Mary Irene Delaney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Mary Irene Delaney of Spruce Grove, AB, 78 years, on November 30, 2013 following a surprise diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bob; daughters Susan and Marianne; their families Darren, Katerina, and Mason, and Brent, Payton, and Matea. Mary is also mourned by sister Jean Shippelt, brother and sister-in-law Leon and Ev Ingraham, and many other extended family members and friends.

Mary was born on a farm in Lacombe, Alberta, and grew up loving the outdoors, walking barefoot as often as possible and caring for the family livestock. Her interest in caregiving extended to humans and she graduated from the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing with an RN in 1956. Her nursing career took her to hospitals in California and Michigan prior to settling back in her home province. Here, she met and married her husband Bob, and the two shared a forty nine year marriage.

One of Mary’s proudest accomplishments was raising her two daughters to whom she passed on the love of animals, horses in particular. The family enjoyed many happy times on the Arabian horse show circuit where Mary could always be found on the rail coaching the girls. From County Fairs to National shows, she taught the girls good sportsmanship and family values.

In a list of her favorite things, one near the top was her garden. She spent many happy hours planting, weeding and harvesting. She also enjoyed local greenhouses and if ever she was later than usual she could always be found looking for more plants. Always a seamstress and crafter, in her retirement Mary found great pleasure spending time with her friends at Devonian Gardens Crafting Guild.

True to the love of her beautiful garden, Mary requested mourners wear bright clothing to her service. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Parkland Funeral Services, 3502-44th Avenue, Stony Plain, AB with a visitation prior to service. Cremation to follow.