Mary Kathleen Anderson

We are sad to announce that after a 16 month struggle with oral cancer, Mary Kathleen Anderson took her last breath at the Victoria hospice on July 4, 2016. Her daughters, sister and close friends were with her. Mary will be remembered by her beloved family and friends for her compassion, wisdom, humour and love of life. Her courage in facing the ravages of cancer exemplifies the quiet strength and resilience she carried with her throughout her lifelong journey. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Mary met her first love - Robert (Bob) Dusterbeck, at age 18. They soon married and had two daughters - Sarah Kathleen Dusterbeck and Shelley Veronica Dusterbeck. Mary delighted in her daughters and after she and Bob separated the three formed a special bond for life - the three musketeers. Mary was predeceased by her parents Lawrence Joseph Dunne (1968) and Veronica Bernice (Haughian) Dunne (2002), as well as her brother Thomas Michael Dunne (1998) and beloved nephew Casey Carman Dunne (2011). She is survived by her daughters Sarah and Shelley, siblings Sr. Veronica Dunne (Winnipeg) and brothers Larry Dunne (Regina) and Pat (Laurie) Dunne (Regina), as well as numerous much-loved nieces and nephews. Mary had a strong sense of family and was devoted to keeping these connections strong, even when she moved herself and daughters to BC in 1983. The ocean, mountains, trails, valleys and West Coast living beckoned. Mary had a brilliant mind and was also extraordinarily creative. She chose a career in dental therapy/hygiene and excelled in that work. Her patients loved her. Mary also enjoyed many hobbies including artistic work, reading, writing and walking. She was an animal rights activist and passionate about the care and treatment of animals. Amongst her creative pursuits, her greatest love and gift to the community was the company she founded - Synergy Organics Inc. Wherever she went, and whatever pursuits she embarked on, Mary gave her everything. She was a special, sensitive, beautiful person and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and many admirers. Friends and family are invited to come together for a Celebration of Mary's Life on Monday, July 11, 2:30pm at the Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria BC. Earth's Option Cremation and Burial Services are in charge of arrangements. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of the Victoria Hospice for their care, kindness and competence in Mary's final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a GoFundMe site set up in Mary's name at the time of her illness, and now accepting donations to help defray funeral costs. Please see: https://www.gofundme.com/xkp6bb3g

Celebration of Life