It is with profound heartbreak and deep sorrow that the family of Mary Ann Tomlak learned of her sudden passing on June 1, 2025, at the age of 70.
Mary Ann was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) on August 5, 1954. She attended St. Andrews, St. Ignatius, and PACI before continuing her studies at the University of Western Ontario, where she graduated in 1977 as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Following graduation, she began her career in Kitchener.
One of the great joys of her life in Kitchener was her home on Shea Crescent, especially the backyard pool, which became the heart of countless neighbourhood gatherings. Family, friends, and neighbours from across the country were welcomed with open arms to enjoy the fun and laughter she so generously hosted.
After many happy years in Kitchener, Mary Ann returned to Thunder Bay and opened the city’s first M&M Meat Shop franchise on Red River Road in 1990. Later, she expanded with a second location on Edward Street. Under her leadership—and with the help of her amazing managers and dear friends Jenny and Mary—both stores consistently ranked among the top five performers in Canada.
Despite her tireless dedication to her work, Mary Ann lived life to the fullest. She cherished time spent with family and friends at the family camp on Lac des Mille Lacs in Upsala and, later, at her own cottage nearby in Pine Point. In winter months, she enjoyed the sunshine and warmth of her condo in Fort Myers, Florida, where many wonderful memories were made and will be forever treasured.
Mary Ann was a generous, kind, and loving soul. Her family and friends meant the world to her, and she found her greatest joy in the lives of her siblings, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Chomistek), and her grandparents, Jozeph and Sophie Chomistek, and Gabriel and Mary Tomlak.
Mary Ann will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Daniel, Joey, Marge (AJ), and Michael (Michele); her nieces Lexi and Sydney; her nephews Austin, Brandon, and Brady; as well as extended family and countless friends.
💕WE LOVE YOU MARYANN💕
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times,
laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun;
of memories that I leave when life is done.”
– Helen Laurie Marshall
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Mary Ann Tomlak may be made to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
