1936 – 2015
It is with great sadness we announce that Mary McAskill passed away at Mount Cartier Court on September 22, 2015, in the company of her daughters, Catherine and Heather. Born in Vancouver, BC, on September 23, 1936, Mary relocated to Revelstoke in 1968. Predeceased by her love, Alistair in 1996 and her parents, Catherine Macdonald in 1967 and Donald Macdonald in 1970.
Survived by her loving daughters, Catherine (Dwayne) Bellerose of Revelstoke and Heather (Kevin) Bakay of Kelowna and step-daughter Sharon (Michael) Shepherd of Kelowna; grandchildren Emma and Hannah Bellerose, Meghan and Ainsley Bakay, Sean Shepherd, Nicole (James) Lamey and great-grandchildren Adam and Sophie Lamey; along with extended family members, outstanding neighbours and friends.
Upon high school graduation, Mary was employed in accounting functions at various car dealerships in the Vancouver area. After her marriage to Al in 1967 and her relocation to Revelstoke, Mary worked for a short while as a library clerk for School District #19 before turning to the job she truly excelled at, that of a full-time mother and chief organizer of the busy household. Mom took this job very seriously and took a lead role in the school parent councils and events and all other activities of Catherine and Heather. In addition, Mary was devoted and supportive of Al’s many community organizations and herself being a very active member and volunteer in the community of Revelstoke. Mary returned to the workforce in 1986 at the Okanagan Regional Library as a part-time community librarian. This seemed an ideal match where she could combine her love of reading umpteen books a week while socializing with the library patrons. Once her granddaughter Emma was born in 1998, Mary decided that working 1 day a week was less fun than boarding a bus to go visit in St. Albert.
Mary grew up next to a bowling alley in Vancouver and she was an active bowler in Vancouver and Revelstoke for many years. In more recent years she enjoyed many laughs, strong friendships and activities with her red hat group. Fridays were always reserved for Rummoli night with the ladies! Mom and Joy could often be seen for lunch at Emo’s, their favorite restaurant. Mary enjoyed a quiet game of solitaire with the bagpipes playing in the background and always had a stack of crossword books on the go.
Many thanks to Dr. Sara Brown for her care of mom and to the dedicated caregivers at Mount Cartier Court for their compassion and assistance provided during her 11-month residency.
A memorial service will be held at the Revelstoke United Church, Saturday, September 26th at 11am with Reverend Ken Jones officiating. Cremation. Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of donations to the Revelstoke Community Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.
Arrangements are in the care of Brandon/Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke, BC.
Online condolences may be sent through Mary’s obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
