It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Scantlebury on January 21, 2020. Mary passed away peacefully in the Victoria General Hospital with her three children by her side.

 

Mary is predeceased by her parents William and Gladys Mushey; her beloved husband Richard; her sister Anne Ukrainec; brothers-in-law Barry Cusack, Max Ukrainec, Bill Sidoryk and nephew Larry Ukrainec. Mary is survived by her three children Sylvia Allard (Perry), Glen Scantlebury (Janet Bircham), Wayne Scantlebury (Leah); sisters Helen Sidoryk, Agnes Cusack; grandchildren Shannon Nichol, Sherri Nichol (Bill Flett), Luke, Carter and Noel Scantlebury; step-grandchildren Robert and Kris Farquhar; great grandchildren Ryan Nichol, Paige and Reid Flett; step-great grandchildren Brandon, Avelynn, Grayson, Coehn, Sydney, Kinsley Farquhar. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Mary was born on August 13, 1931 in the RM of Silver Creek. She grew up on a farm near Ruthenia, Manitoba where she attended a one-room school house. Mary met her husband of 59 years while working at the hospital in Birtle, Manitoba. She and Richard built a life farming in Birtle where they raised three children. Mary was an extremely hard worker and incredibly strong. It was nothing out of the ordinary to see Mary carrying two 5-gallon pails full of chop to feed the cows or throwing a bale of hay into a feeder. She put in long hours on many days and never complained. If there was a job to be done, Mary could be counted on to see it through.

 

Mary was an excellent cook. Whether it was bringing a meal to the workers in the field or preparing a family feast at Christmas, her cooking was always appreciated by all. We are all going to miss her cabbage rolls, perogies, rice pudding, pickled beets and dill pickles. Many have tried to recreate her specialties but it just can’t seem to be done. Perhaps the secret is in how she puts her recipes together. When asked for help, Mary would say, “Fill the pot half full of milk” or “Add a couple handfuls of this or that”. It didn’t make a lot of sense to us but somehow, she managed to get perfect results every time.

 

After farming for a large portion of her life, Mary retired; then she and Richard moved to Dropmore. She enjoyed her time fishing on Lake of The Prairies. Mary was a skilled angler. It was commonplace for her to take everyone’s money for the first, the biggest and the most fish caught. Mary spent countless hours in her gazebo visiting with family, friends and neighbors. She also loved going for rides in the country. She and family spent many days and evenings scouring the countryside looking for deer, elk, moose, stopping for coffee at friends’ homes along the way.

 

After Richard’s passing, Mary eventually sold the cottage at Dropmore and moved to an apartment in Winnipeg. Up until very recently, Mary was independent and self sufficient; cooking and cleaning on her own. She met many new friends at her apartment on Adamar. She spent a great deal of quality time with her sister Agnes who also lived in the same building. They enjoyed many suppers together.

 

Her children will miss the many phone calls they shared discussing politics and current affairs. Mary was always sharp as a tack and had a memory like a steel trap. She remembered every birthday and anniversary and you could count on a card showing up just in time for the event.

 

Mary was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis last spring. This condition progressed rapidly.

 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the medical staff at the Victoria General hospital for their compassionate caring throughout Mary’s final days.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share memories, stories, and/or condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association.

 

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

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Her ashes will be laid to rest in Birtle, MB at a later date.