MARYAN MCCARTHY (VAN GILS)

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MARYAN MCCARTHY (nee VAN GILS) September 10, 1918 to February 15, 2009 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maryan on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Deer Lodge Centre, with family by her side. Maryan was predeceased by Vincent, her husband of 59 years and her eldest daughter Annie. She leaves to mourn her passing, her remaining children: Marg, Helen (Ken), John (Cindy) and Bill (Debbie), 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters and a sister-in-law in the Netherlands: Marietje, Jo and Wil, and sister-in-law, Rita, in Chalk River, ON, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in both the Netherlands and Canada. Maryan was born into a loving family in Blaricum, Holland, the sixth of seven children. As a young woman she learned the feminine arts of needlework, such as sewing, embroidery and knitting. She spoke fondly of times spent around the dining room table, each of the sisters working on a project. Life was good until the war overtook Holland in 1940. With the many trials that the war brought, it also brought a gift in the form of a Canadian soldier, Vincent, who became the love of her life. Mom and Dad married in Holland and came to Canada, Mom on a ship of war brides and Dad on a troop ship. After a short stay in Chatham, ON, they settled in Dad's hometown of Chalk River, ON. As their family grew to five children, Mom was kept busy in her career as a stay-at-home Mom. Mom was hard-working and creative, traits that helped make our home secure and comfortable, even when times were lean. In 1964, Dad's career necessitated a move to Pinawa, MB, where they built their dream home, which was always open and welcoming to family and friends. Though the nest was soon empty, Mom and Dad enjoyed their home for many more years. Mom's special interest was her yard and the flowerbeds in it. She spent her summers rearranging existing flowerbeds and creating new ones. With free time on her hands, Mom volunteered for many local causes. She was a regular visitor at the hospital and devoted much time to the Welfare Committee that serviced Pinawa and the surrounding area. As well, Mom performed the duties of a sacristan in the Pinawa Catholic Church for at least 25 years. After Dad's retirement, Mom and Dad were free to do a bit of travelling. Usually after a family Christmas, they headed for warmer climates, and enjoyed relaxation and recreation in the company of new friends and old. One more move was required as Dad's health deteriorated and in January 2000, Mom and Dad reluctantly left their home in Pinawa and moved to Winnipeg. Eventually as more care was required than could be provided in the home, they moved to Deer Lodge Centre. Mom's stay lasted three and one half years, and she constantly extolled the virtues of the wonderful staff and the great care they provided...for which both she and we, the family, are eternally grateful. Mom, you were loved and you've earned your rest. May you rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in her memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada-Manitoba Branch , Unit 1, 452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4. A funeral mass will be held in St. Francis of Assissi Roman Catholic, Pinawa, MB, on Thursday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing in the church prior to the service. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2009