Mary Andersen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Mary Andersen on February 10th, 2021. Born on November 9th, 1930, she grew up in Esher Surrey with her parents George and Irene Murray, and brother John. There she trained in domestic science and later as a medical secretary.

Seeking adventure, she travelled to Toronto, Canada for a visit and followed up with sightseeing around the USA on a Greyhound bus. She returned to England to work, but feeling she was in a rut, she was pulled back to Canada taking a temporary summer job at the Banff Springs Hotel. Falling in love with the beauty of the Rockies and Canada as a country, she travelled further west to Vancouver where she took a job and settled in the city. Soon thereafter she met a young Dane, John Andersen, and his friends at a beach party. He dazzled her with a gift on their first date and soon thereafter the two wed.

There followed three girls, Lisa, Katherine and Meg and a tiny house on 41st, built over John’s upholstery shop, followed by a larger house on Dunbar Street, which over the years became known for its parties, great food, and a long procession of pets. Holidays, birthdays, showers, BBQ’s, weddings , wakes, and grad parties are just a few of the many celebrations that were hosted at Dunbar Street.

Mary was the heart of the house on Dunbar and was integral to building a home. Whether it was supporting a sport or hobby for her daughters , finding an educational opportunity, or planning a holiday Mary was the spirited, guiding force in the household.

Not to be forgotten is Mary’s contribution to the family business. It was on her suggestion than John start to bring in duvets from Europe and sell them in Canada because “you just couldn’t find them over here.” John ran with the idea and in 1967 Daniadown Quilts was born. Mary contributed her efforts for a number of years by throwing herself into the field of advertising in an effort to make Daniadown a household name. Together they built the business and, in time, enjoyed its growth.

Mary was passionate about cooking and took great pleasure in creating Cordon Blue recipes for visitors. Also a great sewer, she involved herself in sewing skating costumes, supporting school bazaars, and making the newest “Stretch and Sew” fashions for her daughters.

A true Brit, Mary was always on top of the movement of the Royals; their weddings, coronations, outfits and travel were always a topic of conversation. And with a little help from “Hello” magazine she followed it all with delight. And if a Royal ever ventured to our shores she organized the Andersen brigade to attend the Royal "drive by” for the remote chance at a sighting.

An animal lover, Mary nurtured many pets over the years (Sheba, Tammy, Mini, Sally, Molly, Tikke, Jake, Kass, and cats Puss and Sushi). Whether it was taking in a stray dog or raising a purebred she enjoyed their company and unwavering faithfulness. Never one to be deterred by the weather, she faithfully walked her dogs twice a day in rain, snow, sleet and hail often outfitted with her rubber wellies, duffle coat and knitted wool hat.

A cup of tea was another ritual that defined the rhythm of her day. Whether it was morning, noon or night, she always found time for a cup of tea and a frozen digestive biscuit. Latterly she enjoyed sharing this ritual, but mainly the frozen biscuits, with her grandchildren who reminisce about them to this day.

Mary loved to travel. She enjoyed many great vacations over the years visiting friends and family in England, cousins in Hong Kong and South Africa, several European trips and of course many wonderful Christmas celebrations and quick jaunts to SanFrancisco. Not to be forgotten is the family reunion she and her cousins organized in England bringing together multiple generations and Murray descendants spread far and wide. Of course all her trips were recorded with many photos, another hobby she enjoyed. In fact she could always be counted on to record a celebration, a gathering or a school play, her many photos now offering a kaleidoscope of her, her daughters and her grandchildren’s lives .

Always ready to support, in her retirement Mary, Gran, or more affectionately “Granberry”, enjoyed babysitting her many grandchildren, at times taking on a gaggle at her house. And the grandchildren fondly remember the dress up clothes, play houses, videos and toys that Mary provided to keep them busy while under her careful watch. Never one to sit idle she took them to community center classes, to watch the horses in Southlands, and Granville Island, for a bite to eat and to feed the birds.

Always a great hostess, Mary enjoyed both entertaining and being entertained. She loved being socially involved with the Gyro Club of Vancouver. And at home, whether it was a small dinner party, house guests, or a large lamb roast Mary organized and entertained with enthusiasm, always handling the cooking with aplomb.

With such enthusiasm for life it was sad to see our mother’s decline in the last few years as dementia slowly robbed her of her vitality. We know that she received excellent care at Sunrise and thank all her care givers for their sense of humour, patience, and kindness. Mary was a strong spirit and we will always remember her love for life as well as her unwavering support and guidance as a parent, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her brother John Murray (Susan and Clare), daughters Lisa(Dave), Katherine(Marc) and Meg, and her grandchildren Erica, Madeleine, Kiersten, Kate, Jonathan, Lauren, Téa, and Tristan.