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Mary Esther

Image by Nick Andréka

MARY ESTHER GRIFFITH

September 1,1961-September 23, 2021

It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Esther in the early morning of September 23 with sisters B.J. and Cynthia at her side.

 

She is predeceased by her parents James and Edith Griffith (nee Ringer) and brothers-in-law Wayne Faulkner and David Beath. Survived by sisters Linda Benedictson (Randy), Betty Jane Stansel (Bob), Melanie Beath, Cynthia Faulkner, Nancy Griffith, and brother James (Cindy Lou), as well as several nieces and nephews in Winnipeg, Smiths Falls, Calgary and Toronto.

 

She was a very happy-go-lucky child with a beautiful smile that lasted her lifetime. She was fiercely independent. After graduating from Loyalist College Mary Esther headed to Calgary where she began a 40-year career in television, film, and theatre. She was a pioneer in the movie industry, a young woman sound technician in a field dominated by men. A motor vehicle accident ended her career as a boom operator, and she reinvented herself to become a scenic artist. She was tenacious and despite her struggles, she loved her work and had a successful career in both Calgary and Winnipeg.

 

She took a great deal of pride in a job well done and was pleased that she had worked on Legends of the Fall when it received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound.

 

ME was resourceful, creative, meticulous, curious and had an eye for detail. She was taught the art of beadwork by an Indigenous Elder and as a result many of her family enjoy wearing pieces she has made. She loved her nieces and nephews, flowers, her home, gardening, the Winnipeg Jets and Patrik Laine.

 

She was happiest outdoors…. in nature, the mountains of Alberta or the beaches in Manitoba.

 

If you wish to honour her memory, a random act of kindness or a donation to a small arts group such as Prairie Theatre Exchange would please her.

 

Mary Esther, you are loved and will be missed. Rest in Peace! 

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Peter McBride

January 26, 2022 at 8:27 PM

My sincere condolences to Mary Esther's family. I only just learned of Mary's passing. Soul crushing. She was a dear, kind and coveted friend to me in high school. I hadn't seen her for many years but knew she was living in Winnipeg, doing marvellous film audio and art work. I always thought we would find a time to chat, catch up and share our thoughts as we did way back then. This tribute is wonderful. I have and will continue to keep you in my heart.  Peter McBride

Nancy & Robert

October 6, 2021 at 9:22 AM

Such a wonderful tribute to MaryEsther❤ I have a fond memory of ME & Jan on a camping trip when they came to visit me in Nelson.  They insisted on staying in the campground, despite the rainstorm, but were appreciative of the thermos of coffee I brought them as they poked their heads out of the wee tent! Great memories also of good times at Triple Diamond Ranch, and, of course, arranging flowers at Nick & Carmen's wedding.  Lots of fun, love, & laughter shared. RIP Mary, I have a great vision of you, with your big grin, surrounded by sunflowers.  ❤

Donna Jenkyns

October 5, 2021 at 2:57 PM

My condolences to the family. I am so blessed for having known and worked with Mary Esther in both Theatre and Film. She will be greatly missed. 

Marc Arseneault

October 5, 2021 at 8:12 AM

What a wonderful tribute. I last saw Mary Esther at Nick’s wedding in Calgary (with all her sisters!) and have fond memories of her time in Calgary where she worked with my son in the film industry. My thoughts go out to the Griffiths. Marc

James

October 2, 2021 at 9:07 AM

I’ve only ever known Mary Esther as a Painter in Winnipeg film these last few years.  She was always like a Whirling Dervish. Spinning along happily while  the paint flowed constantly.  She never stopped smiling the whole time I knew her. I was an onset carpenter and when I needed a third arm she would dig deep to help me. She hated bullies and people who were judgmental. A hard thing to avoid in film. But like water off a ducks back she wouldn’t let the  negativity stop her. Suddenly I heard she was gone. Too soon. I was glad to see this site and to learn more about her, this beautiful woman. My heartfelt condolences to her family. 

Quin

October 1, 2021 at 11:14 PM

I remember ME as always the loudest to laugh, always making spirits higher. The fun level was always off the charts when she was around (we had to keep up). I remember lots of early morning laughs at Christmas time, and some great dancing at nicks wedding, and a couple good walks to the BDI. One of the most positive people I’ve had in my life, always with a smile and always energetic.

Janice Todd

October 1, 2021 at 1:37 PM

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! I have wonderful memories of the early 80's when we had such fun in Calgary... rafting down the Bow River, socializing & parties at the 4-plex in Bankview. They were great times for the many of us who, as young adults, loved hanging out together as we tried to find our places in this crazy world. These are the joyful memories that I will hold close in my heart. My deepest condolences to the Griffith family and all others who knew and loved Mary Esther. May all of you take solace that her suffering on this Earth is no more, and that the world is a better place for her having been here. Rest in peace Mary Esther. Sending caring thoughts across the miles to all of you during this difficult time Jan

Sharon

October 1, 2021 at 11:01 AM

To all the Griffith Girls and their families: I was delighted to see all of you at Nick and Carmen’s wedding.  Mary Esther looked resplendent in her vintage dress and handbag.  ME wore her trademark wide grin and looked like she was having the time of her life with everyone!  RIP Mary Esther and I will treasure that memory of you forever.  Hugs to all! Sharon Calgary
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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