MARTIN, Mary Eleanor
March 8, 1944 - June 2, 2020
It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my beloved wife Mary. Mary was born in North Vancouver to Douglas and Gladys Hole, and spent her early years in Coal Harbour and Royston, BC. She went to school as a boarder at Queen Margaret’s in Duncan, BC, travelling by herself on the E&N Railway to go home for holidays. It was at school that she became the very independent, intelligent, and determined person she remained all her life. After graduation Mary worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia and then a recording company while going to BCIT. She then joined Count On Us Travel, which led her to join Pacific Western Airlines in 1971, working at the reservations office in Vancouver. Mary then went to work at the Port Hardy Airport, Cranbrook Airport, and finally Vancouver International Airport. During this time she met and married her life partner Ian Martin. Mary became involved in the union movement serving as a district chairperson, bargaining committee, and executive assistant to the union President. She was appointed by the BC Provincial Government to serve on the Motor Carrier Commission, and after the tragedy of 9/11, was appointed by the Federal Government as a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, where she served for five years. Mary’s airline career lasted 32 years with PWA, Canadian Airlines, and Air Canada, and we were able to travel to many wonderful places and experience different cultures.
After retirement she enjoyed her passion for gardening and travel, being with her friends, and became a Marriage Commissioner.
Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease shortly after returning from her last trip to South Africa, to visit where her grandmother was born, a place she had always dreamed to see. Her journey with dementia was compounded by a diagnosis of Parkinson Disease, and her decline was extremely swift, and her life ended all too soon.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ian, niece Roxanne (Jim), great-niece Katy, great-nephew Will, and her many dear friends.
I would like to thank all of the nurses, care-aides, and staff at Minoru Residence, where Mary resided for the last 16 months, for their kindness, caring, and compassion. This appreciation is extended to the nurses and doctors at the Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Unit where she spent her final two weeks. Special thanks to our doctor, Dr. Robert Mckenzie for all his help during this difficult time. Caregivers Jennifer, Rosita, Judith, and Imelda, thank you very much for your loving care. To all of Mary’s friends, I thank you for caring, and to Trisha, I cannot thank you enough.
Due to Covid-19, a Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer Society of BC (alzheimerbc.org) would be greatly appreciated. Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604 738-0006