With deep sadness but with peace in our hearts the family of Mary Lillian Bodnar announces her peaceful passing on February 28, 2007 at the age of 63 after a valiant 21-month battle against Cancer.
Mary is survived by her best friend and husband of 46 years Vern, son Terrance and daughter Brenda.
She also leaves to mourn her passing her sisters Ruth Storms and Hazel Perry of Vancouver; her brother-in-law Gerald Bodnar (Louise) of Selkirk, Manitoba; sister’s-in-law, Connie Kist of Winnipeg, Tillie Bodnar of Vernon; Judy Berard (Eddie) of Winnipeg and numerous nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her very good friends Jean Short and Sylvia Panchyshin of Quesnel and cousin June Boyer of Olala.
Mary and Vern lived for many years in Quesnel and recently retired to Hope in September 2006 to be closer to their children in Vancouver.
Mary was a true homemaker through-and-through. We will always smile thinking of how she was the best cook and baker and preferred to make everything from scratch. She loved gardening and together Mary and Vern took up woodworking, Vern cutting the creations and Mary hand-painting them.
Mary and Vern thoroughly enjoyed their bike rides and camping trips with the Goldwing Road Riders Association and forged many friendships with this great group of people. One of their fellow riders, Pastor Richard Andres, went above and beyond in Mary’s final days, driving down from Osoyoos to comfort Mary and her family for which we are extremely thankful, for he gave us exactly what we needed.
Mary was an avid curler and in recent years when her health deterred her from participating she watched every televised game even during her last days in Hospice.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Buys of Quesnel and Dr. Leeuwner of Hope. To Deena and Marla of the Fraser Canyon Hospice Society and to all the staff of Fraser Canyon Hospital who cared for Mary with such compassion during her last month of life. We believe she could not have been in a better place. Our words cannot express how grateful we are to know that she was in your caring hands and your support of our family will never be forgotten.
At Mary’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, please make a donation in Mary’s memory to the Fraser Canyon Hospice Society, 1275 – 7th Avenue, Hope, BC, V0X 1L4.
Rest in peace Mama, until we meet again.