May 23, 1926 - April 22, 2021
It is with sadness that the family of Mary Irene Kingsley announces her passing a month short of her 95th birthday. After suffering gracefully with dementia in her declining years, Mary died in the early hours of Thursday April 22nd at The Gardens at Qualicum Beach.
Born in Parksville in 1926, Mary also lived in Nanaimo and Victoria, and raised a family in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her husband William Alistair Bryce, father James Edward, mother Alice Antrim, niece Joyce, older brother Jim and sister-in-law Ruby.
She is survived by her four sons, three daughters- in-law, ten grandchildren and three great- grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children on both sides of her large and loving family.
Mary was an affectionate and gracious woman who touched many lives with warm smiles and kind words. She had the ability to connect with people from many different walks of life and backgrounds, and it was not uncommon for a stranger to join family dinners, with many becoming friends thereafter.
Mary taught at high school in both Ladner and Nanaimo, but retired from teaching in 1980. Art was a source of inspiration and comfort to Mary throughout her life, and - in tribute - her family has published a collection of her art-work titled, From There To Here.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral, but the family is planning an appropriate celebration of Mary's life when time and circumstances permit.
To contact the family, emails can be sent to: MaryKingsleyMemorial@Gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary's name to Milner Gardens and Woodland.