Oct. 24th 1926 - Feb. 20th 2012
Mary passed away peacefully at the St. Josephs Hospital, Comox B.C. with her family
at her side at the age of 86.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Ron (2006), and survived by her sister Elizabeth Cole of Ottawa. Mary touched many lives and will be missed by her children, Jim Gemmill (Susan), Gordon Gemmill (Jan) and Nancy Broad (Dennis). Mary will also be missed by her grandchildren, Sean Gemmill, (Joanne), Dustin Gemmill (Elizabeth) Tracy Handfield (Rob) Sandra McMahon, Angie Broad (Hugh), Derek Broad, and her step grandchildren and great grand children.
Mary was born in Toronto and came to Castlegar as a young bride with her husband Ron in 1945. Mary enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her three children. Being very versatile Mary worked along side her husband and together they built the house that was to be our home. With Ron working a full time job and Mary raising three children they went on to build two more houses. Ron returned from work one day when close to retirement and Mary suggested that rather than building another house that they should have some fun and take up flying. Both Ron and Mary attained their pilot’s license, had many adventures in their Cessna 172, and enjoyed the companionship of other pilots and friends at the Castlegar airport. Mary had an incredible ear for music and loved to play her piano. Ron and Mary were part of a group of musicians who entertained the patients at extended care facilities in the area. One of the highlights for them was to play at Expo 86 with the ‘Old Time Fiddlers’. Mary also enjoyed her volunteer work at the Castlegar library and the Castlegar hospital auxiliary.
Mary will not only be missed by her family but will also be missed by her loyal friends and neighbours who contributed so much to her happiness after Ron passed away helping her remain independent and in her own home in Castlegar.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the
spring at the family home.