It is with sadness that the family of Mary Buchan (nee Pankhurst) announce her passing in the company of those she loved on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the age of 94.
Mary was born on October 9, 1922, in Leeds, Yorkshire, England to Nora and Charles Pankhurst.
Mary was an intelligent and inquisitive child. She had many stories to share about her experiences growing up in England during World War II. On April 29, 1944 she married David Stirling Buchan of Port Arthur, at St. Anthony's Parish, Beeston, Yorkshire.
A war bride, Mary arrived in Port Arthur with their infant son, Stirling in June 1946 to begin her new life. Mary embraced her Canadian citizenship with great enthusiasm. In 1963 Mary and David were blessed once again with the birth of their baby daughter Fiona.
Mary began her long career in the jewellery business working with Atkinson's Jewellers, where she remained for 26 years. Mary was widely sought after for her knowledge of diamonds, fine china and silverware.
She also learned to engrave during her time there and spent countless hours at the machine, transcribing intended wishes and honours. Mary went on to work with Henry Birks and Sons for 9 years, and retired from her delightful semi-retirement position with Churchley's Jewellers in 1997 after 10 years of service.
Mary possessed a quick wit and extensive command of the English language.
She was extremely civic minded and loved a good political debate, often engaging in fascinating discussion with representatives at all levels of government. Mary was a member of the Executives of the Thunder Bay Superior North Provincial Liberal Riding Association, the Thunder Bay Superior North Federal Liberal Riding Association, and the Thunder Bay and Area Liberal Women's Liberal Club.
Her tireless work campaigning, hosting teas, offering her knowledge of protocols, and uniting voters, kept her interest all of her life. It was apparent and infectious to see how very supportive Mary was of local candidates for whom she held admiration and affection (and in Michael's case fierce devotion!).
A devout Catholic, Mary was a founding member of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church and served as a member of the parish council. She was an original member of the adult choir and an active member of the funeral choir.
Mary has spent 65 years with the choir and was passionate about singing and fellowship with cherished choir members and friends. Mary was a member of the Catholic Women's League and served on the CWL Executive. In 2011 she received her 60-year pin.
Mary joined the I.O.D.E. in 1964 and served 3 times as Regent. Through her work with the I.O.D.E. she was instrumental in organizing receptions for new Canadians following countless Citizenship Courts and speaking about her experience as a new Canadian. In 2002 Mary received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal and in 2012 the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Consummate hosts, Mary and David spent many a wonderful evening dining, laughing and yes debating in the company of close friends.
Mary was a remarkable and unforgettable woman and will be dearly missed by her daughter Fiona; nieces Catherine Ann Fenton (James and Zoe), New Zealand and Susan Buchan (enroute) (Martha and Sloan) Ann Arbor, Michigan; special cousins Josephine Cook and Lucy Higgins, Leeds, Yorkshire (enroute); niece Patricia Evans (Ed) Vancouver, British Columbia; numerous cousins in England and close friends Joan Chandler and Margaret Rose Poling. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 68 years David (2012); her cherished son Stirling (1967); her parents Nora (1975) and Charles (1960), only sister Hilda (1976); and her beloved cousin Vincent (1996).
Prayers will be offered for Mary at the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 North Court Street on Thursday evening, October 27, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Visitation for family and friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, October 28, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 664 Red River Road celebrated by Rev. Victor De Gagne.
Interment to follow St. Andrew's Cemetery. A tea reception will follow interment, Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel, 17 North Cumberland Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation - Neuro Sciences or the Thunder Bay District Humane Society. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
"Requiesce in pace"
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