Mary Lilian Walter

Mary Lilian Walter (Holman) passed away in the Moose Jaw Union Hospital on January 31st, 2012. Mary was born in London, England on May 12th, 1923, and arrived in Moose Jaw with her late parents and older brother when she was two years of age. She met the love of her life and partner Les at a very young age, but it would be years later that they would start their incredible lifelong journey as a couple. Mary served her country during the Second World War as a Dental Sergeant, and Les served overseas in an active capacity. After returning home they reconnected during Les’s discharge. Six months later they married on October 26th, 1946. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Les, her children, Marg (Ed) Olfert, Carol (Dennis) Evans, Ken (Vicki) Walter, Barry (Tenny) Walter, Joan Murray, Brent (Anita) Walter, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Charles (Marg) Holman. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Charles Holman, and one grandson, Jason. Mary was a woman of many talents, and her life played out like a tapestry. But the most important role – and the one she took the greatest pride in – was her role as a wife and mother. Family was always a priority, and the greatest gift she gave her children was to be an exemplary role model as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many people in her church and the community at large. Prior to starting their family, Mary worked for the Army and Navy Store in Moose Jaw. Shortly after starting their family, she and Les owned and operated Park Grocery Store for several years. In 1957 she and Les bought a farm outside Moose Jaw. She embraced her new role and learned a whole new set of skills: planting and harvesting crops, raising a variety of farm animals, operating a variety of farm equipment and vehicles. Daunting tasks to say the least! For a short time she also managed Earl’s Café. Many farmers and truckers enjoyed her cooking, especially her pies. Mary’s capacity to love and care for people extended beyond her immediate family, and with Les’s support she nurtured twenty foster children over a fifteen year period. Mary’s abiding faith was a lifelong source of strength. She was an active member of her church and served wherever she could, including singing in the choir for many years and doing readings during service. Her interests were broad and whenever she had a moment she would create a piece of needlepoint art, knit a sweater, read the latest novel, redo a bathroom, or create a gourmet meal. Each of Mary’s children is a recipient of her amazing needlepoint art. In the latter part of her life Mary showed amazing courage and strength in dealing with her serious health issues. During this time she received incredible care from Moose Jaw Home Care and from the nurses and staff at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital, for which the family is extremely grateful. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mary’s life can make donations to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation for Home Care, 455 Fairford St. E., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1H3. At Mary’s request a private service was held on February 2nd, 2012, followed by interment at Rosedale Cemetery on February 3rd, 2012.