MARY ESTELLA HEATLEY (SHODINE) (HEATLEY) (LEE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY ESTELLA HEATLEY (SHODINE) (HEATLEY) (nee LEE) August 8, 1918 - July 8, 2011 It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary (Marie) Heatley on Thursday, July 8th, 2011 one month short of her 93rd birthday. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Mary was born in Readlyn, Saskatchewan to Charles and Lottie Lee. She moved to Winnipeg in 1941 when her first husband was inducted into the Army. During the war she worked for D.I.L. making cordite for our armed forces. When the war ended she worked for a short time in the Canada Packers Staff House as Hostess and cashier. Never one to sit around and watch the world pass her by she decided to take a course in the operation of the new innovative Burroughs Bookkeeping machine. With her certificate in hand her first interview was with Silpit Industries and they hired her on the spot. She completed her business career as Executive Director of the A.C.T.W.U. Local 459 and Garment Workers of America which included management of their investment portfolio. During those years she worked for 22 years evenings and weekends at Assiniboia Downs. She didn't do it for the money...she did it for the enjoyment. She loved the hustle and bustle of the track, the races, the many friends and the few Damon Runyon type characters that frequented the track. She always said, I should write a book but she never did. Too bad she didn't. Mary was an excellent 5 pin bowler and bowled in several leagues. She liked curling until the rocks got too heavy. She was an active member of the Independent Order of Foresters as well as an ardent member of Al-Anon counseling and helping those women whose lives were affected by alcoholism in their families. She was a long time church member of Calvary Temple. This was one busy caring woman who has left a big footprint. Mary (Marie) is survived by her eldest son Nelson Shodine (Eileen) and three sisters, Doris Thompson of Holland, MB, Ethyl Triggs and Rose Gudnason. Grandsons Ray (Patti), Ronald (Geri), Shane (Helene) and Bryan. She was predeceased by her two brothers and one sister as well as her youngest son Ronald, a victim of that debilitating disease diabetes at the age of 70. Memorial service will be held on Monday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers it is requested that an equivalent donation be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association or the charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2011