Mary Anne Fisher (nee Walwyn)

After a brief and unexpected illness, announcing the death of Mary Anne Fisher (nee Walwyn), tapestry weaver at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C. on Friday, March 6, 2009. Born in Toronto, October 6, 1929, she is survived by her beloved partner Fred Tanner of Victoria, B.C., a gem of a soul who brought happiness and love to Mary’s life. Mary will be greatly missed by her three children: Ian Fisher of Mississauga, ON, Kate Fisher of Victoria, B.C. and Sue Fisher of Toronto, ON. Daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Harris) Walwyn, Mary is also survived by her sisters Joan Randall of Toronto and Pat Walwyn of Collingwood.

Mary’s life was shaped and transformed in 1950 when she sailed to England and lived on Ebury Street in London, England for a year. When she returned to Toronto, she enrolled at the Institute of Child Study, inspired by her uncle the Institute’s project director Dr. William Blatz. Mary was a remarkable artistic talent and was an accomplished weaver. Her framed tapestries hang in numerous corporate and private collections. Mary’s many creative talents were also demonstrated in her elaborate gardens in Toronto and at Cedarly Farm in Mansfield, ON. Mary planted abundant seasonal perennials and stocked the cold room with vegetables and preserves. The farm also grew to include Mary keeping ducks, chickens, beef cattle and sheep. The colours and natural elements from Cedarly Farm inspired Mary and her life-long passion for wool and weaving. Using goldenrod to dye wool from her own sheep, Mary spun the wool and soon moved to weaving landscape tapestries. Cedarly Farm was a huge source of pleasure for Mary, which she discussed right to the end.

Mary began a passion for politics at age 15 with her dear friend Moira Lawrence. All her life, she delighted in working on and following politics and elections. In her later years, Mary voraciously kept abreast of the national political landscape and carefully tracked the news and Op Ed pages.

Mary’s family acknowledge, with great appreciation, the caring and strong commitment of the Royal Jubilee Hospital medical team, especially the exceptional nurses of Royal Extension 3. Cremation has taken place in Victoria, messages of condolence can be made through McCall Brothers, 1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3W3 or www.mccallbros.com. A tea and reception to celebrate Mary’s life will be held in Victoria on Saturday March 14, 2009 at 2 pm at Somerset House 540 Dallas Rd., and in Toronto on Saturday April 4, 2009 at 2 pm at The Estates of Sunnybrook.