OBITUARIES
Mary Elizabeth McIvor
1922 – 2020
The granddame of our family, Mary Elizabeth (nee Ridsdale) left a gaping space in our lives on December 13, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband Ivan, daughter Elizabeth, grandson Christopher, siblings Lyall, Rene, Diana, Doreen, Peter, Bob, and most recently her much loved sister June. She is survived by her daughters Sally (Tom) and Susan and sons Robert (Judy) and David. She also had 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a much-anticipated 1st great, great grandchild in the spring.
Mary was born in Rotterdam, Surrey, England on February 7th, 1922 to Robert and Dorothy Ridsdale. Dorothy died when mum was only 3 years old, but she grew up with her dad, brother Robert (Bob), sister June and her beloved Auntie Gertie who she adored.
As a young woman, during the war, mum met one particular red-headed Canadian, named Rusty. He swept her off her feet and they were married, and their first daughter Elizabeth was born a year later. While Rusty (James Ivan) was still in active service in Belgium, Mary made the voyage across the ocean, alone with her wee baby to Halifax and then by train to the backwoods of Sioux Lookout. She had inherited in-laws and 11 new siblings in a new world that was certainly not near as progressive as the country she had left but she just ‘got on with it’.
When Ivan got back to Canada, they moved to McKenzie Island where he worked the mines. Sally was born in March of 1947. During that time Elizabeth, just before she turned 4, was killed in an accident. They moved to Sioux Lookout. Soon after, Susan was born in September 1949 and Robert arrived in 1954. The family moved to Winnipeg in the early 60’s and David was born shortly afterwards.
Mum was always involved in her church, starting from childhood and this faith continued until her death. She was involved in the ACW at every parish we attended. Mum had some wonderful friends and maintained strong relationships with them all, from England, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. She had great friends who spent many winters X-country skiing. Mum volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Windsor School library for 25 years. She befriended the elderly in the neighbourhood, and on any summer day could be seen doing her 3 mile walk through the area or mall walking in the winter. She was an award-winning gardener, which also included the church grounds, and she was proud of her dandelion free lawns and magnificent flower beds.
Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all benefited from her amazing knitting skills, as did Parks Canada, where she created knitted garments from pictures, no instructions.
Mum (and dad) enjoyed many wonderful holidays in NY with Sally and Tom, travelling Europe, sailing, golfing and just having fun.
Her last year and a half was at River Park Gardens PCH where she got excellent care of which we are forever grateful.
There will be no funeral at this time due to Coved-19. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot in NW Ontario when we are able.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary Elizabeth McIvor 1922 2020..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba