October 14, 1928 - July 19, 2025
Born in Burstall, Saskatchewan, she was the oldest of nine children. Mom and Dad were married in 1948. In 1956, they moved to North Vancouver with three sons. They went on to have five more children. Mom is survived by her children, Faye Gagnon (Victor), Joan, Ronald (Donna-Lea), Audrey van der Gracht (John), and daughter-in-law, Melanie; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters; and three brothers. Predeceased by her husband, Virgil; infant daughter Margaret; sons Norman, Gerald, and Raymond; and three brothers.
Mom was very involved at St. Stephen's Catholic Church and previously at St. Edmund's. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’ s League since 1957.
Mom volunteered many hours working bingo at St. Edmund’ s, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Stephen’ s.
In addition to caring for her family, over the years, Mom babysat more than 50 children, who affectionately called her “ Mamma Mary” .
Each year, Mom enjoyed organizing and participating in a garage block sale.
Two of her hobbies were sewing denim quilts and braiding rugs.
Dad passed away in June of 2020 during COVID. A funeral mass will be celebrated for both of our parents on August 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’ s Catholic Church located at 1360 - 24th Street in North Vancouver (corner of 24th and Mountain Hwy) with a reception to follow.
Sincere thanks to the caring staff at Inglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’ s Catholic Women’ s League.
