Mary Josephine Whitehead passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital Nov. 14, 2008. Predeceased by her husband Tom Hawes, sisters Eileen McMeekin, Margaret Walsh, Kathleen Hawes, and Nora Hill. Mary is survived by sister Cecilia and numerous nieces and nephews, primarily in England.
Born June 10, 1920 in England, Mary became a citizen of Canada in 1964, working her way up in various credit unions to become the General Manager of the Greater Victoria Savings Credit Union. Mary was a very active volunteer in her community and in her church. As a founding committee member, Mary played a significant role in building the first French parish in Victoria, her beloved St Jean Baptiste. In retirement, Mary volunteered 4 days per week on a full time basis at the Society of St Vincent de Paul until very recently.
Adventurous, courageous, outspoken, and independent, while at the same time extraordinarily generous and charitable, Mary was always there to help those less fortunate and in need. A life well lived. Tres bien, mon ami! Bon voyage.
Friends may pay their respects at McCall Bros. Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Wednesday, December 10th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Benoit Laplante in ST. JEAN BAPTISTE CHURCH, 301 Richmond Avenue, on Thursday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Ross Bay Cemetery, followed thereafter by a reception at the Fairfield Community Association, Garry Oak Room, 1335 Thurlow Road, from 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, 101-831 Yates Street, Victoria BC, V8W 1M1 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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