With her unquenchable passion for words, Mary Gretchen Shelton indeed led the richest of lives. A daughter of depression-era Winnipeg, Mary was the only child of Alvin and Gay Mathers. Dr. Mathers, Dean of Medicine at the University of Manitoba encouraged his daughter’s educational interests. Adding in the fact that she was studious by nature and solitary by circumstance, the highly motivated youngster became fluent in English, Latin and French, choosing the latter as the focus for her Masters degree from Smith College. Unsatisfied with three languages, Mary added German and Italian to her linguistic portfolio, while later in life, earning another B.A. in classical Greek at UVIC, a Translator accreditation from UBC, plus three years of theological seminar. When Mary wasn’t acquiring education, she was sharing it through her second passion, teaching. Whether it was introducing English to children in 1950’s Paris and Marseilles, instilling her passion for the French language at Norfolk House School during the 1970s, or enlightening students for nearly two decades at UVIC’s French department, Mary revelled in education.
Launching a lifetime of exploration, beginning with childhood rail journeys across Canada, Mary was an ardent traveller and favored unusual situations and destinations for a woman of her time. Whether it was European backpacking in the 1950s, visiting Russia in the 1960s, Andean adventures in the 1980s, or later journeys to all corners of the globe ensconced on a comfortable cruise ship, Mary was always game to hit the road. Strong bonds were formed during her travels, but none more so than with her lifelong French “family” the Coulets. She always thought of André as the loving sister that distance could not diminish. Resolute and dauntless, Mary twice packed up her young family for extended stays in France and the UK.
Mary often asserted that her marriage, plus choosing Victoria as her permanent home were the two central decisions in her life. She wed George Shelton in Winnipeg in 1957 and accompanied him to the coast where he was to teach at Victoria College in 1961. Mary and George quickly added to their family, adopting a daughter and son in quick succession, before giving birth short years later. Upon discovering that her newborn had Down’s syndrome, Mary was inspired to provide him the best, most progressive care possible and became a hands-on advocate for people with mental impairments. Of her many gifts, the most obvious was Mary’s enduring sense of style, which paired well with her talents as a seamstress. It was the rare person, who upon seeing Mary, failed to note her chic wardrobe and composed, polished demeanor. Mary’s enduring faith became more important as her life progressed, resulting in her becoming an active and involved parishioner at St. Luke Anglican Church. At her request, Mary will be cremated, and though she was not a woman who craved memorials, her tablet will read “She loved”.
Mary left this world peacefully on June 6, at Victoria Hospice. Predeceased by her husband, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Campbell, sons Christopher and Jeremy, grandchildren Jessalyn and Benjamin, and her extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank all the compassionate professionals who brought comfort and tranquility to her final days. A service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at St. Luke Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice.
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