Mary Aileen Wira

December 23, 1940 – July 19, 2026

It is with absolute heartbreak that we announce the passing of Aline Wira, lovingly known to most as Mary, on July 19, 2026, at the age of 85.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her son, Danny (Sharron), and her grandchildren, Mikayla (Dustin) and Ethan; by her daughter, Tracy (Kris); and by surviving siblings and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Julian, and her grandson, Neven, along with other family members and dear friends who went before her. We find comfort in knowing she is reunited with all her loved ones once again.

Mary will be remembered for her generous heart, quick wit, unwavering love for her family, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether you were family by blood, family by friendship, or someone she had only just met, Mary made you feel as though you belonged. Her table was always open, and no one ever left hungry or without knowing they were cared for.

Born in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, Mary was one of fifteen children. As a young woman, she moved to Regina, where she worked as a hostess at the Hotel Saskatchewan, as well as at Sears and the Dominion Store. While living in Regina, she met Julian, and together they began the journey that would eventually lead them to Fort Qu’Appelle.

In 1970, Mary and Julian moved to Fort Qu’Appelle with their son, Danny, to manage the KFC. There they welcomed Tracy and began building a life that marked the beginning of a lifetime of friendships, cherished memories, and deep roots within the community they proudly called home.

Alongside Julian, Mary lived a life of profound kindness. Their house was more than just a house. It was a home where family, friends, and even strangers in need were always welcomed with kindness, laughter, and a seat at the table. Throughout their lives, they quietly opened their home to many people who needed a helping hand or simply a safe place to stay. Helping others wasn’t something they occasionally did; it was simply who they were.

Mary and Julian became familiar faces throughout Fort Qu’Appelle through the businesses they built together. Over the years, they managed the Fort Qu’Appelle Dairy Queen and KFC, then owned and operated Fortland Video, opened the doors of Wira’s Unique Gift Shop, and later owned and operated Dreamland Bingo Hall. Many will fondly remember Mother Mary’s Popcorn at Fortland Video, where Mary delighted in creating different flavours that became a special part of movie night.

Mary loved sports. She played softball with the Fort Phillies and later enjoyed coaching girls’ softball, sharing that love of the game with Tracy and many others along the way. She spent countless hours driving Danny to hockey practices and games, organizing bottle drives, fundraising, and supporting every activity her children were involved in.

As a grandmother, Mary encouraged her grandchildren to work hard, be determined, and show grit, believing those values would guide them throughout their lives, just as they had guided hers. She also spoiled them rotten, and they will always be grateful for the love, support, and countless ways she was there for them whenever they needed her.

She remained a devoted Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, enjoyed watching the Fort Knox Hockey Club, and treasured the special bonds she formed with the boys she welcomed into her home as billets, who became like family.

Mary also loved travelling. She and Julian enjoyed exploring together over the years, including many family trips, and she looked forward to bus trips with friends, each one filled with laughter and adventure. A devoted Elvis Presley fan, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Graceland on multiple occasions, creating memories she treasured for years to come.

Mary was known for decorating to the nines. Halloween was a neighbourhood favourite, with elaborate displays, costumes, spooky surprises, and treats for every trick-or-treater, but Christmas was where she truly shined. Her home transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, with beautifully themed Christmas trees, poinsettias of every size, Santas around every corner, and her treasured Elvis Christmas village and train proudly displayed. Surrounded by countless decorations, tins of candies, and boxes upon boxes of chocolates, her home welcomed family and friends to create Christmas memories year after year.

A visit with Mary meant leaving with cheeks sore from laughter, stories to carry home, and a stomach so full you didn’t think you’d need to eat again for a week. Whether it was a playful shoulder punch, a wave goodbye, or one last “Oh, come on now!”, her warmth, humour, strength, and unmistakable love for those around her will never be forgotten.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, we invite those who knew and loved Mary to remember her in the ways she loved best: gather around a table, share a meal, tell a story, cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders, watch a ball game, or put on some Elvis music, and smile.

As you remember Mary, we hope you can picture that familiar smile, little wave goodbye, and hear her say,

“You be good!”