Mary Anderson

Many things can be said about Mary Anderson. Known to friends and acquaintances as friendly, energetic, and fun-loving, her compassionate nature would always shine through revealing her charm and warmth. Mary was a beloved mentor and teacher to the numerous young people she supervised at the Memorial Gardens bringing out the best in them and helping them grow.

Mary was born on June 24, 1942 at General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Gordon and Mae Anderson. Mary was raised in Sault Ste. Marie with three older sisters, Huetta, Ethel and Barbara. When Mary was just two years old, the girls lost their father and the young girls formed a strong bond with each other and their mother. Mary was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew. From an early age, she showed self-confidence attracting her own circle of friends and acquaintances. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger or came from different backgrounds, Mary could easily relate to other children. She was an active child who liked to roller skate and ice skate but she had the most fun simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years at Sault Technical and Commercial High School, she was very active in school sports and social activities cheering on her school teams with great enthusiasm. She often found herself being the center of attention and “life of the party”.

Mary enjoyed and excelled at penmanship and was very fond of her penmanship teacher, Mrs. Dalton. She won awards for her beautiful hand writing.

Always considered a ‘good” friend, Mary sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason, Mary always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of friends and acquaintances. Mary’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation and always amiable in her dealing with others. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Mary Lou Danz, Loretta McAuley and Ora Ann Walsh. Later in life, she became friends with Diane Kerr, Roberta McClarty, Doreen Sadowsky, Karen Vernelli, Lois Dinardo and Don Piccinni.

Mary was the face of Snow White Laundry for over 30 years and greeted all the customers by name. People enjoyed coming to the laundry to chat with her. She moved on to GK Workwear and finally retired from there after 14 years in 2003. She also worked in the concessions at the Memorial Gardens for over 50 years and became affectionately known as “Popcorn Mary” by generations of Soo Greyhound players and fans.

Mary took great pleasure in her hobbies. She enjoyed collecting souvenirs from the many places she visited. She loved to travel and early in life took several trips by bus to various destinations in the United States. She graduated to air travel and visited places like Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, the east coast of Canada and the United States and many trips to Florida. She was an avid Soo Greyhounds fan and member of the Booster Club for years, often traveling with the team on fan bus trips to support the team.

For many years, she enjoyed the camaraderie of her sisters in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and as part of the sorority she was active in serving the community. One of the highlights of her 33 years in the sorority was being honoured as Woman of the Year

Mary’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Precious Blood Cathedral for her entire life. She attended mass regularly occupying the same seat and often brought treats to the children of the families who sat nearby. She was compassionate and warm-hearted, and someone who truly cared for others.

Mary passed away on February 3, 2013 at Sault Area hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She fought a brave battle against diabetes and kidney disease. She is survived by her sister Barbara and eight nieces and nephews. She was a great aunt of 14 and great great aunt to 8. Hundreds of people attended services at Arthur Funeral Home and Precious Blood Cathedral. Mary was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Throughout her life, Mary was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. Mary leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will remember Mary Anderson fondly.

ANDERSON, Mary Margaret “Popcorn Mary” – Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Sunday, February 3, 2013 in her 71st year. Daughter of the late Gordon and Mae Anderson. Dear sister of the late Huetta Craig (late Harry), late Ethel LePage (late Paul) and Barbara Fiacconi (late Royce). Loved aunt of Shirley Amore (John), Hugh Craig (Janet), Sheila Craig, Phil LePage (Donna), Paula LePage, Richard Fiacconi (Beverly), Royce Fiacconi and Ronnie Fiacconi (Gina). Great aunt of 14 and great great aunt of 8. Special friend of Mary Lou Harris. People will remember Mary from the Memorial Gardens where she was in charge of the concessions for over 50 years. You would also recognize her from Snow White Laundry. Mary was a long time member of Beta Sigma Phi. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 from 6-9 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated from Precious Blood Cathedral on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10 am. Rev. Hamish Currie officiating. Memorial contributions to the SAH Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

Members of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority are requested to assemble at the Arthur Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm for a memorial service for their late sister Mary Anderson.