February 10, 1926 - April 4, 2016
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary Paul (Nee: Bell) on April 4th, 2016 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Mary was born in Ladner, B.C. to Edith Emily Rich and Edward Richardson Bell. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of B.C. where she obtained a BA in Sciences and went on to earn a Masters in Zoology in 1949. Mary met Frank Paul, her future husband, during their studies at UBC. Both Mary and Frank then attended the University of Washington for post graduate studies in Marine Biology.
On August 4th, 1951, Mary and Frank were married at All Saints Anglican Church in Ladner, B.C. In 1952, Vernon became their life-long home where they raised their three daughters, Susan, Kathy, and Barb.
Mary became active in the community with such groups as Girl Guides of Canada, the St. Hilda’s Guild, Anglican Church, and Meals on Wheels, to name a few. She was also a charter member of the Vernon IODE Chapter. Mary’s leisure activities included gardening, bird watching, skiing, Naturalist Club, knitting, sewing and bowling.
Mary and Frank spent many years of enjoyment with family and friends at the Alexis Beach cabin and then at their home at Wainman Cove, Okanagan Lake. After Frank’s retirement, they travelled with a truck and trailer from Inuvik to the bottom of the Baja, Mexico and along the gulf coast of the United States. For over twenty years winters were spent in Tower Point Resort, Mesa, Arizona with their Canadian and American friends. Mary and Frank enjoyed travels to Spain and Thailand as well as many ocean and river boat cruises.
When their travelling days were over, Mary and Frank moved to Canterbury Court in Vernon. There they joined some long-time friends, especially Norm and Lorraine Galloway, felt welcomed by staff and made many new friends.
Mary’s three girls would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate and respectful care provided by the special care givers of Kimberlee’s Support Services. Their exceptional care and friendship meant the world to Mom.
Mary was predeceased by her two brothers, Bob and Herry Bell; her son-in-law Patrick Wadey; and most recently by her beloved husband, Frank, in 2012. She is survived by daughters: Susan (Rob) Legault, Kathy (Garth) Cuthbert, and Barb Wadey; seven grandchildren: Colin (Niki) Cuthbert, Liam (Daphne) Cuthbert, Meghan (Justin) Dehghan, Patrick (Darcie) Cuthbert, Danielle Legault, Alex, and Chris Wadey; and five great-grandchildren: Peyton and Ella Dehghan, Charley and Chip Cuthbert, and Lochlan Cuthbert.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home on Saturday, April 30th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Mary may do so to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C.
We’ll miss you Mom, Granny and Great-Granny.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleasantvalleyfh.com