After a very long journey through life, it is with gratitude that we accept the passing of MARY CARTWRIGHT (née Seleski) on Saturday, May 22, 2021, just three months shy of her 99th birthday. She was surrounded by love with her devoted daughter Carolin, and special friend, Kathy Herbst by her side.
Born at the Galt Hospital (currently the Galt Museum) on August 12, 1922, Mary was VERY proud to be one of the original « Galt Babies » and attended their special birthday parties well into her 90’s. She was raised and educated in Lethbridge with her 2 brothers (3 siblings died in infancy). Her father, Michael Seleski, was a coal miner in the #8 Galt mine, and her family owned the Seleski Brothers Grocery Store (later Pacific Grocery and Confectionary) at 1424 – 3rd Ave north, which is now a beautiful, historically restored private residence.
In her early 20’s, she spent 2 summers in Salmon Arm, BC working on her Aunt’s salmon fishing boat, which she loved. Returning to Lethbridge, Mary was employed as a clerk at Consumer’s Hardware and Gifts, and later at Hofer’s Grocery, where there were 5 girls named Mary working there. Their boss, Mr. Hofer, called them « The Hail Mary’s » !
She LOVED dancing and met her future husband, Cliff Cartwright, at a dance at the Trianon Ballroom. They were married Sept. 5, 1954 and welcomed their daughter, and only child, Carolin, ten years later in December 1964. From 1965-1969, Cliff worked for Canada Customs and Immigration, so the family lived in Chief Mountain during the summers, and in Lethbridge during the winters. In 1969, they moved to Del Bonita where Cliff continued employment as a Customs officer for the Del Bonita Border crossing. Mary loved her time here and made many lifelong friendships which have lasted to this day. She enjoyed the monthly lunches in Lethbridge with « her Del Bonita girls ». The family moved back to Lethbridge in 1980 when Cliff retired.
Mary was not much of a traveller, and only took 2 big trips in her life. In 1964, she and Cliff sailed from New York to England on the R.M.S. Queen Mary cruise liner, which was even larger than the Titanic, a journey which took 8 days by sea. It was on this vacation that Mary was overtaken by severe « seasickness » for the entire journey, which actually turned out to be « morning sickness »! They came home 3 weeks later to announce to everyone that 10 years after marrying, they were expecting !
Her other big trip was in 1992 – Mary went to the Maritimes for 3 weeks with 2 of her best friends – Joanna Zobell and Eleanor George. These 3 ladies would often talk about this adventure for years after.
Mary was very social and had many lifelong friendships – some lasting over 80 years! She was never shy about talking to strangers and it was not unusual for her to be standing in line at the grocery store, and come away with an invitation to meet up with a new friend for coffee the next week. This happened more than once!
She loved any kind of a gathering and never declined an invitation to a party or any social event. She loved celebrating every occasion and had an amazing knack for remembering everyone’s birthday or anniversary. She was famous for her beautiful and elaborate gift wrapping – if you ever received a gift from her, you could be sure it took an hour to wrap, making sure the design lined up properly and the ribbons and her HOMEMADE bows were fluffed up perfectly!
She especially loved baking and enjoyed making cookies – her specialty being ginger snaps. She was also known for her tuna casserole and homemade cheezies.
She loved to laugh with her girlfriends, and her and Joanna could often be seen having to sit down or lean against something, when they both got a fit of the giggles . Their laughter was contagious.
Mary was a devout Catholic – her faith, and St. Patrick’s Church have always been immensely important to her. She was devastated to see her beloved church sitting vacant and unused for many years. She was a staunch supporter for reopening it and prayed right until the end that she could see it being used again. She was also a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
« Graceful Aging » was not for her. She fought old age with every fibre of her being! Living in her own home and even cooking her own meals until shortly after her 95th birthday, she moved to The View in September 2017. In her new home, she found a renewed lease on life and she blossomed, enjoying many social activities, attending craft classes, playing Bingo, and even had her 1st massage ever at the age of 95 ! She enjoyed making lots of new friends, as well as getting reacquainted with old ones.
After 3 years, when mobility became difficult, Mary moved to St. Therese Villa, where her health declined quite rapidly, in part due to the overbearing pandemic restrictions.
Mary is survived by her loving daughter, Carolin Cartwright. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford in 1981, and her beloved brother, Alex Seleski in 2002.
Carolin would like to especially thank Toni Zobell for her long friendship and weekly visits with mom; Brenda D. for her prayers and visits, and a big thank you to Kathy and Stan Herbst for their special friendship with Mom over the last 4 years. Kathy has shown such kindness and compassion to both Mary and Carolin during the last few months, spending time at the bedside, saying prayers , and singing hymns with Mom. You are so appreciated .
Because she loved animals, if desired, memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to an animal rescue organization, or shelter of your choice. Thank you.
A private Prayer Service will be held on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral Home and a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 29th, 2021.
To send a condolence, or share stories and memories, please write to Carolin at cartcm@hotmail.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Cartwright Mary August 12 1922..
Décès pour la Ville: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta