Mary passed away peacefully in Columbus Residence on Friday July 7th, 2017 at the age of 96.
She is predeceased by her parents, Dr. Bede James Harrison and Marcella Mary Harrison, her two brothers, John Bede Harrison, Dr. Colin Patrick Harrison, and three nephews. She will be lovingly remembered by 11 nieces and nephews and their families.
Mary was born in Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia in 1921, and moved with her family to Vancouver in 1931. She studied radiography, and worked as the radiographer at the UBC Westbrook Student Health Centre.
When UBC Hospital opened, she joined the Diagnostic Imaging Department until her retirement. Mary was an inventor. In 1967, she patented the M. Harrison X-Ray Demonstration Prism, a device for training students in the art of projection. She was active in the Newman Association for many years, serving both as the Intellectual Chair and the Religious Chair. She helped bring the Christian Culture Series into being from 1961-1968.
Mary strongly believed in the responsible use of freedom and in 1995 worked with UBC professors to set up the Responsible Use of Freedom essay contest for students. Mary’s essay contest was endorsed by UBC, the Archbishop, the Pope, and the United Nations but not by the Federal Government.
Mary loved spending time with family, walking, bird watching and reading.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August the 3rd, at 10:00 AM at St Mark’s Parish Church, 5935 Iona Drive, Vancouver. Father Robert Allore will be the celebrant. A private interment for family will be held at a later date. Condolences can be left for the family online at www.kearneyfs.com