Mary Ellen Mjolsness

September 10, 1925 – October 2, 2015

‘Heaven gained another Angel.’ The family of Mary Mjolsness, share the news of her peaceful passing, in her sleep, on Friday, October 2. Many friends and family celebrated with her recently at the 90th birthday party – which she enjoyed immensely. Mary was born in Vulcan, AB to parents, Grace and Edwin Kuykendall, from West Virginia, USA. They moved to Sundre to farm in 1941. Mary met Lloyd, at age 16, in April. Edwin told Lloyd, ‘I have a daughter, but she’s too young for you.’ They were engaged in August 1942, and married November 6, 1943. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for 54 years. In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and daughter, Mary was an invaluable partner with Lloyd in his forestry and farming operations: cooking, picking up parts and new hires, wherever she was needed. Mary was also active in the Sundre United Church, the Royal Purple, and taught CGIT. They moved to Calgary in 1956. Mary’s interests included: Parkdale United Church, the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase Art Auction committee and Alumnae, local and family history, travelling to Maui, snowmobiling, RVing , and rodeos. She was known to be a wonderful hostess, cooking numerous memorable family dinners – always with Mary’s famous apple pie. Some of her attributes were: kindness, caring for others, organization, honesty, capable, gracious, good sense of humour, trustworthy, and a caring faithful friend. We will miss her positive attitude and smiling self. Mary is appreciated for her generous and charitable nature, by many people and groups. Mary is the much beloved Mother of Marilyn (Brian) Will, Gail Howat (Wes Martin), and Bob (Elaine) Mjolsness. Special Grandmother of: Carter (Stacey) and Riley (Nikki) Will; Derek (Jenn), David and Darcy Howat; Jason Grey, Candace (Ian) Cornies, and Marina (Ben) Kildaw; John (Shauna) Martin and Deborah Martin. She was fondly called ‘GG’ or Great-Grandma by: Allan and Mara Will, Alex and Ava Will; Matthew Lloyd and Ryan Howat; Emma, Ryan and Liam Grey; Ethan and Ashley Cornies; Noah, Kayla and Jace Kildaw; Liam, Ruari, and Tatum Martin, and Magnus, Brenna, and Kyra Oystryk. She is survived by Chester and Martha Mjolsness, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends. We will all miss her and her lovely smile. Mary is predeceased by her husband Lloyd (1998); and brothers: James, Marvin, Kenneth, and Eugene Kuykendall. We take comfort in knowing that Mom is happily reunited with our Dad. The family truly appreciates the wonderful work of the many physicians, nurses and staff that cared for Mary, especially in her later years, and helped her live a long and happy life. She really enjoyed her three years at the Rocky Ridge Retirement Residence, as well as her last five months at Extendicare Cedars Villa, where she received excellent care. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a visitation held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at Parkdale United Church, 2919 – 8 Avenue N.W. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will follow at the Bergen Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made directly to the Parkdale United Church Foundation, 2919 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1C8; the Sundre United Church, Box 614, Sundre, Alberta T0M 1X0 or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.