Mary Cairns

Mary died at the Kelowna General Hospital after a short illness. She leaves her husband Andrew; her sons Glen and Kelly (Anne), granddaughters Lauren (her husband Chris Flawn and children Theo and Samantha) and Alanna Thompson (and her husband Dan and son Callahan); her brother Leonard and wife Margaret of West Kelowna, brother John and sister Lil Kuz (and husband Tony) all living in Manitoba.

We, who remain, are for our own reasons, bereft, heartsick and forlorn and are grateful to have been part of her long life with us.

Mary was born in Elphinstone, Manitoba to Annie and Peter Domaschuk and grew up surrounded by siblings, aunts of her own age, and grandparents all nearby. This was a large, warm and loving family.

She was a country girl and in later life often talked of roaming fields picking mushrooms and hazelnuts. She was schooled in Elphinstone. In her teens she worked at the Wigwam Inn at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.

Fearlessly, she moved to the big City, lived at the YWCA, became a bookkeeper and settled in as a sophisticated young woman, independent and ready for the world.

She travelled North to a friend’s wedding and on this trip, she met a Mountie who was smitten. They were married after a long engagement.

Not unlike Ruth in the Bible she faithfully went where they were sent and, on the journey, she provided loving homes for her husband, two boys, several small dogs, and planted a garden wherever she found herself.

She had many talents... a road racer, paddler, long distance cycle rider, skier and a great cook. She enjoyed theatre, classical music and reading biographies.

She was a bit of a despot in the garden.

Over the course of her life this decent honorable woman told us the truth about ourselves, guided us, and loved us to her last breath.

SHE WILL BE MISSED… R.I.P.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299