Passed away peacefully at Mount Saint Mary on Wednesday, July 25th aged 93. Born in Vancouver to the Rev. Harold and Eileen King, Mary was one of eight siblings. Married in 1938 to the Rev. Michael Coleman, Mary moved to London England…just as Europe was lurching towards war! Upon returning to Canada, she and Michael served in parishes in Victoria and Duncan. When Michael was elected Bishop of Qu’Appelle in 1950, they moved to Regina. They retired to Pender Island in 1960 but after Michael died in 1969, Mary lived in Duncan and Vancouver before finally settling in Victoria. Predeceased by her parents and six of her siblings, Mary is survived by her younger brother Charlie (Polly) King in Ottawa, her four children: Rosemary (Bob) Watts, Michael (Barb) Coleman, Sally (Dick) Tuckey and Chris (Judith) Coleman, 18 grandchildren and partners, 18 great-grandchildren (soon to be 19) and a litany of extended family members and friends. A lady of great grace and faith, Mary was a published poet, a voracious reader (an honorary Life Member of JASNA), a loyal associate of the Sisters of Saint John the Divine, a passionately proud family matriarch, and an immediate friend to all those she met (and yes, she did remember each one of your birthdays!). The family would like to thank Dr. Grimwood and Dr. Bays and all the staff at Mount Saint Mary; your daily kindnesses were very much appreciated.
Funeral Service will be held in Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria at 11:00 am on Monday, July 30th, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Christ Church Cathedral or the Mount Saint Mary Foundation…..and, true to Mary’s spirit, you could read a poem to a loved one. Condolences may be offered to the family below
-
Doreen Ball
-
Joanne Enns I was sorry to read of your mother’s passing, Rosemary. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely. Joanne Enns
-
Barbara Harwood Chris and Judith:
I was so saddened to read of the passing of Mary. I know she had lived to a wonderful age but it does not help. We get to know our parents more the longer they live and I know how very dear Mary was to you.
I was unable to attend the service this morning because I was out of town but I thought of you all and my prayers are with you at this time.
I am sending you a hug and hope it conveys my feelings of sympathy.
Barbara Harwood
-
Alan and Grace Lowe Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Alan and Grace
-
maureen applewhaite Chris and Judith:
Sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Maureen applewhaite
-
Brenda & Peter Dhaene prayers and thoughts are with you Michael/Barb and family
-
Brenda & Peter Dhaene Our prayers and thoughts are with you Michael/Barb and family and you journey through this time of sadness. God be with you all.
Brenda/Peter
My condolences to you on the loss of your matriarch.
I am the editor of the Pender Post and, with the family’s permission, would like to print your mother’s obituary in the September issue. The Coleman/Rogers Memorial Bursary Fund still helps Pender Island students. There is no charge for obituary notices. You can contact me at penderpost@shaw.ca. Thank you. Doreen