Peacefully with her daughter by her side, Mary Collins Sharpe passed away on April 4, 2016 at the age of 93.
Predeceased by her husband James in 2001 and her son James in 2005. Mary is survived by her daughter Sandra Sweeney (Norm Fudali); grandchildren Lynne Sweeney (Aaron), Jason Sweeney (Tannis), Karen MacDonald (Sonny) and Jacqueline Knox; step-grandchildren Darrin Fudali (Tina) and Kimberley Ewchuk (Greg); and sister-in-law Margaret Ashcroft. Mary also leaves behind six great-grandchildren; Andrew and Louise MacDonald in Glasgow, Emma and Rebecca Anderson in Winnipeg, and Camryn and Brooke Sweeney in Kelowna, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends both in Canada and Scotland. Mary, born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1923, was a WREN for five years during the war and married James Black Sharpe, her childhood sweetheart, in 1944. Mary and James had two children, Sandra and James. Mary and James immigrated in 1971 to Winnipeg where Sandra was already established, and husband James had a sister and brother. This was a big move at their stage of life. Their new life in Winnipeg provided them with opportunities to travel, enjoy family and make new friends. James passed away in 2001 and in 2004 Mary moved to Port Alberni to be closer to Sandra and Norm. Another big move. This new chapter of her life proved to be wonderful. She made many new friends and she always said that Port Alberni was the friendliest community she had known. Mary’s family was her biggest joy, except of course for the Casino, she had a great sense of humour, loved music and all who knew her loved her. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten. We would like to thank the staffs of Echo Village and Heritage Place for the excellent care and support over the past few years. Thank you to Dr. Darryl Lund, Cindy and Dana, Dr. Dorothy ‘Sam’ Williams and the staffs of both Nanaimo and West Coast General Hospitals where she received excellent care.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and an announcement for a Memorial Tea will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to the Echo Village/Fir Park Village Foundation - New Bus Fund, 4411 Wallace Street, Port Alberni, British Columbia, V9Y 7Y5.