Mary was my second mom. I met Sue when I was 13 and from the first day Sue invited me over, Mary and Bob opened their house and hearts to me and now I feel a part of their family.
Mary was born in Rocky Lane, Alberta and was delivered by her father in their farmhouse. She moved away to attend high school in Sexsmith and then moved to Peace River in 1964. There she stared to work as an operator for AGT. That’s where she met Bob. They were married in 1965 and moved to Calgary shortly after. Bob and Mary were best friends and their love was true and lasting. They raised two great girls, Sue and Dianne, and enjoyed golfing, curling, playing cards with friends, and traveling. In fact, my mom and Mary went to bingo a while ago and when Bob walked into the bingo hall to pick them up my mom said "Oh there’s Bob" and Mary said "You know, he still makes my heart go pitter patter."
Family meant everything to Mary. Mary was a great mom, not just to Sue and Dianne but to all the neighborhood kids, me included. We all told Mary our secrets and problems, she was so caring and non-judgmental. Many times Mary didn’t tell Bob about all the happenings around the house (with two teenage daughters there was a lot going on). That really saved our hides. We really appreciated that. Mary was Sue and Dianne’s brownie leader, chauffeur, cheerleader, counselor, friend, bottle drive organizer, chocolate seller extraordinaire, and much more. Mary had a close and loving family too, 3 sisters, Olga, Adeline, Gloria, and 2 brothers, Don and Russell, not to mention her "in-laws" which sounds funny to say because they were just as close as real brothers and sisters: Marilyn, Bill and June and Wendell. I always remember Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends were over at Mary and Bob’s. They were always having open houses or special dinners, celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just getting together. Everyone was always invited. All happy times. Mary seemed the happiest with a house full of company. Sue and Dianne had the best role model in the world as a mom and I’m sure when they have kids they will pass on the unconditional love that Mary had for them.
Even when she knew she was dying she told my mom that she was getting her wish, to die before her children. Her love for her children was evident in everything she did.
Mary was always so generous with everything she had. If I had to go out and didn’t have anything to wear or I didn’t have the right pair of shoes, I just called her up and she gladly lent them. She was always doing something for someone else. After her first battle with cancer she volunteered to help other breast cancer patients get through their experience. She helped many others throughout her life whether it was working a bingo for the community association or volunteering at the Carstairs Golf Club where she was a member, she was always helping others in her seemingly effortless way.
Mary had a determined spirit. Her courage and strength was so evident throughout her battle with cancer. I remember when Mary was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985. She never complained, ever. She just continued on living, focusing on the positive but preparing for the worst. She was brave and I learned that life is about living every moment and enjoying the people around you. Last month she went golfing and even though she would fall down she would get right back up again and continue playing. She enjoyed the small things in life and even when she was quite sick it was still important for her to reach out to others. When I had my son Eric in June this year, he was in the special care nursery for a few days. Mary was quite sick that day but she made it up to the hospital to see me and Eric and brought a gift. Shortly after I got home from the hospital Mary and Bob visited again, bringing more presents. She was so generous and loving. It meant so much to me to have her come and visit, knowing that it wasn’t an easy thing to do and it required a lot of energy and effort.
At the end, she was surrounded by her supportive family and passed away in her own bed, at her home. She died with dignity and I respect and admire her courage and bravery. My life is so much richer for knowing her. It was a blessing to have known her and to remember her spirit with you today.