Mary Ann Struthers

Mary Ann Struthers, nee Miller, was born on September 27th 1934; one day after the Queen Mary began its life as an ocean liner. Both were "launched" in the same city - Glasgow, Scotland - and both are now at rest on this side of the Atlantic. Mum's mother was from Oban, and did not like the way Glaswegians pronounced her daughter's name, so it was changed forever to Moira. Mum's dad was a baker and a quiet, gentle man who she loved very much.
She often told stories about being a schoolgirl during the War, and surviving the Glasgow blitz in 1941. Moira met the love of her life, David, when she was fifteen; but they were not to marry for another seven years.
Moira and David had three children: Graham, Andrew and Hazel. Once Hazel was born we really started to travel as a family. We lived all over Scotland and even ended up in Africa for a few years.
We probably did not appreciate how hard it must have been for mum to leave Glasgow and her large close-knit family. But she was steadfast in her support of dad's ambitions. She was always there for her kids - the glue that held our family together wherever we went.
We came to Canada in 1974. Prince George was too cold and snowy, but the people were warm and friendly. Eventually Mum and Dad moved south to Victoria, where they found "their place". The picture was taken in their garden. Dad's obit picture was the other half of the same photo. They were happiest in the garden Dad built.
Mum was unwell for a long time. Health always seemed just out of her grasp - but she could still get the job done. Once, Dad popped a large vitamin pill into his mouth. It went down the wrong hole and he started to choke. He fell to his knees. Mum yelled at him to get back up, because she could not get down on the floor. Dad struggled to his feet somehow, and Mum performed the perfect Heimlich maneuver. Out popped the pill!
Mum was bedridden for the last 4 years of her life, yet still managed to stay involved in the lives of her three children and five grandchildren. Dad passed away on September 3, 2014. Mum never really recovered. Her wellspring gone, her health deteriorated until she was placed in the Victoria Hospice in September 2015.
A true Scot, Mum held New Year's Eve (Hogmanay) to be very important, so this year we threw a Hogmanay party at the Hospice. Almost everyone in the family was there. We sang Auld Lang Syne and ate and drank until 1:30 am!
Having "seen in" the New Year with the ones she loved, mum simply let go, and on January 2nd 2016 she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her loving children Graham (Julie), Andrew and Hazel (Dennis), and her beloved grandchildren Pasheabel (mom Gwen), Kirstie (Jesse), Bryan, Sophie, and Maddie.
We would like to thank the Victoria Hospice staff for the excellent care given to our mum in her final days.