Mary McLennan (Nee Lewyta) died peacefully in hospital with family by her side on May 22, 2021 in Abbotsford, BC at the age of 72.
Mary is survived by her loving husband Donn; daughters Kimberley (Jason), and Britni (Sean); grandson Carter; Siblings Michael (Lori, Stephen, Davyd) and Susie (Randy). Is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Eva, parent in-laws Charlie and Vera, and sister-in-law Carol.
Mary was born October 21, 1948 in Charleroi, Belgium before immigrating to Canada with her parents Michael and Eva. After settling in Edmonton in the early 50’s, she attended school and went on to be a certified Lab Technician and started working at University Hospital. At the age of 23, she moved to Vancouver with a friend and began working at Vancouver General Hospital as a Lab Technician. While on a trip to Penticton, she met her future husband with whom she had 2 daughters who were her whole life. She spent hours every week driving between dance, baseball and piano practices, made countless costumes, and attended almost every game, or concert. All of this without complaining about constantly being on the go. Eventually Mary left VGH to pursue other career avenues, eventually she became an instructor for the Med lab program for CDI and then MTI Community colleges. Her children and family were her whole life, and the introduction of her grandson Carter brought a renewed fire to her spirit. It became difficult to carry on a conversation with Mary while her grandson was in the room as he always had her full attention. She cared deeply for and cherished every minute spent with her family here in BC as well as from Alberta, and the US. Mary had a passion for reading, knitting, cross-stitch and hockey. She loved her Canucks and even had season tickets for the last few years. She loved her Canucks win or lose, but what she loved the most was family and any event that brought her family together, sports, birthdays, dinner or simply just because.
A funeral is scheduled for 1030 on June 3 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, at this time the service is reserved for family and invited guests. A grave side service will follow at 1:30pm at Mt. Lehman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.