Obituary of Mary Anderson

On July 5, 2021, Mary Elinor Anderson, our loving mother and grandmother, passed away quietly in her home. She was 85.

She was born in Pouce Coupe, to Scottish immigrant parents – Thomas and Marion Lindsay and spent her young life in Shearerdale, where she developed her love of being outdoors in nature, exploring the banks of the Peace River.

She met the love of her life, Karol Anderson and married on Sept 3, 1955. They lived together almost inseparable for the next 53 years until Karol passed on July 3, 2008. Their entire married life was then spent in Dawson Creek, living in only two different homes, both of which were built by Karol.

They raised two children – Shannon (Cindy Delainey) and Wanda (Brad) Neste and as the family grew, they welcomed grandchildren Jordana, Shealan, Ben and then great grandchildren Hayden and Juno. 

In the late 60’s, Mary began what would become a 20+ year career at the Dawson Creek Hospital. Starting as a ward clerk, she quickly advanced to pharmacist assistant, payroll administration and finally purchasing agent for all hospitals in the surrounding area.  She loved her work and not surprisingly, gave a dedicated, 100% effort.

Mary was one of a kind and we were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from the way she lived her life. Most of her 85 years were spent caring for family – tireless and selfless, even though her responsibilities were great. She accepted her role because she always had an understanding of what was important. Strong, determined and fiercely independent, she had the uncanny ability to find happiness in simple daily activities, the simplest of pleasures bringing her great joy. A lifelong bond with animals was apparent from a young age and as long as she was in the company of her pets, she felt complete.

She was smart, kind and fun. And because of her tenacity and wit, maintained her sense of humor until the end.  Her battle with medical issues in her recent years showed her determination and courage.  Despite the discomfort, rather than complain she displayed her quiet determination with a smile.  She was our hero as she faced these challenges and stayed strong until the end.  She may have been tiny and frail, but she gave us all courage and hope and reminded us of the importance of living an authentic life – true to oneself.

What an example she set for our family.  Just by the virtue of how she shaped our lives, we will forever celebrate the absolute and incredible fortune that she was our mother and grandmother. She was who we looked up to, nobody’s fool but humble at the same time.

A part of Mary has passed away, but much of her is carried everyday within us, and will as long as we are here.  We shall continue to honor her legacy by living our lives to the fullest.  She will be greatly missed but never forgotten because our love for her lives on.

A private family service will be held with interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Mary to the South Peace SPCA, 11418 3 St, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4L5.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium