Mary Bills Stimpson passed away peacefully in her home on February 10, 2020 surrounded by her three children. Peter, Terry and Jamie as well as most of her nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren will be forever grateful for the opportunity to share many precious moments with her over the last few weeks. As she was throughout the 99 years of her remarkable life, mom was a bold, graceful and inspiring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend during her final days. She was a predeceased by her sons Fred and Bob, and two grandsons Nathan and Joshua.
Born October 18,1920 in Shanghai, China, “Billsie”, was the second child of four born to Fred and Virginia Bills. After graduating from Shanghai American School, and with the Japanese invading China, the family moved to Santa Barbara, CA. Mary graduated from Stanford Universityin 1942. On a family road trip to Banff, she met her future husband, Charlie Stimpson in the East Kootenays. Married in 1942, they first resided in Santa Barbara, CA during the War when Charlie was a U.S. Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific. After the War, they moved to Eastern Washington, then Arizona, then to the San Francisco Bay Area, where the family lived until moving to Vancouver, BC in the early sixties.
A dedicated athlete, mom enjoyed golf, tennis and skiing into her eighties.. “Keep moving” was her motto, and it served her well. Ferociously organized and concerned with the welfare of others, she gave her time and money to many charities throughout her life. Per her request, there will be no memorial service. If you like, please give to a charity of your choice in her name.
We’ll miss you mom.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Bills Stimpson Oct 18 1920 Feb 10 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique