- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MARY LOU VAIL (ERSKINE)
Born: Oct 23, 1930
Date of Passing: Oct 17, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MARY LOU VAIL
(nee ERSKINE)
October 23, 1930 - October 17, 2020
She was predeceased by parents, Anne and Gerald Erskine; brother Arthur, nephew Patrick, niece Leslie and several cousins. Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Brenda Ann, sister Dorothy (Dave Jowett); nephews, Jeff, Greg and Doug Jowett; niece Julie Teixeira; cousins, Marilyn Marshall and James (Bud) Kelly; as well as several great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Growing up on Lipton Street, Mary Lou attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell schools, graduating from the University of Manitoba with a BSc HEC in 1953 and B Ped in 1954. After marriage and living in Fort Garry, she taught elementary school in Winnipeg and Boston. Accompanying her husband in his academic pursuits, they lived in England and Scotland, and toured much of Europe.
Active in her community, Mary Lou volunteered for several organizations, was an accomplished figure skater and judge, member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Robert Burns Club, and the Winnipeg Steel Orchestra.
Mary Lou was always generous, establishing a Bursary in Education (University of Manitoba) to fund students in financial need, and the "Erskine - Vail Family Fund" through the Victoria General Hospital.
In 2015 at the onset of dementia, she resided at Riverwood Square and for the past month, at Heritage Lodge. Thank you to those for their care.
Cremation has taken place and a family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
-
Mary Lou was always a delight to see and converse with during our Burns Luncheons while she was still able to attend. Mary will be sorely missed, I delighted in chatting with her, she loved the poetry of Robert Burns, and she loved the wail of the Bag Pipes... Please keep me in mind when her Celebration of Life occurs, I would be very pleased to attend. - Posted by: Charles Cameron (Past President of Robert Burns Club in Winnipeg ) on: Oct 25, 2020
-
"Mrs. Vail" was my classroom teacher in both Gr. 2 and 3 at Glenwood. We reconnected several years ago through one of her sorority sisters. It felt miraculous because I mentioned her often in in-service training I presented to teachers. I'd tell them how simple but important it is for teachers to 'see' their students for who they are. I'd tell the story of never forgetting Mrs. Vail for that reason. Then the Universe connected us through Heather Burkett! After that and for several years we would enjoy a telephone conversation or a cup of tea together, or meet on November 11th at Vimy park where I introduced my sons to her, my favourite teacher. - Posted by: Bill Noyes (Former grade 2 and 3 student) on: Oct 25, 2020
-
So sorry to hear about your Mom Brenda. I remember all the good times we had on the ice with our mothers enjoying their socializing in the stands. Best wishes, Chris - Posted by: Chris (Smith) Tibelius (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
-
Mary Lou was a valued member of the Zeta Tau Alpha. She was always sharing stories about the street band.... I remember her always happy and enjoying our many activities, especially the luncheons that were held. We will remember as one of our dear sisters. Patricia Chegus - Posted by: Patricia Chegus (Sorority sister) on: Oct 24, 2020
-
Mary Lou was a loyal Zeta and a regular at our sorority functions, I was always happy to be able to visit with her. Her smile and cheerful attitude to life lit up the room. I particularly enjoyed the stories of her figure-skating experiences. She lived a good life, and I found her to be an inspiration. Rest in peace, Mary Lou. - Posted by: Paula Carlson (sorority sister) on: Oct 24, 2020
Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)
2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard (Map)
Ph: 2048974665 | Visit Website