SEPTEMBER 5, 1916-MARCH 13, 2016
Mary was a wonderful person and we were fortunate to have her in our lives. She was predeceased by her parents Dickey and Mary Isenor; husband Walter Carter; brother John (Phoebe) Isenor; sisters Emma (Henry Parkin/Jack Ahern), Alice (Roy) Filbey and Margaret Isenor. She is survived by sister Janet (Ted) Vaughan; brother Dick (Alice) Isenor; daughter Vivian (John) Muir; sons Frank Carter and Larry (Kathleen) Carter; grandchildren David (Corina), Sarah (Andrew), Jay (Andre), Adrienne (William) and Alex (Johnny); great-granddaughter Sloane and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary came to Merville in 1919 where she worked on the family farm and learned about gardening, acquiring a love of growing things. She and Walt bought 5 acres on Robb Road in Comox (now part of the Rec Centre) that they farmed. After Walt died, she maintained a vegetable and flower garden on her own and generously shared her crops with friends and neighbours. She was especially proud of her flowers and visitors were given a garden tour and a bouquet –- and often baking, too. She was a good cook and an excellent baker and was famous for her breads –- especially her air buns! She practiced the domestic arts that she learned from her mother- sewing, embroidery, crocheting and knitting. She made dozens of sweaters of all sizes and everyone received socks for Christmas!
Mum and Dad flew to Edmonton, Nova Scotia, Mexico, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Japan, but their favourite mode of travel was by truck and camper. They drove all over Canada and the US in convoy with friends. She and Dad also used to fish for salmon, launching at Point Holmes. There was a friendly (we think) rivalry as to who could catch the most/biggest fish.
Mum’s hobbies included water colour painting- especially of landscapes like The Spit which she could see from her window. She also enjoyed bird watching- especially the birds in her yard. She particularly enjoyed watching the pair of eagles that were nesting in a tree in front of her house. (They were perched there the day she died.)
Mum spent her last years living in Casa Loma and The Seniors Village where she was so very well cared for. Her family is forever grateful for the love, kindness and respect Mum received there. Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone. There will be a celebration of life for Mary later.
(Photo at yatesfuneral.ca)