Mary Elsie DEAKINS

DEAKINS, Mary Elsie The family of Mary Deakins announces her passing at the Rockyview Hospital on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 88 years of age. She was born on a small farm near Netherhill, Saskatchewan on December 3, 1919. Her parents, Bob and Elsie, and younger siblings, John, Wes, and Louisa have all predeceased her as well as her brother-in-law, Richard Travis and infant nephew, Robert James. Mary spent her life serving others. She was a teacher in rural Saskatchewan before becoming a nurse. She graduated from the Saskatoon City Hospital in 1947 and then worked at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, the Women's Missionary Society Hospital in Bonnyville, and at the Colonel Belcher Veteran's Hospital, Calgary until her retirement in 1982. Mary had a strong faith in God and the church. She graduated from United Church Training School and was commissioned as a missionary in 1953. She was a member of Scarboro United Church. Mary enjoyed living in the home her dad built in Bankview but spent the last three years of her life at the Beverly Centre, Lake Midnapore. Sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Rockyview Hospital for the excellent care that made Mary's last few days as peaceful as possible. Mary leaves behind her sister-in-law, Marie Deakins, wife of her brother John. Mary is the loving aunt to Richard (Cindy) Travis, James (Tara) Travis, Theresa (Barry) Kemp, Roberta Travis, Linda (Gerard) Lucas and Brenda (Ric) Jones. She is fondly remembered by five great-nieces and nephews: Joanna Kemp, Connor Greig, and Kallie, Kyle, and Matthew Lucas. Mary also leaves behind relatives in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, and Wiarton, Ontario. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 at Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Avenue S.W.) at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Judy Chapman officiating, with Interment to follow at Rocky View Garden of Peace. Memorial donations may be made in Mary's name directly to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8). Condolences may be forwarded by visiting www.leydens.com . Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION and CREMATION CENTRE, 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W. Telephone: 228-4422. Published in the Calgary Herald from 3/12/2008 - 3/13/2008