Born Penticton, BC June 2, 1931. Died peacefully, April 3, 2025, in Victoria, BC. Survived by her children, Richard (Karen), Rosemary (Chris) and Peter (Janeth); grandchildren Alex, Frances and Rosamund; and great-grandson Charles. Mary was a lifelong resident of greater Victoria, growing up in Saanich and Oak Bay, and settling finally in Fairfield. She went to St Christopher’s and Norfolk House followed by Victoria College and Reading University, England, where she studied Geography. She worked in Ottawa during the early 50s, in the mapping department of the federal government and in Victoria for the provincial government. In 1958 she married David Barlow (dec. 2018).
Mary was a long-time parishioner of Christ Church Cathedral, eventually becoming a warden and Canon of the Cathedral in 2015. She and David ran the Saturday charity breakfast for 20 years, and Mary was a bell ringer from 1948 to 2016, in addition to serving in the Chancel and embroidery guilds. She ran the diocesan archives from 1992 until her retirement in 2013. Other interests included Monarchy Canada and sponsorship of a multitude of orphans and children abroad.
Possessed of a boundless curiosity, unfailing humour and amazing memory, Mary was an inveterate reader of histories and travel books and gave support and encouragement to everyone around her. She is remembered as a loving wife and mother, inspiration and teacher to her family. She will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. The family extends its grateful thanks to the staff in Tulip House at the Summit, where Mary was a resident, for their diligent, professional and kind care, particularly during the last days of her life.
Her funeral will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to Christ Church Cathedral.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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