Mary Andersen (nee Pawliw)
March 23, 1939 - January 24, 2024
In Loving Memory
Mary Andersen (nee Pawliw)
Mary passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer with her devoted daughters by her side. Mary was predeceased by her husband Peter, her parents Alex and Maria Pawliw. She is survived by her daughters Teresa (Dan), Lisa (Mark), Michelle (Michael), her grandchildren Mackenzie, Justin (Kaylee), Taylor and Brett and great-grandson Bauer. Mary also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours as well as her surviving sisters Emily, Jeanette, Pauline, Julie, Helen, Frances and Sophie.
Mary was the tenth of 17 children and immensely proud of her humble yet inspiring beginnings. She shared many of her life’s lessons and shenanigans from the family farm in Ituna, Saskatchewan. She left the family farm at 15 to move to Claresholm and then onto Regina and Edmonton before settling in Calgary.
She met Peter in 1963, and they married in May of 1965. Mary worked for decades in the meat departments of Dominion Stores, Safeway, Calgary Co-op and retired as Super Valu’s Deli department manager in 2000.
Mary and Peter relocated to Vernon from Calgary in 1974. Mary was an avid gardener, bowler (often with a higher average than her nephew Dorn, as she liked to point out), volunteer, softball player and walker. She was an active volunteer in the community for many years at the Performing Arts, Science Centre, and the Vernon Winter Carnival, where she was awarded the Jesse Ferguson Memorial Trophy (2009) and the Order of Jopo (2013). She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and passing on her wisdom of the “perogy pinch” as well as many other family kitchen secrets. Mum and dad’s home was a gathering place for friends and family for many years. Mum loved to host a good “function”. Along with her kitchen secrets Mum shared a great deal of her wisdom, one such philosophy of which was to “turn the page”. We are so very thankful to have had our Mum for her almost 85 years and we will continue to remember her wisdom in the coming days, months and years ahead. Mum, you were a special lady and as we move forward, we’ll be sure to turn the page.
Mary’s family would like to thank Dr. Humphreys and the staff of the Vernon Jubilee Cancer Centre, the staff on VJH fourth floor and the staff at Vernon Hospice House for their care of Mum. A special thank you to her sister Fran for her unwavering support, compassion and friendship during mum and dad’s illnesses these past few years.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will take place on September 27, 2024, details will be provided later. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the North Okanagan Hospice Society or the Vernon Jubilee Cancer Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 7
We were saddened to hear the news of Mary’s passing however are glad that her pain & suffering is over and she is resting in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with her girls & their families & her family. She was an amazing lady from all the stories we’ve heard. Her girls & grandchildren have many fond memories to cherish & so much wisdom they got from her. We know that will get them through this sad time. Sincere condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Mary from when I was younger. She was a special lady. Sending all our love and thoughts.
Karla and Matt Russell
I will love you forever I will love you always forever and always my gramma you’ll be.. ❤️🥰
Teresa, Lisa, and Michelle,
I was so sad to see this and learn of your mom’s passing. She was such a dear friend to my mom. I remember when they started walking together in Coldstream so many years ago. My mom marveled at Mary’s outlook and often told me how Mary said she was going to live to be 100 regardless of what she was facing. Not quite 100, but close. I always enjoyed talking to her. The last time we spoke was at my mom’s funeral. I was so happy to see her and that she was there. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Teresa, Lisa, Mitch
I know the shape your hearts are in and I’m truly and deeply sorry for your grief. The unfortunate down side to having an amazing parent is deep grief when they leave us. The upside is an abundance of cherished memories and an bond that never breaks. She was exceptionally lovely, always with a smile, quick to laugh, ever the welcoming hostess and I believe that she, with her strength, her smile, her laughter & love, is with you always. I’d like to wish you quick healing of your broken hearts but I think it’s more realistic to hope that the sharp pain lessens to a dull ache sooner than later. She raised 3 amazingly strong women, (yes Mitch, I hate it but I know you are a full grown woman now ;-), I know you’ll get through this with the strength & grace she instilled in you. You are in my thoughts & prayers, Lisa
Losing a sibling is never easy. Mary, you are now in the arms of angels. It is time for me to say farewell to you, dear sister, knowing now, you are at peace and free from pain and suffering, and in a place of eternal bliss.
Rest in Peace, dear sister. Our shared memories will be treasured.
To Mary’s immediate family, my sincere condolences.
Teresa, Lisa, and Michelle
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of loss.
You took such wonderful care of your Mom these last months. She was so lucky to have you. The only thing I can say is, hold on to the memories. It’s those fond memories that can be a great source of comfort during such a challenging time.