MARY ANN TISDALE

Mary Ann passed away in Winnipeg following a brief illness. She was the youngest of four children born to Paul and Betty Tisdale. 

The family lived on Kingston Row, St. Vital where Mary Ann attended Windsor School. Deciding to walk home alone from recess period in Kindergarten, Mary Ann was persuaded (a few times) to return to school. This early streak of courage and independence led her to excel throughout her academic career, attending River Heights Elementary, Kelvin High School and the University of Manitoba where she earned a Masters Degree in Anthropology and Archaeology. 

After graduation she took time off to adventure through Europe, especially enjoying her stay in the Greek Islands where, we feared, she was tempted to remain! She worked toward a PhD at UBC before returning to Winnipeg where she worked as a Project Archaeologist for Parks Canada. 

Throughout her career she participated in digs in Ecuador as well as many sites throughout Manitoba, including Riding Mountain, South Indian Lake, Lower Fort Gary, and The Forks. Colleagues describe her brilliant mind and particular skills of analysis in her work. She had a prodigious knowledge of early Indigenous cultures and held a deep respect and commitment to preserving and protecting this heritage. She became a Program Officer with Heritage Canada, responsible for multiculturalism grants and contributions program delivery. She retired from her position as Program Officer with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and later became a Citizen Board Member for the City of Winnipeg Museums Board.

Mary Ann loved her home and neighbourhood on Scotia St. where she connected with “the locals” through annual sand bagging events as well as “feline rescues”. Over the years, she nurtured her special “cat family” but also rescued, cared for and endeavoured to place many others in caring homes. She loved Nature and just “being” outdoors, puttering in her yard and garden. Early adventures on the water and in the woods were standard fare on family vacations through the years at Christie Lake, Longbow Lake, Lake of the Woods and the Neal homestead at Lac du Bonnet.

Mary Ann was a beloved Aunt among the Tisdale and McLeod families and a favourite among the Neal and McFarland cousins. Many loving connections and memories were maintained through the annual Neal/Tisdale Christmas Gatherings dating back to the 1950’s. Mary Ann was always up for an “Adventure” or a “Debate” and had an in depth and wide range of interests, both creative and intellectual. She became a skilled ceramist through her archaeological work and continued to pursue her many interests. She was the epitome of a “Lifelong Learner”. She honed her early debating skills with her siblings around the family dinner table where our mother claimed we were giving her ulcers. It can be hoped that her fiercely intellectual skills may inspire her younger audience to revive what may become a lost art! 

Mary Ann attended a myriad of family celebrations, children’s performances, graduations and weddings. She was the “Queen of Bling” and had a unique flair and style, loving to dress up for all occasions. She was noted among her colleagues to leave a back country dig looking like she had just stepped off a fashion runway.

Mary Ann was surrounded by a loving family and loyal friends. She will be deeply missed by friends Elizabeth, Virginia, and Deb. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Betty Tisdale; and her brother, John. She is survived by her sister, Frances McLeod (Ted); brother, Rob (Barb); sister in law, Nancy Tisdale; as well as her many nieces and nephews and their families. She will be warmly remembered and treasured by us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If you wish to make a donation to honour the memory of Mary Ann Tisdale, please consider the following: Harvest Manitoba, Red Cross (Manitoba), and Friends of Canadian Media.

Mary Ann’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

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204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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