Mary Clairmont

Born in Inglis, Manitoba in 1931, Mary’s parents, John Herechuk and Rosie Osesky, had deep roots from the ‘old country’ which they passed on to their children. Her home was filled with Pysanky, tablecloths and countless ornaments proudly celebrating her Ukrainian heritage. Mary grew up on the family farm in Manitoba with her sisters, Eleanor, Doris and brother, George. She reminisced fondly about her time on the farm right up until her final days.

Mary and her first husband, John Ungurain, had five children; Mervin (Carole), Rose (Pat), George, Murray and Allen (Kathleen). Mary left Manitoba for Nova Scotia in the 1960’s to start a life with her second husband, Mark Clairmont, and settled just outside the village of Bear River in Lansdowne. After Mark’s passing in 1985, Mary later found her last love, Laurie Sanford, who she was with until his death in 2017. Mary and Laurie enjoyed summers at Digby East Fish and Game, camping at Keji, gardening, going dancing, laughing with friends around a campfire and spending time with her family (including nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren).

Mary worked for many years at CFB Cornwallis in a variety of roles (short order cook, caterer and supervisor) before her retirement in 1984. While working at the Hollow Spot as a cook and baker she completed an upgrading program at Milton School in Liverpool, travelling back and forth from Bear River daily. She was an avid volunteer at Digby East Fish and Game for 27 years, where she was a lifetime member. She served as Sergeant At Arms for the Ladies Auxiliary at Bear River Legion (Branch 22).

Mary, affectionately known as ‘Nanny’, loved to live. She enjoyed listening to old time country music while cooking traditional Ukrainian dishes for family dinners. Her pierogis, borscht and cabbage rolls were legendary, beloved for decades by family and friends. She looked forward to Digby’s annual ‘Wharf Rat (motorcycle) Rally’ and could often be seen catching a ride on the back of a Harley well into her 80’s. Mary was a jokester and if you knew her well, you were likely pranked by her at some point!

The family would like to thank the staff and medical team at Tideview nursing home for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Mary’s memory to Digby East Fish and Game Association. A funeral service, followed by reception, will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Digby on May 1 at 1pm.