Helen Mary Everson

Mary Everson (Helen Mary Rowena) nee Frank (January 1, 1946) was born in Comox to Margaret “Audie” and Andy Frank. She met and married Wayne Everson (November 2, 1963) and moved around BC and Alberta as their family grew.

A fluent Kwak’wala speaker and member of the K’omoks First Nation, Mary was committed to her family, and generous with her knowledge, love, caring, and hugs. She was a permanent fixture of the Comox Valley and served on many boards, committees, and organizations throughout her life. She was the ultimate mom.

She is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Wayne, her partner of 59 years; her siblings Florence, Frances, Marilyn, and Walter Jr; her children Ralphie, Reggie, and Stephanie; and her grandchildren Christopher and Kellie.

She is survived by her sisters Fernanda, Martha, and Mary Ann; her children Rob, Nick, Rick, Charlene, Andy, Danny, Krissy, Jessie, and Anna; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and over 44 years of foster children.

Mary passed away peacefully at Comox Valley Hospital on July 13, 2023. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and family.

A service was held Monday July 17, 2023 in Kumugwe, the Bighouse in K’omoks at 11am. It followed traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw protocol. The downpour immediately before the service followed by immediate sunlight was a testament to how special Mary was to our people and the Comox Valley as a whole.