Marie was born in Cleator Moor in the English Lake District. Most of her relatives were hill sheep farmers though Edgar Vincent, her father was a joiner, and Hilda Birkett, her mother was a schoolteacher and outspoken local councillor. Marie was the third of four children – the other three all boys. Marie read history and politics and then education 1953-1957 at the University of Manchester where she met Michael. She entered the Catholic Church in 1957. Marie and Michael emigrated to Canada and married in Montreal in 1957.
Marie taught school until Jane, the first of their three children, was born. Marie’s many hobbies included theatre, concerts, opera and cross-country rambling. She was an avid reader of biographies and historical novels. She and Michael travelled the six continents, visited Antarctica and enjoyed many cruises. Marie was also well known for her smart outfits. She was a dedicated mother, and always joyful, practical, generous, and ready to help others. She was very devout, teaching in RCIA and serving as a Minister of the Eucharist. She worked on her family history but had yet to write it up when she suffered strokes, Parkinson’s disease and dementia which she bore with patient fortitude and good humour. She was lovingly cared for to the end at Sidney Care Home.
She is survived by Michael, their three children: Jane, Jonathan and Juliet: and their five grandchildren: Jasmine, Olivia, Marc-Antoine, Nicolas and Madeleine.
A service will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 849 Old Esquimalt Road, on May 7th, 2026, with a burial to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park immediately after.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Ray” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Patricia Holtby
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Maria Papadopoulou Deepest condolences to all that knew,loved and cared for this beautiful lady. She was so kind and loving like my dear friend Jane.
We will all meet again in heaven
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Roxanne Kunz Dear Jane and family,
My heartfelt condolences. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Your mom sounds like she was a sparkling character and truly left an impression on those that knew her.
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Doris Turcotte Nos sincères sympathies Jonathan ainsi qu’à toute ta famille. Nos prières et nos meilleures pensées vous accompagnent.
Doris et Paul
Dear Jane and Family
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your
dear Mother. It is so difficult to say goodbye
but she is now at peace. May the many lovely
memories you have of her give you a Comfort and
Peace that passes all understanding and give
you rest.