Tribute

Mary died peacefully on March 29th in her room at Greenwoods surrounded by photos of those she loved and with her beloved daughter-in-law, Christine Mauro, at her side. She is survived by her granddaughter, Sarah, who was the source of so much joy. Sadly, her only son, Derek, had predeceased her last August — one of the downsides of living to 100!

Until she caught Covid about a week before her death, Mary was blessed with remarkable health and a joyous heart. She had managed the move from Braehaven to Greenwoods at the end of December with remarkable ease. In her brief time at Greenwoods the staff had already fallen in love with her just as the staff and residents at Braehaven had done during her seven-year stay there. Few could resist Mary’s Irish charm, her generous compliments about one’s apparel or one’s hair, her frequent expressions of gratitude.

Mary was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1922. She became engaged to Alex Lundy just before he headed off to join the Royal Navy at the start of World War II. Soon after Alex’s return at the end of the war, the family, which now included one-year-old Derek, moved to England and in 1958 immigrated to Canada. While she and Alex moved frequently because of Alex’s work, St. Catharine’s, Ontario was their most stable home and the place where they formed many deep and lasting friendships.

After 50 years of marriage, in 1995 Alex died. Two years later, at the age of 75, Mary was blessed to connect with another wonderful man of the same age, Richard Gilman. She and Richard enjoyed 18 rich years together. In 2009 at the age of 87, they moved from St. Catharine’s to Qualicum Beach, BC so that they could be closer to their respective families. It was after Richard’s death in 2016 that Mary moved to Salt Spring Island.

On Salt Spring, Mary thrived. She was nourished not only with the frequent visits and love of her family but also with the close relationships developed with her wonderful companions Geraldine, Nadine and Amy. They sang together, shared stories, went for drives together — such generous beings.

Throughout her life, Mary loved people and people loved her. She offered those she met her joy and her care and received the gift of their care in return. Mary’s life was indeed a life full of blessings.