MARY ANNE RICHARDS

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MARY ANNE RICHARDS October 14, 1921 - April 3, 2011 After a happy and generous life Mary Pinky Anne Richards passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011. Born in East Selkirk, Manitoba in 1921 to Ukrainian and Polish immigrant parents, John and Mary Adams, she spent the early years of her life on the family farm. She then decided to put her natural gifts of kindness and patience to use by pursuing a career in nursing, graduating in 1943 from the Manitoba Nursing Association. Shortly thereafter, she was selected to be one of Canada's first stewardesses for TransCanada Airlines. Back in those days only single women under 26 were selected, and until 1957, the airline only hired nurses, to ensure frightened and finicky passengers of medical care in flight. Back on land in the 1950s, she met Hugh Richards, a dedicated Shriner in the Tin Lizzie Corps, who had emigrated from Wales (via London) to Winnipeg in the late 1950s. They married in 1960. Three children and a move to Calgary followed where Hugh pursued his career in social work and public service. Mary continued nursing through the 1980s at Glenmore Auxiliary and was a volunteer at the ERCB Energium after retirement. She was also able to maintain her sustaining friendships; such as those with Alice Douglas and Ann Innis. With Hugh and the children, Mary shared a love of the outdoors, family, home and dear friends; spending summers in the Sushwap or in Selkirk, Manitoba. In later years she was also able to visit many of Hugh's favourite places in the British Isles as well as spend happy times in Hawaii with friends and family. Her last but probably best loved job was as a nanny to her treasured grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her brother Walter, sister Olive and beloved husband Hugh Richards. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, John, his wife Linda and their children Brett and Nicole, daughter Joanne and husband Kevin McClintock with their children Ben and Sean and daughter Patty, with husband Patrick Stiles and their child Mac; also her niece Sharon and children Randy, Cindy and Lawrence. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James' Catholic Church (5504 - 20 Street S.W., Calgary) on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers donations gratefully accepted towards the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (Metabolic Unit), 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W. Calgary, AB T3B 6A8 or www.childrenshospital.ab.ca. In living memory of Mary Richards, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5. Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2011