April 5, 1919 – Dec. 1, 2021
Mary McBeth (nee Kisslinger) was born on April 5th 1919 in Provost, Alberta. She grew up in the midst of 10 siblings in Provost’s farming community. She lived there for the first 16 years of her life.In 1935 Mary came to B.C. to be with some of her sisters in the Surrey area. She met her future husband (James Maitland McBeth) there, and she and Jim married in 1939. They lived in Sidney, Vancouver Island, for a number of years, where they had their first three children: Bev, Don, and Joe, before moving back to the Sullivan area of Surrey where Marg and Jack were born. For the next 30 years, their home was on 7 acres in Sullivan. Mary was a devoted mother with a full time job running her household of 5 active children as well as tending a large garden each year.
She was fortunate that her mother, Grandma Kisslinger, lived right next door. As her mother aged, Mary was able to look after her.Many relatives lived in the area and all special occasions were celebrated with large gatherings.
There was always an abundance of good food, fun, and laughter.
This was a very happy time in Mary’s life. She never drove a car, rode a bicycle, or flew in an airplane.
The telephone was her favourite invention. It helped her stay connected with relatives near and far.
As Jim’s health declined, they moved to the White Rock area. Mary was able to look after Jim at home until he passed away in 1988.
Mary was a devout Catholic and her strong faith helped her through each of life’s challenges. She stayed in her own home for many more years, and her greatest enjoyment was visits from family and friends.
At 95, Mary was becoming very forgetful and less mobile. Her placement in the Morgan Heights Facility was a blessing. She spent her last years receiving excellent care and her never ending sense of humor brought a smile to the faces of the staff. In 2018, her son, Joe, lost his battle with cancer. This was a significant loss for Mary and all the family.
At the age of 102, Mary died peacefully, surrounded by her children. She had only been bedridden for 3 days. Our grief over her passing was lightened a little by acknowledging she had lived a long and full life. Mary was the last survivor in the families of her and Jim’s generation.
Mary understood the value of family and her life was her children and extended family.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Bev (John), Don (Bernice), Joe’s wife, Julie, Marg (John), and Jack (Lori). Also, 12 grandchildren: Steve, Catherine, Cherie, Alan, Brad, Lisa, Michelle, Angela, Erica, Joe, Jamie, and Katie. Her legacy also included 22 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild, all of whom were her pride and joy.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5