Mary Girvin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 18, 2007.
Mary was born in Vancouver, BC to Homer and Gertrude Charleston. She attended Little Flower Academy and Prince of Wales schools and graduated in 1948.
She attended UBC for one year, taking home economics courses. Mary received her First Holy Communion on her 21st birthday.
She met her future husband, Jim Girvin, while working as a dental assistant in Port Alice in the spring of 1952. They married on August 15, 1953 at St. Peter and Paul’s in Vancouver and spent the first four months of their marriage in Port Alice, BC.
Mary and Jim then moved to Port Hardy where Jim was principal at Port Hardy Elementary High School. Mary’s first two children were born during this time.
In the fall of 1957, the growing Girvin family moved to Quesnel and over the next seven years, they added four more children to their numbers.
During her 50 years in Quesnel, Mary was an active member of the community. In addition to the busyness of home matters and the raising of her children, Mary gave generously of her time and talent.
Having learned to play the piano at an early age, she passed on her love of music to many students, teaching in her home, at St. Ann’s School and B&B Music. She was instrumental in forming the Quesnel Bell Ringers. She was still actively teaching piano at the time of her death.
The Borealis Workshop benefitted from Mary’s involvement for many years. Her organizational skills and caring turned it into something the community could be proud of. She was involved in the Catholic Women’s League including local and diocesan offices. She served her local church in many different capacities, sharing her skills in music, organization and celebrations. Mary played both the piano and organ for countless weddings, funerals and other special occasions.
Mary leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 53 years, Jim, children Pat (Randy Eckland), Jayne (Chris Waring), Matthew (Sheila), Michele (Kevin Davis), Theresa (Richard Williams), Tim (Sarah), 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Mark and sister, Donna. She was predeceased by her grandsons, Matthew and Rod.