MARY KING

(nee Meyer)

It is with the deepest sadness that the family announces the passing of our wife, mum, grandmother, sister and friend on October 14, 2015 at the age of 81, after a battle with cancer.

Mary was born in Meleb, Manitoba in 1934, the eldest of 7 siblings.   After running a small farm, her parents moved the family to Winnipeg in 1944.  When Mary's mother could no longer take care of her family due to illness a few years later, circumstances required Mary to leave school to help her father in the care of her younger siblings and to take on greater responsibilities at home.  Later in life, Mary always stressed the importance of education to her own children.

Mary was a hard worker who always earned her keep.  She worked a variety of jobs as a young woman including at Childs', the Holiday Restaurant and Eaton's. Mary married Stanley King in 1961.  They moved to St. Vital and raised 2 children.  In addition to raising a family, and a tribute to the hard worker she was, Mary also worked part-time at the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club and later sold Avon products. She spent 21 years as a hostess and cashier in the Georgian Room, at The Bay Downtown, until her retirement in 1992.

Mary was a caring and generous person who was always thinking about her family, both in words and kind acts.  She was particularly proud of her children and took pleasure in the company of her daughters-in-law.  A wonderful babysitter, Mary got to know her grandchildren and see them grow.   A sharp dresser, Mary always had a sense of style and fashion.  As well, she had a particular fondness for dancing.  For many years, Mary was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and cherished the friendships she made.  She enjoyed many summer vacations with the King and Neal families at Grand Beach.  In her retirement, Mary enjoyed her ladies' bowling league games and taking bus tour day trips with friends.

Left to mourn and cherish her memory are her husband Stanley; sons Glenn (Cathy) and Bradley (Denise); grandsons Alexandre and Nicolas; sisters Theresa, Katie, Gloria, Joyce (Frank) and Ollie; brother Edward (Beverley); numerous nephews and nieces and by her many friends made over the years in Meleb, as a child, and in Winnipeg.  Mary was predeceased by her parents, Katie Budniak and Peter Meyer; brothers-in-law Glen and Clarence and sister-in-law Madeline.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their care.

Prayer Vigil (with viewing) will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015 in St. Emile Roman Catholic Church, 556 St. Anne’s Road.   Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2015 in St. Emile Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Carl Tarnopolski, VG presiding; followed by a reception at the Parish Centre. Interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of one's choice.