by Bernard Glass, June 11, 1998
I am here to say some words for myself but also I hope to reflect some of the thoughts of the entire extended family in England. They will be thinking of Mary and the family here now. The family in England is a large number of people who loved Mary and whom Mary loved. Brothers and sisters, past and present, nephews and nieces their families and their children. Mary knew and paid attention to them all.
Despite her love of her life here in Canada, it is a truism to say that Mary never completely left England or her family ties there. Her return visits and latterly her annual visits to St Ives in Cornwall were clearly important to her but equally were important to the whole family. Somehow, she managed to galvanise family reunions and create an atmosphere of humour and light-hearted celebration where-ever she went.
My clear memories of Mary really began 26 years ago when Vivienne and Eden began travelling and I visited Canada, arriving at the farm in June 1972 to be welcomed by Mary, Greig and the whole family. On subsequent visits it hasn't changed. It was a wonderful summer and I was treading a path that had been trodden by other cousins, David, Janet and Chris, before me and my brother, Adrian (who always called Mary his cuddly Canadian bear) and cousin Andrew since. Helping on the farm, walking with Vivienne and Eden, travelling around the country and all under the relaxed hospitality of Mary and Greig.
I think it was then that I began to get a feeling for Mary's essential character. Her ability to pursue her own lifetime interests, her art and her travelling, single-mindedly and determinedly, but at the same time to demonstrate love and an interest in almost everyone she came in contact with. She never sat in judgement but always accepted people for what they were.
We had all hoped to see her on her planned visit to St Ives this year. It was typical of her that the plan should be made and sad that it was not fulfilled. We are now left with the memories of her and the many memories of previous happy visits. They will not fade easily. Mary was someone who set out to contribute to and did contribute to the sum total of human happiness. I loved her and the family loved her.
May she rest in peace.