To David and Diana
I am sure the loss of your mom is still fresh, although this message will reach you very much after the fact.  It is nice that I am still able to pass along to you how I value to this day the memories and influence your mom had on my life.  She was a very bright light for me, bringing such an optimistic, artistic and creative joy to all she touched.  I remember your family visits in summer to Edmonton as high points all through my childhood, all the wonderful things she made for us, and what were for me touches of the exotic world she would send from the many places she visited.  Although I lost touch when I left home, I am reassured that you have all prospered in the truly important ways and carry forward your mom's zest for life and ability not only to make the best of life, but to do it with a flourish.

Dear Cousins, all;
Auntie Mary was my favorite auntie, she always made a point to chat with me any time she was in Edmonton.  I will miss her visits and extend my condolences to everbody of the Vance family.

Love, David. S

To David, Katherine, Diana and your families;

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother and grandmother.  Although Mary ended up living the furthest away from the rest of her brothers and their families, it was usually Mary that took on the role of keeping the extended family in touch with one another. Always a phone call, or one of her frequent visits, just to chat! Of course, all that in between trips to countless places around the globe, living proof that you're never too old to travel, learn, and experience life.  She was the kind of caring, genuine soul that there are just too few of these days.  We will miss her.

To All Nephews, Neices, their Spouces Nancy, Sreve, your children, Adam, Emily, Ryan, Susan, Peter.

My older & Only Sister Marenka, your mother & Gran is no more.

As the last survivor of all my 5 siblings, 3 of which were brought to Canada by courageous parents Prokip & Fedonka, seeking new horizons.

Marenka's life was an epoch of profound changes, rewarded with loving children, grand children and great grand children.

As a surviving athiest of the Shostaks, (there were others, now departed) let me assure you, with love in my heart, Mary Vance lives on in all of you. And those genes will prevail through generations.

I regret I could not be with you.  But I recall with fondness the many visits I had with my sister and her family.

Oklahoma City, Anchorage, Great Falls, another Montana place, the name escapes me but I remember the goats & sheep. Banff, Edmonton.  The great reunion at Uncle Tony"s.

May this special woman live on in you all, and in all our hearts and memories.  With Love, Uncle Nikola

Dear Cousins,  
Auntie Mary was very dear to us.  She always made a point to stay in touch with her Canadian family.  We were so pleased that we had a chance to gather together and enjoy her company on her last visit here.  She had so many special qualities.  Humour, wit, generosity, a positive spirit and love of life and family.
Our deepest condolences to all of you.  Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.

We have many special memories of your mom.  She was a kind and generous person who always did so much for our family.  We always looked forward to her perogy dinners when she visited and I still have every outfit she sewed for me.  She will be deeply missed.  Our thoughts and love are with you.

OBITUARY

Mary Vance

17 March, 1923 – 2 September, 2012

Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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