Mary Belyea

Mary was born on May 1, 1933, in Poland. At the age of five, Mary journeyed to Canada aboard the Batory ship, arriving in Halifax before settling with her family on a homestead outside of Ethelbert, Manitoba, in 1938.

In her young adult years, Mary moved to Alberta, where she worked as a telephone operator and later as a drapery seamstress. She eventually met and married Douglas Lloyd Belyea, who predeceased her in 2007. Together they raised three children: David (Brenda), Donna Garand (Jim), and Dale (Shannon).

While raising her family, Mary worked as a lunchroom supervisor and as a salesperson in a children’s shoe store. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother.

In her younger years, Mary enjoyed tending to her large garden in Bowness. She took great pride in growing fresh vegetables and made sure her children — and later her grandchildren — helped with the weeding and picking when the time was right.

The only difference was that the grandchildren were allowed to snack on the peas as they picked them, while her own children weren’t quite so lucky. Her love of gardening has clearly been passed down, as both of her grandchildren have developed a passion for it too.

Mary also loved sitting in her backyard overlooking the river in Bowness, where she found peace and quiet in the simple beauty of nature. She especially enjoyed watching the geese and their babies in the spring — though she had a few choice words for them when they started venturing into her garden.

In retirement, Mary found joy in quilting. She created countless beautiful quilts, gifting them to family and friends over the years — each one stitched with love and care.

Mary was also an avid sports fan. She loved cheering for her Calgary Flames, Toronto Blue Jays, and Calgary Stampeders. She watched faithfully, celebrated their wins, and wasn’t afraid to change the channel when they made her mad.

Mary was a true Calgary fan through and through, and she did everything she could — with words and passion — to make sure Edmonton didn’t win!

Mary will be deeply missed by her children David (Brenda), Donna Garand (Jim), and Dale (Shannon); her grandchildren Brendon Garand (Maddie) and Justin Garand (Lauren); and her siblings Orest (Trish) and Fred (Kathy).

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Evelyn and Sandra.

She was predeceased by her husband Douglas, her brothers Alex, John, Mike, Morris, and her sisters Ann and Vera.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nursing and rehabilitation staff, and especially the HCAs, at Intercare Chinook Long Term Care Facility for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Mary over the past six months.

A very special thank-you as well to her companion, Laila, with whom Mary developed a warm and special relationship. Your kindness and friendship meant the world to her.

As per Mary’s wishes, there will be no large gathering, as she never liked to be the center of attention.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her memory.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness, humour, strong spirit, and the love she shared with everyone around her.