Mary Jean McArthur

Mary grew up in Terrace, B.C., and attended Skeena High School where she was a basketball player. After high school, Mary joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and became a Communications Operator (Teletype). Because of her specific qualifications, Mary was posted to Germany and became their youngest Female Operator. She met and disliked Keith Alexander McArthur (d. 2007) while stationed in Canada, but when they met face to face while stationed in Germany, the two found their chemistry and were married in April of 1964 in Soellingen.

In 1965, Mary and Keith welcomed their first child, Laurie Jean (McArthur) McWillis who was born in Baden-Soellingen, Germany. Mary retired from the military and became a stay at home mom. The family was transferred back to Canada where, in Brandon Manitoba, 1967, Francis Hugh McArthur was born. Their third child, Beverly Joan McArthur, was born in 1973 in Pembroke, Ontario. Mary and Keith were subsequently posted to Edmonton, Alberta, and finally to their “forever home” in Courtenay, B.C.. Eventually, Mary started to work again. First at Hot Chocolates, and then as head cook for Laurel Lodge Retirement Home.

Mary loved to travel. As a young woman in the military, she travelled across the country to basic training in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. While stationed in Germany, she would hop a ride with pilots to various destinations in Canada and Europe. One aircraft that she especially remembered flying in was a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. She has crossed Canada many times by car and aircraft, but her favourite method of travel was train. It is likely that the destination was not always her favourite part of the journey, but the interactions with the people she met. She was delivered from Comox hospital to Victoria General on New Years Eve of 2023, and noted that she finally got to travel in a helicopter.

Mary loved to camp. For many years, she was a Guider and shared her love of camping with many Girl Guides. She was an active member at St. John Anglican in Courtenay, and she greatly enjoyed working at their Blessing Boutique that provides donated kitchen and housewares, clothing, bedding, and toiletries at no cost. She was also a long standing member of the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers, Branch 17.

Mary leaves behind so many who will continue to love her in her absence. Her children, Laurie, Frank, and Beverly, all of whom Mary took great pride in. Laurie and Bev’s spouses Ross and Jeff, her grandchildren Samantha (husband Mike), Eric (partner Kim), Kira, and Aidan, and her great grand children Katilina, Alexandria, and Jean. As well as many relations, extended family and friends both near and far.

You were an incredibly strong woman. You loved us fiercely. Thank-you for being Mom.

‘Til we meet again.

Mary’s remains will be cremated and held by the family until she is laid to rest with her husband Keith. A service will be announced at a future date when the family can all be home to celebrate her life. Please, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to your local hospital, senior care, or cancer center.