Our wonderful Mum, Mary Crickmore, passed away after a very brief illness at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island at the age of 95. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Eric, and cherished sister, Nancy, Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Elspeth and Jane (Ron), son, Gavin, step-granddaughter, Lauren, sisters Olive (Germany), Beryl (England), and Jean and her husband, John (Ontario), along with many adored nieces and nephews. Mary leaves behind many dear friends and a number for whom she will always be remembered as “Aunty Mary.”
Mary was born in Kinross, Scotland, to Agnes and Oswald Clark and was the oldest of five daughters. She spent her childhood in Innerleithen and Haddington, and at the young age of 16, Mary relocated to Edinburgh. Married in 1955 to the love of her life, Eric, they moved to West Vancouver in 1957. Mary and Eric made many lifelong friends with whom they shared many joyous times together over the years—their house was always full of laughter and merriment. Their garden was always filled with flowering baskets and planters, reflecting Mary’s love of propagating and growing geraniums and pelargoniums.
Mary worked for the West Vancouver School District and found great passion in working with children who needed learning assistance. Upon retirement, Mary and Eric moved to Salt Spring Island, where they again developed wonderful friendships. They taught us that deep and meaningful friendships can be established at any stage of life. They loved their time together on Salt Spring, and Mary spent a further 27 years there, after the passing of Eric, watching many a sunrise across the water from her breakfast nook.
Mary was an expert seamstress, avid gardener, keen bridge player, happy camper and hiker, a merry Scottish country dancer, and a gifted and enthusiastic cook—no dinner party was complete without two grand desserts. Above all, Mary was a most loving wife, mother, and friend. She will be dearly missed for her joyful spirit, her hardy Scot fortitude, and the wonderful sparkle in her eye.
Our grateful thanks to the physicians and staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their kind and supportive care to our Mum over the years and in her last few days.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Aloha! Condolences to family and friends of Mary. I pruned her trees on Isabella Point for many years. She was always lovely to see on my once or twice a year visits. She lived to a ripe old age.