Mallory, Mary Patricia (1931-2025)
Mary was born in Toronto on St. Patrick’s Day. She would excel at school and go on to earn a BA and BSW from U of T and a Master ‘s in Social Work from McGill. She worked for Children’s Aid Society in York County prior to moving West where she continued her social work with the Government of Alberta. Mary would later sit on the University of Calgary Senate.
In 1966, she would marry Don and move to Kirkcaldy. It was a bit of a culture shock at first, but she soon found herself participating in Kirkcaldy Women’s Institute, community potlucks, church and card parties. Mary and Don would raise two sons, Don Jr. and Bill.
In 1985, Mary helped found the Wheat Country Special Needs Society. She would be a board member until the age of 80. The plaque she received in recognition described her as “a quiet voice of reason.”
Mary touched many lives in and around the community. She was a loving partner, mom, gramma, sister, aunt, friend, storekeeper and volunteer. She spent her last few years in the LTC wing of the Vulcan Community Health Centre where she received exceptional care. She made it out to the Legion nearly every Saturday to listen to the live music. At 93, she discovered she liked the taste of beer to the astonishment of her sons.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Don, brother Allan Shackleton and sisters-in-law Ruth Shackleton and Elva Carnegie. She is survived by her sons, grandson Alex, and nieces and nephews.
A service will be held in the Spring. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wheat Country Special Needs Society or the Vulcan Community Health Centre.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.