Mary McGarry of St. Marys has won a Guaranteed $1 Million Prize in the June 16, 2021 LOTTO 6/49 draw.
Mary, a 65-year-old kokum (grandmother in Ojibway), said she is a regular lottery player who used to play with her late brother.
“When my brother would purchase our ticket, he’d say, ‘This one’s the winner Mary!’” Mary’s brother, James, was a residential school survivor. “Now when I purchase my tickets, I say to my brother, ‘This one’s the winner, James!’ to honour his memory.”
Mary said when she checked her ticket on the OLG Lottery App and saw Big Winner she took a screen shot and sent it to her son with the caption OMG OMG OMG.
“I asked him to double check online, and he said congratulations Mom, you won a million dollars! I started screaming!”
The health care industry retiree said she was so excited and emotional. “It made me think of my brother – the joy is incredible. I can positively impact the lives of my loved ones and ensure my grandkids all have education funds.”
Mary plans to visit family in northern Ontario and share her win with family.
The winning ticket was purchased at McDonalds Your Independent Grocer on Queen Street in St. Marys.
