Tribute

It is with love and extreme sorrow that we announce the death of Mary (Maymie) Hackett; our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and best friend.  Mary passed away in her sleep at the age of 90 of Alzheimer’s disease.  She was loved and respected by many and leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Cedric, children Terry(Sue), Caroline(Larry), Dion(Cindy); grandchildren Jane, Alison(Jordan), Shelley(Darcy), Olivia, Steven, Darrell, Heather and Liam and great-granddaughter Ursa.  Mary was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Mary Finlayson (Nee Miller), siblings  William, Marion, Graham, Ben and Miller, son Rex and daughter Bonnie.   Mary was born in Brandon Manitoba on June 23, 1925.  Her Mother and Father emigrated from Stirling Scotland in 1922 bringing some of the first show Clydesdales to Canada.  In 1930 the family moved to Lulu Island (Richmond) where they farmed until her Father’s death in 1932 when they moved to Vancouver.  Mary graduated from VGH School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1947 and worked at hospitals in San Francisco, New Orleans and New York before settling back at VGH.  In April 1951 Mary attended a military ball where she met Cedric and they were engaged five weeks later and on November 2, 1951 they were married and lived 64 years of love and adventure.  Mary worked for six years at Vancouver General Hospital where she was head nurse on the research and medical ward.  She enjoyed her work immensely but was glad to become a stay at home Mother in 1960. Cedric and Mary lived in Saudi Arabia and Japan after they raised their children and they traveled extensively while living overseas.  During her retirement, Mary volunteered at the Langley library and Fort Langley Museum where she made many good friends. She loved to play bridge and golf and she was an avid reader.   Mary will be forever loved and always remembered for her love of life and family, enormous strength of will, sense of adventure, love of animals, intelligence and humour.  She is sorely missed.   The family wishes to thank the staff of the Residence at Clayton Heights in Surrey, Clydesdale neighbourhood, for the love and care that they provided for Mary for her final four years. Their time, patience and compassion were greatly appreciated.   No service by request but a small family gathering at the graveside will be held at a later date.  Donations, if desired, may be made to the BCSPCA.