Our dear Mary …, Mary Waddell (born Mary Gilfillan) at the age of 86 passed away on November 22nd, 2024 with loved ones by her side at Victoria General Hospital. Many thanks go out to all attending staff who cared for her in her last days as she valiantly struggled with the debilitating progressive cerebral amyloid angiopathy, an incurable disease of the brain. At long last she is at peace.

She was born to George and Clarinda Gilfillan, July 5, 1938 in Sheffield UK. (Sorry Mom, I know you never wanted to share your age, but we were bound to find out some day! 😉 ) You must know you were always beautiful for your age. You were a true natural beauty. Right till the end your skin was the envy of everyone – flawless. It was luminescent and glowing, having never worn a stitch of makeup in your life.

Mary had an inclination towards the arts at an early age. She became an accomplished painter in art school and a wonderful pianist. But in the end, she chose a profession to help others by entering the Nursing field, flourishing with ever bigger responsibilities in her career as an RN such as tending to patients on the burn unit.  To unwind from her work on the ward, Mary loved to attend dances with her best friend Beryl. At one particular dance in Carlisle she met a dashing young charismatic Scotsman called Norman MacKenzie Waddell.  Sparks flew between them right away and after a short courting period they were wed on November 14th, 1959. Their first-born Karen came shortly after. They didn’t have much money in the early days as Norman was just beginning his career as a mechanical engineer but they made due living in a caravan on a field in an apple orchard in Sterling, Scotland. Norman secured his first employment near Eccles and later Knutsford, in Northern England.  Mom continued to work the night shifts and then their second daughter, Sandra was born.

In 1966, an opportunity to work as an engineer abroad in Quebec became available to Norman, so the family packed up and began their Canadian journey, working and raising a family in the Eastern Townships. Mary left nursing to attend to raising the family which also included three foster children along the way: Raymond, and the twins Peter and Patricia Parker. Many dear life-time friends were made in Lennoxville, Quebec.  Mary had a beautiful singing voice and appeared in the annual Gilbert and Sullivan productions at Bishops University. Norman and Mary enjoyed being with family at their cottage on the weekends on Lac Massawippi. They also fell deeply in love with an area on the Eastern seaboard called York, Maine where they vacationed every summer creating beautiful family memories. She was always dad’s first mate on his sailing boats and all the wild adventures around that activity. Putting family first, being creative with all things, whether that was playing music, or sewing, was a big part of Mary’s life. But mainly it was her special loving relationship with her fist love that gave meaning and great joy to her life. They loved their special life together; like newlyweds to the end. Sadly, after moving to British Columbia Norman passed away suddenly leaving Mary rudderless.

Mom was shortly given a second chance at great love when she met Dave Finlay while volunteering at Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria. This fortuitous meeting helped each of them through a very difficult time in life. They married shortly after in 2004 and enjoyed 20 fabulous years together traveling, holiday cruising and touring around the world.   They truly enjoyed watching all the grand-children and great grand children grow up. There were daily hand-held walks had many times in the Songhees area together. They loved the home they created looking out over Victoria harbour every day. A flurry of life to take in in each moment.

Mary was very lucky to have not one but two great loves in her life. A life well lived. Two men to love a beautiful woman full of love, kindness, and generosity herself. She was truly blessed to have this. And she was grateful to have a beautiful legacy in the form of her growing family.

Survived by daughters Karen (husband John Ralston, and children Calum, and Stuart) and Sandra (her children Angela / (Dean), David /(Lindsay) and Samantha). Continuing with her growing family of great-grandchildren Isla, Ethan, Everett, and Bowie. Her husband David Finlay and his children Maureen/(Roger) and Bob /(Leanne) and their children Benjamin, Miranda, Aaron, and Tyler. Including also, the many nieces and nephews back in Scotland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests to please consider donating to Island Health.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Marla

    I only knew Mary for a few years on her weekly trips with Dave to the grocery store.
    I always loved to stop and personally chat with them.
    Mary had a Beautiful smile and soft voice that was so inviting.
    I feel very blessed to have known her.
    Even in pain she had a sparkle in her eyes.
    Such a special woman.
    I am truly sorry for your loss Dave and family.

  • Bill Ralston

    This is a beautifully written biography of Mary. She lived a full life surrounded by love. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mary. She has moved from this world to your hearts.

  • Judy Coffey

    Karen, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman, a beautiful tribute.

  • Sonia

    Sending love and moments of comfort to your family. Through this difficult transition. Mary leaves behind beautiful memories for you to cherish. As your family continues to grow, may she live on through each story shared generation to generation.

    Much love

  • Angela Hall

    Love you Grandma Mary

  • Corinne

    I have many fond memories of your mum as we shared a birthplace. She was a strong willed, independent woman, with a bright eye and a no nonsense approach to life. She will be missed by all who knew her. Sending heartfelt condolences to all her loved ones.

  • Crystal King

    Oh Karen,
    My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish a gentle peace for you. Xox Love Crystal

  • Andrew Wheeler

    She had a beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh.” Flights of angels……”

  • Sylvia May

    So very sorry Dave and family. My heart goes out to you all. Mary truly was a lovely lady and loved by many of us. A very nice tribute and such a beautiful picture of her. Sleep well dear Mary. You will be dearly missed.
    Sylvia

  • Reka

    My deepest condolences to your family. Although I only knew of Mary through stories and occasional phone calls, I could immediately tell the light she provided in her family’s life. Her wittiness and caring heart always made an appearance in every phone call to her family in Toronto. Sending you all so much love.

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