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VERA EVA MARDON Obituary pic

VERA EVA MARDON

Date of Passing: Jul 28, 2015

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VERA EVA MARDON 1923 - 2015 Surrounded by flowers, and at the end of an eventful and happy life, the elegant Vera Eva Mardon passed quietly away in Winnipeg on the night of July 28, 2015. Born Vera Bozyk in 1923 in Transcona, the bright, energetic girl showed an early love of writing and adventure. Surviving an early, serious bout of scarlet fever (she was the first person in Manitoba to be given the then-new drug penicillin' -- flown in specially by the R.C.A.F.), she was hired in the early 1950s by The Winnipeg Free Press, one of the first female reporters in Canada. Journalists in those days were a different breed from those of today. In the Newsroom, the floor shook from the clatter of Remington manual typewriters, and the smells of stale tobacco and hot lead mixed with coarse oaths in the air. Every reporter's desk had a well-used bottle of scotch, save for those who did not drink hard liquor, in which case gin was served. Various assignments took her to Hollywood (where she was advised to change her name from the communist-sounding' Bozyk to something more all-American, which Vera refused to do), to the then-busy Cold War bases of Alert and Resolute (where 800 men who had not seen a woman for a year were more than eager to take her on a jaunt to see the North Pole as well), and to the U.K. (where she hitch-hiked the length of Britain, from Land's End in Cornwall to John o'Groats in Scotland). Coming back to Winnipeg, though, no sooner were her shapely legs under her desk than she made the acquaintance of Harry Mardon who, fresh from active service with the British Army in Malaya, and still wearing his Seaforth Highlanders kilt, was pounding away with two fingers on a typewriter at The Winnipeg Tribune, the bitter rival of the Winnipeg Free Press. A life-long marriage ensued. She acted as ringleader to a household that included not only a husband and three children, but also a menagerie of (at various times) dogs, cats, fish, iguanas and even a baby alligator, all of whom were fed and fully nurtured, depending upon their respective needs. The home was always lively, with an ever-changing parade of garrulous, inebriated journalists -- and slightly less-inebriated politicians and public figures -- traipsing through the house, and sometimes falling into the river in the back yard. Predeceased by her beloved Harry, Vera is survived by children Laurence of Winnipeg, Caroline and her husband Jim of Toronto, and Christopher and his wife Juno and son Harrison of Vancouver, as well as her brother Bud Bozyk and wife Cecile, and her dear brother-in-law Roland of Scotland. The final year and a half of her life were much eased by the truly wonderful staff at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Special mention should be made of her fellow-patient there, Irene Seamchuk, who predeceased her, but whose jolly friendship made both their lives more rich. Vera's last night was spent at the Convalescent Home with dignity and love, surrounded by her children. Outside, shortly after she passed, a gentle rain began. The heat of the day still lay heavy on the dusty streets, but soon the wet pavement reflected the streetlights of her hometown in a shimmering kaleidoscope of colours. Silently, dry leaves edged-open to capture the sky's gift of its tears, then rustled as a breath of wind passed through them, and moved ceaselessly on. -- 30 --

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 01, 2015

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • Dear Laurence, My sister Cindy and I are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We were so appreciative of the friendship that developed between Vera and our mom while they were together at the Convalescent Home. They were quite the mischievous duo. Your mom was extremely interesting and we loved to hear all of her old stories. She was a very dear friend to our mother and my sister and I and will always remember her as a kind and generous woman with a great sense of humour. Our thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Lorraine Mather and Cindy Natuik (Daughters of Irene Seamchuk) on: Sep 06, 2015

  • Vera Mardon was an extra special sister, aunt and friend to all her extended family. Everyone who met Vera loved her throughout the world. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Laurie, Caroline, Jim, Christopher, Juno and Harrison. Vera will never be forgotten and will live on in our memories and dreams. - Posted by: Roland Mardon (Brother in law) on: Aug 09, 2015

  • My condolences Caroline. I am thinking of you at this time. Sending Love and Prayers and healing thoughts to you and you're family. - Posted by: Karen LeBlanc (kvleev@gmail.com) on: Aug 07, 2015

  • While working at the Japanese Consulate located in the Tribune Building, I first met your Mom and Dad as Harry was the advisor to the Consulate. We enjoyed many good times together in the early to mid 70's at the Consulate parties and receptions. Like your parents, we know how to party! I loved how you described your Mom as "elegant" - that's sure what she was. When I left the Consulate, your Mom briefly took on my role. I then worked with your Dad at Investors from 1976 until he retired from there. Saw your Mom briefly at your Dad's funeral but haven't seen her since. I have such wonderful memories of a lovely lady, so positive and supportive. You must be very proud - they were a great couple and a great Team! Condolences to the family. Sincerely, Eileen Kirton - Posted by: Eileen Kirton (Friend) on: Aug 05, 2015

  • Chris, Saddened to hear of your mom's passing. I always enjoyed her company. and she made the greatest plum perogies I've ever tasted. - Posted by: Jim Simm ((friend of Chris)) on: Aug 05, 2015

  • What an incredible life journey. I am sorry to hear of her passing and send my condolences and love. - Posted by: Julia () on: Aug 05, 2015

  • Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your loved one. Condolences to you and your family. Daria - Posted by: Daria () on: Aug 03, 2015

  • Carolyn it sounds like your mother had a wonderfully full life. We are sorry to hear about her passing and our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Emily and Amr Hiram (friends of Carolyn) on: Aug 03, 2015

  • My deepest condolences to all those that loved Vera. - Posted by: Avi Zer-Aviv () on: Aug 03, 2015

  • Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Cheryl () on: Aug 03, 2015

  • Bill and I offer our condolences, Caroline. - Posted by: Kelli Nigh (Friend of Caroline) on: Aug 02, 2015

  • Dearest Caroline: please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of your mother. You have honoured her with a beautiful life tribute. Our thoughts are with you. Truly, Emily and Alberto. - Posted by: Emily and Alberto (Friends of Caroline) on: Aug 01, 2015

  • Laurence and Chris, I send you my condolences on the death of your lovely mother. I saw the press release ( - 30 - ) in the Saturday Free Press - she has been sent off well by you. - Linda - Posted by: Linda Petriuk (old friend of Laurence) on: Aug 01, 2015

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