CAMPBELL, Mary Cecilia
January 21, 1928 (Wandsworth, England) – August 15, 2020 (Canmore, Alberta)
Devoted wife of Douglas. Loving mother to Anne and Linda. Mother-in-law to Bill and John. Adoring Nana (aka, affectionately, The Fierce One) to Russell, Phillip, Sean, Patrick (Leila) and Alex. Great-grandmother to Mason and Henry. Aunt to Andrew and Margaret. The only child of Edith and William Cook. A life well lived. A family well loved.
Mary passed away peacefully, in the company of Anne and Linda, on August 15, four months after her beloved Douglas (husband, dance partner and hiking companion of 62 years).
We thank the Bethany Cochrane for their exemplary care.
Mary was our rock. She was old school; determined, non-complaining, adventurous, smart, witty, a cornerstone of the family. She valued education and made it accessible to her children and grandchildren.
Mary was passionate about her English heritage, immensely proud of her Canadian citizenship and embraced New Zealand as a home away from home. She corresponded with countless friends around the world and welcomed many a weary traveller.
She was not afraid to make her feelings known. Her forthright views emboldened family members to live in a strong, honest, fearless and caring manner. She left no room for ambiguity and addressed any wrongs that she felt needed righting.
With the eyes at the back of her head, Mary kept the grandchildren in check. They were in awe of Nana. She was “as old as her tongue and a little bit older than her teeth” and could drink scalding hot soup because of her fireproof staircase.
Mary loved a good bargain, the discount and story often valued more than the purchase. She could knit and sew and, whilst hated to cook, put on a Saturday English tea which was a family favourite. She was a stickler for English grammar, loved Scrabble and crossword puzzles, and enjoyed a good joke, especially a rude one. She set a strong pace but always had time for a good cup of tea, from fine bone china, steeped in a teapot, NEVER from hot water poured over a teabag in a cup.
Mary and Doug were a team. They were enthusiastic Canmorites, active in town life and supporters of many charitable causes, particularly those benefitting the local community.
A team briefly parted, now reunited, on a new adventure, and forever in our hearts.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneralhome.com.
