Obituary of Mary Arseneau

“When I am dead, my dearest,

Sing no sad songs for me.”

— Christina Rossetti

Mary Arseneau, PhD, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Ottawa on Wednesday, January 28^th, at the age of 62.

Born August 26^th, 1963 to Donald and Grace Arseneau, Mary was the beloved wife of Darcy Terrell, a devoted mother to Emery (Doug Gates), Rowan (Julian Parker), and Madox (Catherine Mennill), and a cherished grandmother to her two grandchildren.

Mary grew up in Cape Breton with her siblings, Tony (Linda), John (Jody Aylard), Donald, Thérèse (Don Elder), André (Donna), Catherine (Mitch McNutt), Peter, Marc (Maureen), and Patricia (Francis Syms), all of whom held a special place in her life.

After graduating from St. Francis Xavier University, she completed her PhD in English at Western University. An extraordinary academic, Mary was a professor of English at the University of Ottawa and a prominent scholar of the Pre-Raphaelites and Christina Rossetti. Brilliant and intellectually generous, she was widely respected for her scholarship and loved by her students for her teaching, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to their growth. Literature was not just her profession, but her passion—poetry and prose were woven into the fabric of who she was.

Above all else, Mary was profoundly devoted to her family. She was an exceptional and dedicated mother, deeply present in her children’s lives and endlessly proud of them. She was the emotional heart of the home, grounding and sustaining her family with love, steadiness, and moral clarity.

Mary will be remembered for her sharp mind, her generosity of spirit, her devotion to learning and teaching, and the deep love she gave so freely to those around her. She leaves behind an enduring legacy in her family, her students, and the many lives she touched through her work and her care.

She will be deeply missed.

Visitations will be held at Highland Park Cemetery, 2037 McGee Side Rd, Carp, on Friday, February 6^th, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Laurier Ave on Saturday, February 7^th, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a short reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the MS Society of Canada or The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.