Predeceased by her husband Lucky (2004). Remembered by sons Scott (Vicki), Don(Nancy), stepson Barry (Glynis), stepdaughter Collette (Chris), 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. At the age of 97, Mary passed away peacefully at the RJH Hospice in Victoria, BC. Born in Edmonton, Alberta on the Skoreiko family farm, she was the second youngest of 8, with 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
In 1941, Mary came on holiday to Victoria and decided she was staying, getting her first job at the Shipyards as a hot rivet catcher. Following that she worked at the Princess Mary restaurant and the Empress Hotel for many years. In her early life, Mary volunteered with the cub scouts for 14 years where she met many of her closest friends and then later in life at The Broadmead Lodge. In 1985 Mary remarried to Lucky Hanford and the many excursions began. After retirement, Mary and Lucky spent many years going back and forth from Abee, Alberta, where they lived the farm life, to Vancouver Island where they enjoyed boating and gardening. They settled in Ladysmith building a home of their home before making their final move to Victoria to be closer to family.
Mary was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. We will miss her immensely. She lived a great life and we are so thankful for all the time we had with her.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Monday, December 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow.
All others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking the following link.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85726005909?pwd=c3ROVENNZzlDN29MRWl1T3ZrWklzUT09
Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.
Donations in lieu of flowers to BC Cancer Agency or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lorne Skuba
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D’Arcy Evans My sincere condolences to all of you. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to visit often, I can say Auntie Mary definitely touched my heart. Her phone calls, our visits, her wonderful sense of humour and her beautiful smile are all things I will cherish about her. I hope wonderful memories of her will help you through this grieving time.
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Carol O’Reilly Aunty I will miss you and your phone calls and the silly things we’d talk about you always talked about my little pink snow suit So glad I got to see you just before Covid stopped us love and miss you condolences to all your family a women of many legacies love forever Aunty Mary Muffy and Larry and family
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debbie draves I will love aunty Mary forever. She was like a second mother. She will be in my heart forever. My deepest sympathy to entire family but I am very happy she is no longer in pain. She is watching over us all from heaven. Rest in peace, my beloved aunty.
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Carol Mcneill To Scott and Vicki, Don and Nancy, Barry and Glynis, and your families–It is with much sadness that I read Mary’s obituary. I had just called The Kensington a week before Mary’s passing and was told she no longer lived there. Tom and I tried to catch up with your Mom on most holidays and we always enjoyed our visits with her. Not so much over the past couple years but we talked on the phone quite a bit. She was a great friend to my mom, Betty Crowther. And I like to think they are planning their next cruise even as you celebrate her life. She was a wonderful lady; always so positive, always smiling, never complaining no matter what life handed her. She loved you all so very much and we loved hearing her stories and anecdotes and experiences with all the famiy. Please accept our sincere condolences at this time. Sincerely, Tom Wildy and Carol McNeill
I just was made aware of Mary’s passing. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. I was a neighbour to Lucky and Mary when they lived on the farm near Abee. Many hours were spent visiting back and forth, having meals together, and helping each other out. Though I hadn’t seen Mary in a few years, she was in my thoughts many times, as was Lucky. Two wonderful people and neighbours who I will forever have memories of. RIP Mary, and say hi to Lucky. I will miss the both of you.