Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Jarvis

October 4, 1943 - Bruce County, Ontario

May 31, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Mary Jarvis, beloved wife of John “Wright” Jarvis of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the age of 80 years.

Mary was born October 4, 1943, on a farm in Bruce County, Huron Township, ON, and went to a one-room school.

The family moved to the village of Ripley in the early 50s, and Mary received her high school education in Ripley.

I met Mary in 1961 and we married in 1963 – I have been a happy man ever since then.

Mary was a wonderful mother to our three children who all inherited her quick wit and sense of humour.

Mary began her career in her late teens at a job with London Life Insurance in London, ON. In 1963, we moved to Toronto, and Mary obtained a position with the Toronto Telegram newspaper in the business office. She frequently spoke positively about the job and the interesting people she bumped into during her five years there. In 1969 we moved to Calgary, AB, and Mary joined the Calgary General Hospital as a Unit Clerk. She had to transfer to the Peter Lougheed Centre after the General was demolished, but her position stayed the same. She stayed there until retirement in 2013.

Mary had many talents, one of which was sewing, which she did for herself and others.

When she craved a stained-glass lamp, she took lessons in Calgary and made one for us, which will always be a cherished keepsake. Her stained-glass panels of various designs adorn our house and attest to her skill.

I also have to add that I never had to complain about her cooking, or all of her other homemaking skills. She was close to her mother, Rita, who imparted her knowledge to her attentive daughter.

Mary has always been a reader; enjoying mystery novels and political biographies. She was keen to attend the ballet, movies and plays, and she loved music, especially Leonard Cohen.

During her recent challenges with dementia, Mary retained her sense of humour which was a comfort to all those close to her.

With me, Wright Jarvis, in surviving Mary are our children, Aaron Jarvis, Sarah Jarvis-Deschamps, and Rebekah Jarvis of Calgary, AB; her sister and brother-in-law Marita and John Mclean of Toronto, ON; and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her parents Steve and Rita Irwin, brother Steve Irwin, and sisters Marjorie and Myrna Irwin.

As per Mary’s wishes, a private gathering will be held.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Mary’s family here.

In living memory of Mary Jarvis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.