It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Mary Alice McLeay on Monday October 18, 2021. 

 

She was predeceased by her father Sydney and her mother May (nee Barron) as well as her sister Jean McLeay and her brother John McLeay. Mary is survived by her partner in life Belle Knight, niece Sandy Newman, nephew Colin McLeay and their families, as well as her grandchildren Cassy, Harley, Haley, Katrina, Kathleen, Bonnie and Kevin as we as many great grandchildren. She will also be sorely missed by her daughter in law Glenda, Belle’s brother Peter and his wife Barbara and family whom they visited often in England.  Extended family Jane and Christopher Kranendonk and family who have been such good friends over the years. As well as Bobby and Debbie for their support and love. And many friends and colleagues. 

 

“In Remembrance of your precious Mary.  She meant a lot to us as well as to you. We remember her kindness and thoughtfulness always.” Fondly Gerry T.

 

Mary was born in Edmonton Alberta in 1943 and moved to Winnipeg in 1963 where she began a long career helping others.  She began at the YMCA, then went on to St. Amant Centre, Mary Mound School for girls. Moving on then to Main Street Project Group Home where she met Belle and they together owned several group homes for CFS and troubled youth. Also Brochu House for children and indigenous people who were in the city for medical appointments and to visit family members who were ill.

 

Mary had a love for animals especially our dogs.  She showed many of the dogs, mostly German Shepards and Chihuahuas throughout western Canada.  Mary loved bingo and the casino and was a long-time member of the Dugald Community Club Board and was president for 3 years. She helped with many fundraising events particularly during Canada Day. She was well known and loved by her bingo buddies. Mary had a lot of friends particularly Gerry Thompson, whom shared her love for dogs and showed them occasionally for us. Also David and Elsie Shale, whom Mary enjoyed “fixing” things with especially David.  Both Mary and Belle were members of “Happenings Club” for many years.  Mary often worked the bar or the door. Mary and Belle were board members for many years and enjoyed many good times there.   

 

Mary collapsed on her way into an appointment at Cancer Care at HSC and never recovered.  She had been ill for a few months but never lost her humour or love for Belle or her dogs who were always by her side. 

 

Bellle would like to thank George for always checking in and Shelley for “hiding things”.  As well as the home care workers, nurses and social workers whom Mary and Belle appreciated so much.  A special thanks to the staff of HSC Cancer Care for their amazing efforts and kind words on that very emotional day. Also many thanks the staff of Selkirk General Hospital for all of their care and compassion over the last several months.

 

My memories just won’t die because loving you was easier than anything I have done before

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Or will ever do again

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The easy parts are over and the hard parts now start

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Now time will tell if the pain and loneliness will ease or the hurting will ever go away

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Now you are gone

 

The love we shared over many years was deep caring and understanding of each other’s needs

 

Thank you as you were always there during my darkest days

 

We have to love each when we try and this love shared around the world would make life far healthier for all.

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Donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or Main Street Project.