Mary Winnifred Gardner

Gardner, Mary Winifred (nee Bays) September 25, 1925 - April 24, 2021 Predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Thomas Gardner in April 2010, and brothers Rodney, Bruce, and Jack. Survived by her daughters: Sally Gardner, Roslyn Firth (Robert), Melissa Gardner, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and her brother Rt. Rev. Eric Bays. Mary was born in Keewatin, ON, the second of five children of Percy and Hilda Bays. Soon after, the family moved to Portage la Prairie MB where Percy was Rector of St. Mary's Anglican church for 23 years. Mary completed her high school education at Rupert's Land Girls' School in Winnipeg. While working at the rehabilitation base in Portage following World War II, Mary met Bill and they married in January of 1947. Bill had itchy feet and the family moved frequently over the years. On the occasion of their 50th anniversary, they counted the number of moves they had made during their married life and concluded it was about 35. In later years Mary and Bill settled in Victoria. Mary was an extraordinary cook and gracious hostess. Her children and grandchildren have many happy memories of celebrations and holidays that always involved delicious meals. Mary was a kind and generous person. She loved to laugh and was never happier than when she was surrounded by family. From June 2014 to August 2020 the Cridge Centre made a comfortable home for Mary. In August 2020, she moved to Glengarry Hospital where she quickly settled in, appreciating her new life with roommates and all the available activities. Mary's family will be eternally grateful for the outstanding care she received at both the Cridge and Glengarry, and the kindness shown to her daughters by all of the staff at Glengarry during her final days. A celebration of life will be held in Victoria at Christ Church Cathedral on June 26, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. - Covid permitting. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations to The Cridge Centre for the Family (click on donations in left menu).