Mary Dorothy Hogg
(nee James)
April 21, 1924 – July 22, 2012
Mary was born on Salt Spring Island. When she was six her family moved their seed business from Fernwood Farm to a larger property at Cowichan Bay. She recalled fond memories of growing up on the farm – rowing on the river that ran through it, driving a tractor at the age of 12; gazing over acre upon acre of colourful flowers and vegetables grown for their seed.
Mary met her husband Bill in 1948 while hiking up Hollyburn Mountain to ski. They married in Toronto in 1950 and lived in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa, raising two children along the way. They retired to Salt Spring in 1987.
Mary was a consummate homemaker, and had a creative flair. She sewed her own clothes, made hats, upholstered their furniture and boat cushions, and even made sails for the Sabots she and Bill raced at the Kitsilano Yacht Club. She painted watercolors, golfed with the ‘Nine Hole Ladies’ and hooked rugs with the ‘Wild and Woolly Hookers’. An avid gardener, her house was always full of flowers. She was awarded a Life Membership by the SSI Garden Club, as were both her parents.
Mary passed away very peacefully at Victoria General Hospital with her family around her.
She is survived by her loving husband Bill, sisters Valerie (Don) and Audrey (Bill), son Brian (Mel), daughter Brenda (Chris) and grandchildren Rebecca, Ciara (Bart) and Kevin.
The family plans a remembrance at the Clubhouse in Brinkworthy Place on August 25 at 3:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lady Minto Hospital or Victoria Hospital Foundations would be appreciated.