Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Saskatchewan for funeral details
Mary lived a remarkable 101 years. The century she experienced included the Depression, World War II, then the peace, prosperity and social progress of the decades that followed. Throughout her life, Mary displayed tremendous diligence, tenacity and kindness.
Mary was predeceased by her parents William Porter and Elsie Porter (Devine), as well as all siblings Albert, Herbert, Helen (Dimps) and Charles. She was also predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Jack and his sister Dorothy Duncan and brother Wilbert. Mary was also sadly predeceased by her first-born, Marlene Joy, in 2005.
Mary is survived by 5 of her 6 children and families: Marlene-deceased-(Ken Forden) and children Bradley, Shari and Lyle; Clare (Lillian) and children Jay and Regan; Doris (Dode) (Chris Jackson) and children Kirk, Nicole and Tom; Stanley (Margaret Allen) and children Darcy and Genevieve; Ann (Boris Mamchur) and son Kyle; and Kathleen (Greg Vezina) and children Alex and Kristin. Great Grandchildren number 22 at the time of her passing. Mary was much loved by in-laws and large extended family.
Mary was born and raised on her parent’s farm near Feudal, SK. Following High School, she attended Nursing School at Saskatoon City Hospital, graduating with her RN in 1945 and was employed at Wilkie Hospital; along with her future sister-in-law, Dorothy!
Mary met Jack in 1945, married in late 1946 and moved to what would become the Kirkland Family Farm in spring 1947. Her nursing expertise was a great asset to address all the childhood illnesses and occasional farm accident. Community service was a priority and the local Swarthmore United Church was central for weekly fellowship, recreational events and the big annual “Fowl Supper” each fall. The Fowl Supper was organized by the local Ladies’ Aid Society and the annual fundraiser drew folks from a 20 mile radius to enjoy the home cooked food, especially the pies.
During the 1980s, Mary and Jack reduced the farm workload and by the end of the decade were fully retired, sold the farm and relocated to Luther Place in Unity, SK. This was a time to explore the possibility of becoming Snowbirds during SK winters. They bought a property in Queen Valley, a small town in the Superstition Mountains, one hour east of Phoenix, AZ and made many new friends there in the following 10 years.
Mary spent her final years under the compassionate care of the staff at Diamond House in Warman, SK. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff for their kindness and care.
As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has occurred and a Memorial gathering will occur at a future date.
Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mary’s care.
2024
Death notice for the town of: Warman, Province: Saskatchewan
death notice Mary Kathleen Kirkland nee Porter 2024
obituaries notice Mary Kathleen Kirkland nee Porter 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Kathleen Kirkland nee Porter 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.