Mary Lyttle

Born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mary was known to her family and friends as “Minnie”, but chose to revert to her Christened name of Mary when she immigrated to Canada with her husband Thomas (Tom) in 1973. Mary and Tom fitted well into their adopted country, residing in Vancouver, White Rock and Chilliwack. Daughter Marie Harman and son David (Helen Ryding) had preceded them to follow careers in Canada. Mary is predeceased by husband Tom, brother Harry and sisters Sadie and Lily. Mary’s father, John Boal, died in the influenza epidemic of 1918, so the family of four was raised by their mother, Sarah Jane Thompson (“Nanna Boal”) with the help and frequent correction by Grandfather Thompson. Mary’s long life was devoted to her family and she will be missed by grandchildren John, Patrick, Sarah, Ruth, Justine, and Ian. She will also be missed by great-grandchildren Jordan. Leigha, Erin, Thomas, Jarrod, Eric, Hannah, Katy, and Alex. Whenever a cake was needed for a family get-together, Mary was the baker. She acquired skills in decorating wedding cakes, so no family wedding was complete without a multi-tiered cake elaborately decorated with royal icing. Mary and Tom were tireless supporters of the Presbyterian Churches of which they were members in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, and in British Columbia. Many thanks are due to caregivers in Valleyhaven, Chilliwack, BC. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of Mary’s life will be held by family members at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends are encouraged to remember her by donations to charities which improve the lives of the poor and hungry.