Obituary of Mary David

Mary Johanna David of Camrose, formerly of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the age of 68 years. Mary Johanna Rieger was born May 8, 1949 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Verna and George Rieger. Mary was the second oldest of their four girls. Mary was raised in Drumheller with her three sisters by her mother. It was in Drumheller where she met her husband, Wilfred Stanley David. Mary and Wilf were married in the spring of 1965 and Mary gave birth to her first son, Darcy, in September of 1966. After many years of trying to have more children, Mary gave birth to her only daughter, Shari in February of 1977 and then had her second son, Stacey in October of 1980. Due to Wilf's occupation as a rig manager for an oil company, the family moved around in the early years. Mary and her family lived overseas in Malta and Singapore in the late 70's and early 80's. Mary enjoyed living in these exotic countries and loved to tell stories of her times there. Sadly, Mary and Wilf separated after returning from Singapore and Mary then raised her two youngest children on her own. Mary had the assistance of her mother and sisters in times of hardship and they were always there to lend a hand. Mary was very grateful for her family. Mary held many different jobs throughout her life, including waitress, telephone operator, file clerk and childcare worker. Mary seemed to always be caring for children, her own as well as others. Many friends used to call her mother Mary or just mom, not just her own children but even her children's friends. Mary became a granny at the age of 41 when her first grandchild was born. She had seven grandchildren and one great-grandson when she passed away. Mary had many health issues throughout her life and unfortunately suffered a stroke at the age of 58 which changed her life. After the stroke Mary had to be placed in a nursing home as her family was unable to care for her. Mary would live another ten years after that stroke, but her life was never the same. She was blessed to have many wonderful care workers in the Willow cottage at the Bethany Care Centre. Left to cherish her memory are Mary's children Darcy of Red Deer, Shari (Ron LaBine) of Calgary, Stacey (Rhonda) of Camrose; and her sisters Ann Moar and Diana Killian of Camrose. She also left behind seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Mary was predeceased by her husband Wilfred; and sister Juanita Bossert. Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but they find comfort in the fact that she no longer suffers from her many health issues. She is finally at peace. A Funeral Service was held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. In lieu of of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the Canadian Diabetes Association.