Obituary of MARY MCKENDRY

Mary (nee Ripley) McKendry Passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 15, 2011 at Donwood Personal Care Home. Mary was born in Winnipeg on May 5, 1919 to Mary and Fred Ripley. She lived in Winnipeg until 1970 when she moved to Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia upon her marriage to Jim McKendry. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim, sister Ethel (Scott), brothers Ed and Jim (Ripley) and stepson Don (McKendry). She is survived by her sister Dolly Ferguson (Flin Flon), Betty McKendry and family and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and great-great nephews. Mary always said she had a wonderful life. She had a rewarding position with Eaton's as a fashion buyer and traveled extensively across Canada and abroad attending fashion shows in captivating fashion centres and major cosmopolitan cities throughout Europe. She thoroughly enjoyed these hectic but exciting trips with her colleagues she respectfully and affectionately called "The Eaton Boys". Upon their move to Harrison Hot Springs, Mary and Jim pursued a retiree's dream, which included golfing and spending many winters in California and Arizona. Jim and Mary's sizeable orchard produced a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which Mary put to good use. Their preserves and homemade wine were always a hit at her dinner parties where she loved to cook for their guests. She was also a beautiful seamstress. Mary was blessed with an exceptional sense of humour and quick wit, which never failed to generate a laugh and a smile. Her family was very important to her and she was always interested to hear about graduations, job promotions, marriages and babies. Mary was a vibrant, warm, caring individual who took full advantage of her capabilities and led life to the fullest. She was loved - she will be missed. In accordance with her wishes, Mary has joined her beloved husband Jim at the Boal Chapel (North Vancouver). The family wishes to thank Donwood Personal Care Home and Cropo Funeral Chapel for their thoughtful care, support and respect for Mary.