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MARY LILLIAN WALLS (LECLAIRE) Obituary pic

MARY LILLIAN WALLS (LECLAIRE)

Date of Passing: Oct 18, 2016

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MARY LILLIAN WALLS (nee LECLAIRE) Devoted Mother At about 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, surrounded by loved ones, Mary died peacefully as she had lived; with great dignity and a genuine loving spirit. Mary was born November 26, 1923 in Sydney, Nova Scotia and was the only child to Simon and Matilda LeClaire. Mary attended Holy Angels all-girl convent school in Sydney where her love of music, the arts and her devotion to God were nurtured by the Sisters. Mary enjoyed singing, music and dance and often sang for a popular Sydney radio station. Upon completing her education at Holy Angels, Mary attended St. Francis Xavier University where she was enrolled in the Faculty of Arts. During the Second World War Mary supported the war effort working as a secretary for the Royal Canadian Air Force where she enjoyed the camaraderie of coworkers, women and men enlisted in the war. She was involved in activities on the airbase, which included sing-a-longs, dances and other social events. Sydney harbour played a significant role in the war, staging supply convoys bound for Europe and providing coastal defense of Atlantic Canada. It was during this time that she met and later married Alan Arthur Walls, a Naval Lieutenant, serving on the Fleur de Lis. Following the war Mary settled in Western Canada where she and Al started a family. She is survived by her sons, Richard and his wife Pat, Keith and his two children Daniel and Alanna, great-grandchildren Matthew, Jordan, Ava and Drew, Bruce and his wife Karen and their two sons, Michael and Mitchell, her daughters, Noreen and her husband Glenn, Janice and her husband Darcy and her two sons Sean and Brian, and Norma and her husband Bonaventura. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, and son Craig. Mary lived life to the fullest, travelling and living in various countries. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way making lifelong friends, both young and old, wherever she lived. Mary was fortunate to spend her last years at home with the assistance of her loving homecare providers; Mila, Matilde, Jhulee, Elvira, and Mary Jane. She was active up until her hospitalization spending her days singing, going on outings and enjoying time with family and friends. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children and others whom she loved. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion during Mom's final days. A private funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue, Tuesday, October 25, 2016, with condolences offered at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Fort Garry Roman Catholic Cemetery, 826 Crescent Drive. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Mary can be made to the Red Road Lodge. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2016

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • I met Mary as a young girl through their friendship with my Mother and father, years later I had heard she lived in Spain, and much to my surprise when there I recalled that, I found we were a few townships over, about 15 minutes. I called and stopped by for a visit and went back for a full long day! Mary and I laughed at nearly everything much to Al's chagrin. Al dropped us off, to do some errands and sight seeing and Mary had to go to an office. In the building the lights were on timer, and all the lights were going on and off automatically. Uncertain as to where "the hell we were supposed to be " to quote Mary, we would ascend the stairs toward the floor or door (we thought was our destination) only to learn the light timed out half way there (Euro power savers), we got trapped in the stairs, and the halls from both the darkness and the giggles. We raced those lights, and we cheered each other as we tried to get to the next light sensor. It took four tries, 2 near death falls, and three pairs of underwear to get to that appointment. I think poor Al thought I was laughing at Mary until he realized I too had an undie change, bruised knee, and slight limp. Mary gave him such a bad and loving time, and through our pain we still we could not stop laughing. I guess it was contagious because once Al got on the same page, (though we missed his questioning glances and perched eyebrow) we were all laughing the balance of the day. Al surpassed us at the local pub, ran by a bunch of Euros and patronized by both North Americans and Europeans, with Al now raising that eyebrow on purpose. So much fun, so many laughs and a wonderful memory. Two bonded souls, with so much to give, I feel like I lived a lifetime with them. Truly blessed to feel so loved in such a short time. My sincere condolences may their memory lift you always. - Posted by: Michele DeCorby (friend) on: Dec 11, 2020

  • I feel so very bad that we did not know until today that Mary left this earth and is with her Loving God and all those she loved who went before her. We loved her and Allan so much and they both enriched our lives especially when living on the same farm in Swaziland, Southern Africa. Our memories will always be rich because of both of the, Love, Mar & Gus - Posted by: Marline and Gus Wruck (PreciousFriends) on: Jan 24, 2017

  • "Better late then never", as Mary would probably say. Mary (and Al) have been an important part of our lives and Mary played an instrumental role in bringing two of our sons into the world during their home births in Malawi. Mary made a great surrogate Grandmother for our boys and was there to console Hannah when her Mother passed at an early age. Mary was a wonderfully, down-to-earth, kind-hearted soul and role model who was always there to support and encourage. With fond memories and love Brian and Hannah - Posted by: Brian Bedard & Hannah Anderson (Old friends ) on: Nov 26, 2016

  • We were so sorry to hear that Mary passed away last month. We would certainly attended her funeral had we known. We have such wonderful memories of times shared...births, weddings, parties, one on one time together. Mary worked for us and in fact your Mom and Dad had enough confidence in my abilities that they listed their farm with me...it was my first sale!!! They were so kind and generous. You were so good to your Mom and making sure she was able to stay in her own home to the end was a testament to that. Cherish the precious memories..She loved you all so much! - Posted by: Claudette and Roger Griffin (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2016

  • Condolences to you Norma. I know how much your mother meant to you and of the countless hours you spent with her always, especially as her health began to fade. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Tanya Schulz (Colleague of Norma Anania (Mary's daughter)) on: Oct 23, 2016

  • Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Mom ... - Posted by: -Gail Duncanson(Nottingham) () on: Oct 22, 2016

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