Mary Josephine Pearson (nee Rannie)

It is with immense sadness that the family of Mary-Jo Pearson announce her passing peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family.  Mary-Jo will be missed beyond words by her devoted and loving husband of 67 years, (John) Grant, her children, Mike (Donna), Doug (Lynn), Lisa (Derrick), and Janis (Shawn). 

Mary-Jo was a cherished Grandma to Kyle (Jess), Courtney (Grant), Trevor (Tessa), Dacey, Josie, Evan, Connor and Sydney.

Mary-Jo was also Great-Grandma to Joel, Ada and Bennet.  Mary-Jo was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Alice Rannie, her brother, Tom and sister, Suzanne (Rehill).  She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Nellie (Kevin) McNealy, and Alyce (Neil) Olsen, as well as many nieces and nephews in BC and AB. 

Mary-Jo was born in Alert Bay, BC on April 2, 1937, and lived in a float home on Simoon Sound until the family relocated to Vancouver when she was a young girl. She grew up in a loving family and met the love of her life at the age of 16, marrying at 21. After marrying, Grant’s job required them to travel to different areas of BC and Alberta, eventually settling in Vancouver to raise their family.  In 1992, Mary-Jo and Grant moved to an acreage in Maple Ridge with a large yard to make cherished memories with their children and grandchildren.

In 2000, they moved to Enderby, where Mary-Jo joined the IODE and was involved in starting the ‘Back to School Backpack’ program, providing backpacks and school supplies for local children. In 2021 they moved to Vernon where Mary-Jo enjoyed their house with the views of scenery and wildlife, and visits from their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Mary-Jo was an artist her whole life, drawing, painting, and decorating shop windows as a young adult. She was an amazing seamstress making graduation, wedding and bridesmaid dresses for her daughters. She made skating dresses and costumes for her family and many of the Killarney Figure Skating Club members. She was active in KFSC as a skater and as the head coach for the juniors. She was a docent at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, which she enjoyed dearly. 

Mary-Jo was proud of setting up and running a gift store in Burnaby with her daughter Lisa, from 1988 to 1991.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude for the loving and exceptional care given to her by the wonderful Nurses and Doctors while in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital ICU ward. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society.

A Memorial will be held at Prestige Harbourfront Resort Salmon Arm

251 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm, BC

On Monday, June 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm

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: