Mary leaves two daughters to cherish her memory, Michelle Culligan and Shaun McGee (Francisco Rey); grandchildren, Shauna-Lee, Dean, Patrick, Kaylin, Sarah, Mikaela; and great grandchildren Keegan, Kaden, and Shamus.

 

Mary had numerous nieces, and nephews. Four nieces and their families kept Mary involved in their family celebrations until her passing (Cindy Proctor, Debbie Wicklund, Colleen Neal, and Corey MacKinnon).

 

Mary was born in Belmont, Manitoba and worked at many jobs; both on and off the farm. She moved to Winnipeg in the mid 40's where she worked cleaning homes and as a retail salesclerk. Tony, a career civil servant was in the RAF. He later went on to work at DVA and CPP. They met through mutual friends and married in November 1946. Tony and Mary were eager to start their family of sons (Pat, Mick and Sean). By 1957 they had their family of three daughters (Patricia, Michelle, and Shaun). Tony and Mary could not have been more proud.

 

They moved into a larger home in Riverview in 1963. This is where Mary found her true vocation. Mary was approached by a mental health social worker, who asked her to house one elderly client. By the end of the year Mary was caring for at least 3 ladies. This was her calling as they were not lodgers but extended family.

 

To people outside of the family Mary and Tony may have appeared to be an odd fit; but they were not. Both had an abiding faith and fierce loyalty to each other, family and friends.

 

Mary being off the farm had often said she would not have an animal in the house. It was another contradiction; it was well known if you could get the dogs bathed and through the door it had a home. Case in point: her last dog, Jade, is now 15 and survived Mary. There were many others who made it through the door - dogs, cats, duck, racoon, turtle and newts, but an adamant NO to snakes and rodents.

 

After Tony's stroke Mary lost her bearings. The one person who could tell her to slow down, relax and enjoy had fallen silent. At the lake, Tony's haven, and in life the rule was: we will work till noon, go to the beach, back to the cabin for dinner, cards, drinks, and a lively discussion about anything. After Tony's passing Mary slipped into the only coping skill she knew to physically work. Mary could most likely be found at the end of a broom, rake, shovel, or axe. From dawn to dusk she would work on their home, yard, or cabin.

 

The family would like to thank all the health care workers who helped Mary in her last months. Grace Hospital's staff, Homecare (Leena, Ann, and Jenny). St. Norbert Nursing Home (Chantelle and Normika), EMTs (Christian and Scotia). All the neighbours and friends; Terry and Emily, Don and Roselle, Kevin and Jen, Gord, and countless others for their outpouring of support.

 

Miss Me - But Let Me Go

 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room!

Why cry for a soul set free!

Miss me a little - but not too long

And not with your head bowed low,

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone;

It's all a part of the master's plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me - but let me go.

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