July 25, 1932 – Kamloops BC December 23, 2015– Calgary, Alberta
Mary died with grace and dignity surrounded by her children on December 23, 2015 after a full and wonderful life of 83 years.
Beloved wife of Bob for sixty-two years, her life was characterized by love of family and great friends. Born in Kamloops BC, Mary was a proud graduate of the University of Western Ontario and one of the few women of her generation who learned to fly small airplanes.
Mary was beautiful, graceful, and had an elegant style. She loved bridge, art, great décor, smart clothes, animals, the colour red, tulips and history. She was vivacious and quick to laugh. She loved a good joke and believed that the sharing of jokes was the purpose of email. She was great company and fast to help friends and strangers.
Mary volunteered for fifty-six years for The Samaritan Club of Calgary. She joined Knox United Church in 1972 and quickly became a volunteer and leader. She was the first woman to: become Clerk of Session in 1976; Chair the Official Board in 1979; Chair a financial campaign in 1982; and Chair the Knox Foundation. She was elected Honourary Elder in 1987. It is accurate to say the work she accomplished has made the world a better place.
Her skills at the duplicate bridge table were second only to her joy of the game, making her a pleasure to play both with and against. She was a Silver Life Master and an understanding partner. Mary played as well as taught at The Glencoe Club and Ranchmen’s Club for many years. She loved teaching bridge, she especially loved her students, and she loved instilling the thrill of the game to anyone willing to learn. Mary was an avid reader and an active member of The Book Club. She loved great music and was a great fan of opera and the CPO. Her only regret in life was not seeing the final season of Downton Abbey.
Mary is survived by her brothers Robert (Barbara) Wilson and David (Lois) Wilson; her children, Jean, Chris (Chris), and Dick. She had seven beautiful grandchildren, Krista, Ryan, Kurtis, Peter, Mark, Madeleine, Zak and seven nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many loving women both old and new friends.
