Mary Manson Widdows

After a full and long life, it is with sadness the family announces the passing of Mary Manson (Shearer) Widdows which occurred peacefully Tuesday, February 23 2016 at her home in North Vancouver at the age of 94, with grandchildren Michael and Erika (Jon) at her side.

Mary was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 22 1921, the youngest child of the late David Manson and Davidina W (Daisy Sutherland) Shearer.

Mary was well educated and was awarded the Governor General's Academic Medal in her senior year of High School. She earned her degree in Home Economics at the University of Manitoba where she was also voted Freshy Queen. In 1945 she moved to Washington, DC where she worked for the Australian Government and met her husband Bill of the Royal Navy British Fleet Air Arm. Together, they were stationed through out the years in Shearwater, Halifax, Montreal, Hamilton, Edmonton and finally North Vancouver. It was at that point in her life she reentered the workforce and spent 15 years with Hudson's Bay Co.,

She is survived by her sons, Major (Ret'd) David (Arlene), Ottawa; Alan, Peter (Patricia) and Rob, North Vancouver; sister-in-law Betty Shearer, Winnipeg; 9 grandchildren, 3 nephews, a niece, and their children; her in-laws in England; extended family in New Zealand; all of whom gave Mary great joy.

Aside from her parents, she is predeceased by her first husband Lt James (Jim) Maloney of Winnipeg killed in WWII, her second husband Lt Cmdr William Ernest Widdows, her son Ian Manson Widdows, and both her siblings, David A Shearer PEng, Alberta J Loeb MBE and brother-in-law John L Loeb BSc EEng.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her caregiver, Jocelyn, for her dedication to Mary's well being, together with Dr. Leon Bard and his years of compassionate care, enabling Mary to remain in the comfort of her home.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday March 12 2016 11:00am at Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1807 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.