September 11, 1919 - May 8, 2023
In loving memory ~
Our dear Mother, Mary, slipped away from us peacefully in her sleep on the evening of the 8th of May,
Mary lived a life of simple pleasures, using the Golden Rule throughout her life. Kind and Gracious are the words most used to describe Mary. A charming hostess and a good cook, Mary organized outings for her friends, years of champagne brunches, bus trips, card nights and seasonal celebrations. Her longevity may be attributed to her love of gardening, volunteering in the community, active social life, positive outlook, love of conversation and a glass of good red wine!
Mary was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Sid Beales, in April 2001. They were childhood sweethearts, having met at 11 and 14 years old, after Mary's Father bought the Queen's Hotel in Emerson, Manitoba. They were married in December 1941 and settled in White Rock after Sid was hired by the Great Northern Railway.
After Sid's death, Mary went on to have 20-plus years of adventures, travelling with her daughters throughout B.C, until she was 99. Mary took an active interest in her growing family attending many sporting events, birthdays, graduations, weddings and family gatherings. Her Grands/Greats will never forget her, always up for a game of crib, euchre, canasta or board game, Mary was known as the Wild Card Queen!
Family members left to mourn are her daughters Maureen Beales and Brenda Michie, granddaughter Kathy Williams (Mike), Ethan, Drew and Kate of West Kelowna, BC; granddaughter Ellen Kelly-Dubois (Greg), Marhyn MacSteven (Cam), Jack MacSteven (Kaleigh), Katrina and Ashley Dubois of Invermere, BC.
Predeceased by her 3 sisters, Margaret Benson, Jacqueline Hand and Patricia Gilbert, Mary is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews in the U.S.
We would especially like to thank the staff, Jule Lutz, and Dr. O'Brien of the Dr. A. Hogg Pavilion 1, for their kindness and care of Mary.
For those wishing to honour Mary, donations may be made to the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1284 184th St., Surrey, B.C. V3S 9R9 and the White Rock Station Museum 14970 Marine Drive, White Rock B.C. V4B 1C4.
No service upon request, the family will gather at a later date.