(nee Crane)
March 19, 1930 – April 16, 2013
Mary passed away peacefully with her family by her side April 16, 2013. Mary spent her final days with her sons David, Mark, Keith, and daughter-in-law Chalermluck (Tui). She lived out her life’s wish in her beloved home on Fairfield Island, Chilliwack.
Born March 19, 1930 in Coventry England to William and Ruth Crane. At a young age Mary was affected by the Second World War during the “Blitz”, where Coventry was heavily bombed forcing the family to move to safety in rural Rhyl on the north Wales coast. She completed school during the war years in Wales; post war Mary trained as a professional Stenographer and worked locally in Rhyl.
In 1952 Mary traveled to Canada to meet friends and wartime pen-pals. Sailing from Liverpool to Montreal where she worked saving rail ticket money for onward travel. During this fateful train journey west to Indian Head, Saskatchewan to visit friends she first encountered her future husband William (Bill) McCracken returning to his regiment in Calgary the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (RC) following the Korean War. Later, working as a professional stenographer in Calgary, Mary bumped into Bill by chance on a busy street.
Marrying in 1955 Mary devoted herself to creating a strong family and loving homes in Calgary, AB, Barrie, ON, Hemer and Lahr, West Germany, and lastly Chilliwack B.C. Energetic mother encouraging fishing, camping, hockey, soccer and baseball she tirelessly grew a loyal family. Sadly, her husband passed away in 1982. She remained dedicated to maintaining a home for her family and friends.
Mary was an enthusiastic and active volunteer serving the Chilliwack community for many years. As Community Services receptionist, many in this community heard Mary’s cheerful and helpful voice. As a long-time Weight Watchers member Mary achieved her goals early; she remained active encouraging others to achieve theirs.
An avid traveler Mary journeyed throughout North America, Europe, and SE Asia, meeting many new friends, including the Thai Royal family Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and the Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson.
A memorial service for Mary will take place at 1400hrs on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the Henderson Funeral Home located at 45901 Victoria Ave., Chilliwack B.C., V2P 2SP (Tel: +1-604-792-1344). Family and friends are welcome to attend celebrating Mary’s life. Mary will be interned together with her husband, at Chilliwack Cemetery on Little Mountain overlooking the upper Fraser Valley and beloved mountain views she cherished.
Selfless cheerful lady who never complained, always looking after the welfare of others first, forever remembered.