Mary Madeline Boulet

Mary (also known to many as Nana) was born on November 5, 1918, in Quebec City, to her mother Jeanne Godbout and father William McNamara.

Among her many achievements, Mary worked at the Parliament Building in Quebec City as private secretary to the Auditor General and received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II and Canada's Governor General Julie Payette when she turned 100.

Mary was known for her kindness, sharp wit, simplicity, modesty, and her remarkable strength. She enjoyed travel, current events, world news, and music. When asked about her aging, Mary advised never to dwell on the past, to have no regrets, and to take life as it comes. Mary touched the lives of everyone who knew her and always looked forward to special world events, from the Olympics to the elections.

She is survived by her "darling daughter" Kathleeen Bartyik, son Jean Boulet, son-in-law Steve Bartyik, granddaughter Christine Barnsley, grandson Steven Smith, great-granddaughter Grace Barnsley, grandson-in-law Mark Barnsley, granddaughter-in-law Tracy Berg, and grandson-in-law Mark Bartyik. Mary’s life was enriched by an extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and loved ones who held a special place in her heart.

Mary was preceded in death by her brothers William and Gerry McNamara and her sisters Doreen and Kathleen McNamara.

A private memorial service for Mary, attended by close friends and loved ones, will be announced at a later time.

Our family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, home care aides, and volunteers at the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their kindness and care of Mary in her final days with us.

For those wishing to make a donation in Mary's name, please consider contributing to the upcoming Senior Friendly Emergency Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, scheduled to open late summer or fall of 2026, by visiting: https://share.google/ImrVT0Tb1zwGl6Squ