Vanderyagt – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Anne Vanderyagt of Brooks, Alberta on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, at the age of 79 years. Mary Anne passed away in her own home, surrounded by the love and care of her daughter Dorothy Byng, who devotedly served as her primary caregiver after the passing of Mary Anne’s beloved husband, William. Mary Anne was born on July 12th, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario. She met William in the late 1970’s while both were working with the Cub Scouts of Canada. Their shared dedication to community service blossomed into a lifelong partnership. The two were married in 1982 and enjoyed nearly 40 wonderful years together, until William’s passing in 2021. Mary Anne worked at The Globe and Mail, while William was a member of the Toronto Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Division. A short while after retiring, the couple moved out west to be closer to their daughter Dorothy and her three sons, cherishing their family bonds in their later years. Mary Anne will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and passions that enriched the lives of those around her. She delighted in preparing elaborate family meals, complete with homemade desserts that became fond family memories. Mary Anne and William loved traveling around Ontario and participating in historical reenactments of the War of 1812, with Mary Anne skillfully sewing period-accurate clothing for their roles. Her talent for crafting extended to intricate cross-stitching projects that remain treasured keepsakes. Though she was blind, Mary Anne never let it limit her love for stories, often immersing herself in audiobooks on her Victor Reader, provided by the CNIB and our local library. She also had an enduring passion for the music of her youth, filling her days with the melodies of the oldies she adored. Mary Anne is survived by her four children, Dorothy, Thomas, Janet, and Bruce; her grandchildren, John (Jay), David (Crocket), Ian, Sam, Morgan, Jackie and Kevin; her many great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy every time they visited, as well as many extended family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and creativity that will forever be cherished by those whose life she touched. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Mary Anne, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Canadian National Institute for the Blind, #100, 410 Stafford Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2L2.
Cremation entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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