chicago. One highlight as President-elect was the mandate to handle all the details for the introduction of the CWL flag carried for the first time as National President at the closing Mass at the 70th National Convention in 1990 in St. Patrick’s Basilica, Montreal, QC. She most recently received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontific medal also known as the “Cross of Honour Medal” an award conferred by Pope Francis to the laity for distinguished service to the Church. Lucille became Regional Director for the Arthritis Society in Northeastern Ontario from 1974-1994 supervising volunteer activities in fundraising, public education and patient needs in over 60 northern communities-efforts that culiminated in opening the Sudbury office in 1993 after countless volunteers raised $4.1 million for arthritis research. She received the Ontario Centennial Medal in 1984 and Canada 125 Medal 1990 in recognition of community and church service. Lucille and Jim built a beautiful summer camp on Lake Panache in 1963 providing wonderful summer vacations for all 6 children and grandchildren for 47 years. We are forever grateful for their tireless efforts providing cherished memories but the greatest gift of all was the strong commitment to Faith and Family. Sincerest appreciation is extended to Dr. Pun for her kindness and compassion and the medical team of the 6th floor South Tower, Health Sciences North. Resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home 233 Larch Street, Sudbury Friday July 29, 2016 from 2-5 and 7-9 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 1250 Barrydowne Road, Sudbury, Saturday July 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Peter Moher officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. An expression of sympathy if desired to Catholic Missions of Canada, Meals on Wheels Sudbury or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Service Details

Provided by: Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home

Service
Saturday, July 30, 2016
12:00 AM


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