MARY ELIZABETH MCIVOR (RIDSDALE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY ELIZABETH MCIVOR
(nee RIDSDALE)

The granddame of our family, Mary Elizabeth, left a gaping space in our lives on December 13, 2020.
She was predeceased by her husband Ivan, daughter Elizabeth, grandson Christopher, siblings, Lyall, Rene, Diana, Doreen, Peter, Bob, and most recently her much loved sister June. She is survived by her daughters, Sally (Tom) and Susan, and sons, Robert (Judy) and David. She also had 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a much anticipated first great-great-grandchild in the spring.
Mary was born in Rotterdam, Surrey, England on February 7, 1922, to Robert and Dorothy Ridsdale. Dorothy died when Mum was only three years old but she grew up with her dad, brother Robert (Bob), sister June and her beloved Auntie Gertie whom she adored.
As a young woman, during the war, Mum met one particular red-headed Canadian, named Rusty. He swept her off her feet and they were married and their first daughter Elizabeth was born a year later. While Rusty (James Ivan) was still in active service in Belgium, Mary made the voyage across the ocean, alone with her wee baby, to Halifax and then by train to the backwoods of Sioux Lookout. She had inherited in-laws and 11 new siblings in a new world that was certainly not near as progressive as the country she had left but she just 'got on with it'.
When Ivan got back to Canada they moved to McKenzie Island where he worked the mines. Sally was born in March of 1947. During that time Elizabeth, just before she turned four, was killed in an accident. They moved to Sioux Lookout. Soon after, Susan was born in September 1949 and Robert arrived in 1954. The family moved to Winnipeg in the early 1960s and David was born shortly afterwards.
Mum was always involved in her church, starting from childhood and this faith continued until her death. She was involved in the ACW at every parish we attended. Mum had some wonderful friends and maintained strong relationships with them all, from England, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She had great friends who spent many winters cross-country skiing. Mum volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Windsor School library for 25 years. She befriended the elderly in the neighbourhood, and on any summer day could be seen doing her three mile walk through the area or mall walking in the winter. She was an award winning gardener, which also included the church grounds, and she was proud of her dandelion free lawns and magnificent flower beds.
Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all benefited from her amazing knitting skills, as did Parks Canada, where she created knitted garments from pictures, no instructions.
Mum (and Dad) enjoyed many wonderful holidays in New York with Sally and Tom, travelling Europe, sailing, golfing and just having fun.
Her last year and a half was at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home where she got excellent care - of which we are forever grateful.
There will be no funeral at this time due to Covid-19. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot in NW Ontario when we are able.

Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2020