MARY MILDRED

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MARY MILDRED (McLEAN) BISSETT July 1, 1900 - October 17, 1999 It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully at her home at the Riverview Health Centre. Predeceased by her husband Daniel in 1972 she leaves her three daughters and families to remember her century of living, loving caring and being there for all. She is survived by Betty Ullberg (Erven), grandson Kjell, granddaughter Hansine Ullberg Cliche, great-grandson Alexander Cliche in Calgary, Catherine Alvarez (Francisco), grandson Andrew and granddaughter Carmen in California and Jean of Winnipeg. Mary was born in Brandon the only child of Elizabeth and Malcolm McLean. In 1905 the family moved to homestead in southern Saskatchewan where she spent the early years and began her schooling. After attending Brandon College for grade XI the McLeans moved to Winnipeg so that Mary could continue at the Central Collegiate for grade XII and Normal School on William Ave. In 1919 she began her teaching career in small rural communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Grenfell, Hebert, Inglis and Fraserwood held many memories of those early teaching days in the little red schools. Upon her marriage in 1931, to the love of her life Daniel, she became a Red Serge Wife. These were the women who supported and assisted their husbands in the R.C.M.P. detachments throughout Canada. Their posting at Headingley between 1935-1945 is still remembered by the long time residents in this district. While her family was still young they moved to Collegiate St. in St. James. She returned to her career in 1955 as the chief librarian assistant when the St. James Public Library opened and remained there until retirement in 1965. She was remembered for many years by students whom she enjoyed helping find resources for study projects. In the past 25 years she remained actively involved with her families, travelling to Montreal and California for extended times to be a nanny to her grandchildren. Many happy hours were spent gardening keeping her home a showcase. She was remarkably mobile, in good health and independent until 1995 when with increasing frailty she became a resident at Riverview. The 20th century belonged to Mary. She documented a comprehensive family tree dating back to the early 1800s based on oral histories heard from her many relatives. She could vividly recall and reminisce about the events of her life and those of the times that emerged over the past 100 years. She and her family appreciated the abundance of warmth, love, kindness and compassion that Pat Yamada and all the staff on CD4 surrounded her with and made the last years enjoyable, serene and secure. A celebration of Marys life will take place on Friday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service in the Worship Centre at Riverview Health Centre with Rev. Glen Horst officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, a memorial donation may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 1999