Passed away peacefully on January 3 with her children at her side. She is predeceased by her husband, Gordon; parents (Alfred and Annie) as well as all her siblings (Jack, Bud, Ben, Ray, Annabelle, Danny and David). Mary is survived by her son, Warren (Carolyn); her daughter, Alana (Dave); her grandchildren, Jacob, Piper, Jenna, Krista, Travis and Marisa; as well as her sister-in-law and nieces and nephews.
Mary was born and raised in East Vancouver, where she lived until she married Gordon Castley in 1964. After a few years in Vancouver, they moved to North Vancouver to start their family. Mary was a devoted mom and a role model to her family of patience, kindness, generosity and service. She joked that she could never say “no” when asked for help. Mary volunteered for Mt. Seymour Soccer Club as a team manager, co-ordinator and even as a coach (despite never having played soccer herself!). She was a Meals-on-Wheels driver for over 40 years and enjoyed several years of service through the Optimist Club.
From the time she was a baby throughout her entire life, Mary loved the beach and spent many happy days at Third Beach with her family. Another favourite place was in the mountain trails near her home where she went on extensive walks with her dogs. Gordon and Mary enjoyed cruises and travel together, and although Gordon passed away in 1996, Mary continued to vacation in Puerto Vallarta and took her children and grandchildren on a memorable cruise in the Caribbean and a trip to Hawaii.
Mary was happy to live close to her grandchildren and was very involved in their lives — caring for them, driving them to their activities as they grew up and hosting them for weekly dinners at White Spot. For the last few years of her life, Mary moved to Amica Edgemont Village. She enjoyed her time there immensely and repeatedly spoke of how happy she was to live among the cheerful and friendly staff and residents. At all celebrations, she would participate enthusiastically – often in costume and always with her walker and her balcony fully decorated.
Before her passing, Mom/Grandma encouraged us all to remember two important lines from the Optimist Creed which are: “To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind” and “To give every living creature you meet a smile.”
Mary’s family would like to thank Dr. Thomsen, the PH Clinic at VGH and especially the staff at Amica for caring so well for Mary in her final years.
No formal service, by request, but family and friends will gather to remember Mary at a future date.
