Mary Helen Person

Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 95, on June 2nd at the Cascade Hospice in Chilliwack, B.C. She is predeceased by her parents Paul and Dora Ludchak, uncle Sam Matychuk, husband Malcolm and daughter Cheryl. She leaves behind her sister Anne Klassen, her daughter Lynda, son Kenneth, grandchildren Ian and Charlene, and great-grandchildren Olivia, Hannah, Jordyn and Maren.

Mary was born at home in Vancouver in 1927 to her parents Paul and Dora Ludchak. She lived there until the age of 7, when the famiy traded their home and property in Vancouver for a farm and 10 cows in Popkum, B.C., where they moved on March 16, 1935. (This farm eventually became the lovely Minter Gardens). Times and work were hard but there was always food from the big garden, milk and eggs.

Mary attended Popkum School and eventually graduated from Chilliwack High School in June 1945. On August 16, 1945, she started work for the Department of National Defense in Vancouver, where she typed discharge documents for the soldiers who fought in WWII. In 1946 she was transferred to the Unemployment Office in the clerical pool.

Mary met her husband Malcolm in Vancouver and they were married on January 7, 1950. Daughters Lynda and Cheryl were born while they lived in Vancouver. In 1953 they moved to Popkum and built their home next door to Mary’s parents. Son Kenneth was born in 1956. Mary continued to work part-time locally for the Unemployment Office during the winter months. In 1962, when the youngest started school, Mary began work as a secretary at Rosedale Junior High School, where she worked for 12 years. Mary retired in 1973.

Malcolm had joined the Masonic Hall, and so in 1977 Mary followed by joining the Ladies Order of the Eastern Star, where she held several offices, and was Worthy Matron in 1984/85. Mary enjoyed the meetings, the friendship, helping to cater the various teas and fundraisers, and travelling to the Easter Star functions.

Mary continued to live in the family home in Popkum, tending to her big vegetable garden and flower beds. She was an ardent competitor with her vegetables at the Chilliwack Fall Fair, where she was very proud of her 1st prize for the biggest onion.

In September 2016 Mary bid farewell to her beloved farm and garden and moved to Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors Community in Agassiz, where she enjoyed the friendship and excellent care while living there.

Mary’s house was full of plants, and the tables were stacked with books from the library. She loved to read. She was also known as a super shopper, heading into town in her little Datsun which she held onto until the age of 90. Mary was also a very social person and always had time for a chat, and room at the table for a dinner guest. She took interest in the lives of her family and friends, and kept in touch with many over the years.

The family wish to thank all of the staff and residents at Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors Community who made Mary’s life there special. Also thank you to Dr. Ta and the Hospice staff for their care during her illness.

The immediate family will be holding a private graveside service. Flowers are gratefully declined. Instead, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated, and as Mary loved daffodils, plant a bulb in memory of her.

The family appreciates your thoughts of condolence.