Obituary
Mary was born February 26, 1923 in North Holland, the 10th of 12 children.
She married George Van Driel on July 22, 1948 in Halfweg, Holland, and immigrated to Canada in 1950 via the ship Volendam, settling in the Edmonton area. Four children were born to this union; Margaret, Donald, Irene and Rosalie.
Mary enjoyed many different crafts and handiwork, from sewing and knitting to crochet and cross stitch. Mary loved her flowers, but was not a gardener. Mary and George spent many years camping and travelling, first with all the kids, and then later on with just the two of them.
Mary was a lifelong reader, and always had a book nearby. Family was high priority for her, and she was known as a great cook, putting on huge spreads for family gatherings. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important and any family event where she could interact with the children was a highlight for her.
Once her children were established in school, Mary worked with Safeway, retiring after many years of service. She enjoyed retirement doing those things she loved to do, and spending time with her husband George and their family.
Mary will be dearly missed by her loving family; her husband George of nearly 65 years; children Margaret (John); Donald ( Marion); Irene ( David) and Rosalie (Robert); 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as one surviving brother Jack Van Strien in Australia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Word and Deed" (wordanddeed.org) or a charity of one's choice.
