CLARK, Mary Abbott.
Long time 91原创 resident Mary Clark passed away peacefully in 91原创 Lodge on September 1, 2006.
Born October 30, 1922 in Rivers Manitoba, she was pre-deceased by her husband Jim Clark, brother Bob Tivy, and son-in-law Barry Gaudette, and is survived by her brother Bill Tivy (June), sisters-in-law Fran Tivy and Margaret Clark, her four children Leslie Ann Gaudette, Mary-Jane (Jim Garnett), Jim (Shirley Fontaine), and Norman (Gwen Walker.) She will be sadly missed by her beloved grandchildren including Darrell, Lisa, Leanna, Tracey, Tara, Melissa, Sandra, Teresa, Angela, John and Shyan, her nieces and nephews and her extended family including a number of great-grandchildren.
Mary was an active woman of many talents, which she contributed generously to her family, friends, and community. She studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba, where her athletic ability (she was a championship tennis player) resulted in a coveted letter for athletics. While working in Rivers during World War II, she met an RCAF navigator, Jim Clark whom she married on June 9, 1944. Following WWII, she and Jim resided in Winnipeg, where he completed a BSc. In 1949, she moved to Richmond, while Jim completed his teacher training at UBC, and finally to 91原创 in 1951. Mom happily applied her home economics training to raising her four children, sewing, knitting, baking bread, upholstering, canning and managing a large vegetable garden. Many 91原创 girls enjoyed the graduation dresses and wedding gowns she expertly sewed. As her family grew up, she taught swimming lessons and became an avid golfer at Newlands Golf Course, where she once scored a hole in one. She was a founding member of the 91原创 Weavers and Spinners, active in a cross-country ski group, an enthusiastic supporter of the 91原创 Players, and was Co-Area Coordinator with Jim for Marriage Encounter.
Following Jim's death in 1996, she continued to live in her home of 40 years. As her health deteriorated she moved in 2001 to Magnolia Gardens and in 2002 to her daughter's home in Surrey. As her journey through dementia progressed she was fortunately able to move back to 91原创 and following in her mother Stella Tivy's footsteps became a well-known resident of 91原创 Lodge. Here she developed new skills as a mean snare drummer in the music therapy class. At long last she is now at peace with her beloved Jim.
Many thanks to the staff at 91原创 Lodge for the excellent care provided to Mom.
A Memorial Service was held at St. George's Anglican Church in Fort 91原创 on Wednesday, September 6 with a reception provided by the Anglican Church Women of St. George's. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or 91原创 Lodge.