Mary Louise Alvina Harrison of Port Alberni, British Columbia; born September 30, 1945 passed away October 22, 2012 at 67 years of age in her home. Mary Louise was born in Edmonton, Alberta and was married to Chris Townsend for three years and James Harrison for seventeen years. She is survived by her daughter Katherine, son James, daughter-in-law Dana, granddaughters Julia and Molly and nieces and nephews.
Mary Louise attended the University of Alberta in 1988 to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree. She went on to obtain her Masters in Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University in 2002 where she specialized in barriers to education of First Nations women.
Settling in Port Alberni, Mary Louise worked as an instructor in the Faculty of Applied Business Technology at North Island College where she enjoyed the wonderful people she was able to work with, her students and the challenges her position provided. An avid hiker, Mary Louise spent much of her time with friends hiking in the Port Alberni valley and surrounding area.
She loved her family and friends dearly, and they meant the world to her. Taking great pleasure in entertaining and spending time with her friends and loved ones, no one was ever left hungry or thirsty when they came to her home. Her loving heart and zest for life will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to the Memorial Service to be held on Sunday, November 4 at 1:30pm in Port Alberni at the Best Western’s Barclay Room.”