Obituary of Mary CUMMING

September 22, 1938 – Midland, Ontario
December 5, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Mary Cumming (nee Stevens), much-loved wife, mom and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the age of 82.

Mary was born in Midland, ON to Mabel and Arthur Stevens, a high school principal. She followed her father’s footsteps, completing a teaching degree at University of Western Ontario then returned to the Ontario Teacher’s College to specialize in Early Childhood Education. While teaching kindergarten in Toronto, Mary met Tom, her future husband and partner of fifty-five years. Mary chose to forgo her career to raise daughters Jennifer, Allison, and Kate and to support Tom as his career took them to Dublin, Ireland; London, England; then to Calgary in 1975 where they made their home.

Mary was a matriarch, dedicated to the well-being of her husband and family. She and Tom supported their girls, driving them to practices before dawn and spending countless hours on the pool deck as Swim Canada officials. She taught her daughters to be independent, strong thinkers and to never stop learning. Mary made everyone feel welcomed, always saving a place at the table for anyone needing a place to go. She was passionate about volunteering, be it for the Cancer Society, Heart and Stoke Association or making beautiful Christmas trees to auction for the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Grandma was adored by her five granddaughters, Maya, Sasha, Haiden, Jamile and Katiuzca and loved their visits, especially at the family cottage in Muskoka. Here you'd find Mary working in her garden, having a swim, or paddling in her red canoe always accompanied by a cherished springer spaniel.

Mary loved music, growing up playing both piano and violin. She and Tom were patrons of the Calgary Philharmonic and Mary was a long-time member of The Book Club where she happily shared her insight with many good friends. After Tom retired, he and Mary shared their love of travel, enjoying several cruises to Europe and the Middle East, wandering through museums and visiting historical sites.

Mary was a truly remarkable woman whose legacy will live on through those she loved.

The Cumming family would like to thank the staff at Extendicare Cedar's Villa whose love and care for Mom over the last few months is greatly appreciated. If friends so desire, memorial tributes to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute may be made directly to the University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Telephone (403) 220 - 2470 www.hbi.ucalgary.ca/contact/giving-to-HBI. In the memo line please designate the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mary’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Mary Cumming, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.