MARY ELIZABETH ARTHUR

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MARY ELIZABETH ARTHUR Peacefully at Seven Regions Health Centre on Friday, October 24, 2008 Mary Elizabeth Arthur passed away at the age of 86. She will be lovingly missed by her daughters and their families - Beverly (Howard), Gail (Ken), Louise (Bob), Lois (Darryl), and Carole (Keith) as well as 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn is her brother John, sisters-in-law Frances Stewart and Ruth McLean and brother-in-law Eldon McLean. She was predeceased by her husband Walter, daughter Debbie, granddaughter Barbie, her parents Matthew and Susan, sisters Ellen and Sarah and brothers Henry and Wally. Mary was born in Gladstone on January 27, 1922, daughter of Matthew and Susan Wilson. Her mother passed away in June of that same year and from then on Mary and her sister Sarah made their home with their aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wilson, first at Katrime and then at Mayfeld when the Wilsons returned to the store and post office in 1923. Mary received her education at Silver Stream School and then remained at home to help her aunt in the store and post office. She married Walter Arthur on June 3rd, 1944. Together they farmed in the Mayfeld district and in addition Mary took over the Mayfeld Store and Post Office. Walter and Mary retired to Gladstone in April of 1977. In October 2001 they moved from their home to the Legion Apartments. During her years on the farm, Mary was busy raising six daughters, growing large gardens, as well as doing lots of canning, baking and sewing. She also found time for various hobbies which were shared with her family - such as music (singing and piano) and crafts - knitting, crocheting etc. Throughout her life Mary was involved in many community and church activities - Knox United Church, Knox Friends and Neighbours, 13 years as 4-H Leader with the Helston, Mayfeld and Gladstone clubs, Gladstone United Church Auxiliary and choir, Order of the Eastern Star, Gladstone Square Dance Club, Senior Citizen Club and the Gladstone Agricultural Society . First and foremost throughout Mary's years were her family and their needs and interests. Her love, support and encouragement were always there for them. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Berman Wong and all the staff at the Gladstone Hospital for their understanding and compassionate care of Mary. Also thank you to her many home care workers who helped her maintain her independence. Funeral service was held Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Ian Olive officiating. Pallbearers were Keith Arthur, Howard Link, Ken Kinley, Bob Bjarnarson, Darryl Mauthe and Keith Pottinger. Interment followed in the Gladstone Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Grass Community Foundation Inc. (Gladstone Fund), Box 697, Gladstone, MB., R0J 0T0, or to a charity of one's choice. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008