Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Hess (nee Jesenko) announces her passing, peacefully at home, at the age of 84 years. She remained active and social until recently despite two and a half years of declining health.
Mary was born in Toronto on August 22, 1936 to John and Zuzana Jesenko, who emigrated from what is now Slovakia. Mary grew up in Ontario, in both the city of Toronto and the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. She had a career as a stenographer with RBC. Mary married Gustav Hess in May of 1959 at St. Cyril and Methodius, Toronto. They had 4 children and resided in Kleinburg from 1962-1975 and in 1975 the family relocated to Calgary.
Mary was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, volunteering at hall services for many years. She delivered Meals on Wheels for 35 years and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She spoke often of her volunteer work for the casino. On a special segment of CFCN, she was recognized as an angel for her community efforts.
Mary began round dancing at age 13 with friends, then took up square dancing with Gus in 1970, a pastime which they both excelled at and enjoyed. She also line-danced. Her children even remember her belly-dancing years. Mary was an avid card player, especially euchre, canasta, cribbage, and bridge. She played bridge with the West-Hillhurst Go-Getters, the Royal Canadian Legion – Centennial Calgary Branch 285, and with friends. She bowled 5 pin for many years and loved bingo nights and casinos. Mary loved to be active and out and about. She travelled with Gus, friends and her children to many places, visiting relatives in Germany, Slovakia and the U.S., and she always had an open door for friends and family.
Mary made friends easily and was beloved by many and maintained many life-long friendships. She was generous with her time and believed in helping out wherever she could. Mary will be dearly missed.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Gustav Hess in 1994; her brother John Yesanko in 1980; her brother-in-law Benno Mattes in 2016; and her sister-in-law Edith Mattes in 2018. She is survived by her four children Brian (Katherine), Lori (Gary), Margaret (Ian) and Teresa (Sherry); four grandchildren Alyssa (Michael), Kathryn (Joel), Darren and Eric; as well as by her great-granddaughter Tamara. Mary will also be remembered by her sister-in-law Caroline Yesanko; her nieces and nephews Jane, Robert, Karen, John, Petra, Tom, Michael and Sandra; and by her and by Gus’ extended family.
We would like to thank the staff on Unit 93 at Rockyview Hospital and the Complex Care Hub program for their care and support.
A private funeral mass for family and limited friends will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the Canadian Scleroderma Society (www.scleroderma.ca/donate), or to a charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Hess, please visit our floral store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary Hess August 22 1936 October 22 2020 (age 84)..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta