Mary Woods

It is with great sadness but also such warmth and joy that we share the life of Mary Woods – while we are all so sad that she has passed on; we are all so very blessed to have had the time we did and to have been the ones to love and be loved by such an incredible woman. Mary was born on December 20, 1934 to Nick and Annie Gontar in Belleau Brook, Saskatchewan – Mary would be the eldest to brothers Paul (Isabel) and Steve (Pat) Gontar.

In 1951, Mary wed George Francis Woods (Frank) and thus began the journey that would culminate in a modest home that saw the raising of four beautiful children and became the gathering place for friends and family for more than half a century.

The earliest years of marriage were spent farming her fathers land and starting their family. Ronald (Helen), Robert (Sandra) and Sharon (Randy) were all born to Frank and Mary prior to their journey to BC where they would spend their lives together. Sharon was only three weeks old when the family began their journey from Saskatchewan to a British Columbia logging camp in the Caribou region in 1956. The family welcomed their fourth child, Carol in 1958 and soon after settled in Lower Nicola, BC where they built the family home that would become such an important place in the lives of generations yet to come. The house was completed in 1961 and thus began the legacy that still stands – most identifiable today by giant weeping willow Mary planted somewhat haphazardly in the ground when a neighbor down the street gifted her a branch. In recent years when memories were fading – the story of how that tree came to be was never lost.

Mary’s life was full and beautiful. While widowed far too early at the age of 53; Mary committed herself to living life to the absolute fullest, even in her grief. She adored her grandchildren; Sheldon, Michelle, Darcey, Leaha, Lindsay, Alissa and Danielle – as well as her niece Kelly and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Gramma’s house was where cousins became friends and where memories were always made.

Mary had many cherished friends and with them, she engaged fully with life! Her sense of community service and adventure was second to none. While known to this day for her garden, her bread and bottomless cookie jars – she was so much more. She did good and great things just by nature and quietly gave of herself in so many ways. Whether it was the snack cart at the hospital, reading aloud weekly to those in need, volunteering with the legion, old time fiddlers or various other community groups – Mary was always an active and giving member of her community.

Some of her favourite times were spent on horseback with Frank and their beloved friends – these trips were so cherished by Mary and were something she held close after Franks passing. Music was also a very important part of Mary’s life – herself learning to play the guitar and carry a tune. Frank and Mary hosted countless kitchen parties in the time they had together; memories that are lovingly preserved by those lucky enough to have taken part (especially the grandkids). Music, friends and family defined Mary’s life – card games, turkey dinners, square and line dancing – fall fairs, barn dances; and taking care of the home, garden, homestead…Mary always had something going on. This included much anticipated annual bus trips to Reno with her closest friends or the non-negotiable morning coffee at Granny’s Kitchen and eventually the A&W.

Mary was lucky enough to find love twice and spent the second half of her life with her ‘favourite musician’ and lifelong friend turned life partner, Johnny Pinel. The two of them kept the music and mutual love of adventure alive! Trading horses for two (and eventually 3) wheels – Mary found a true excitement on the motorbike with Johnny. Mary and Johnny took trips all over North America together – truly taking in all life could offer! One true, shared love between Mary and Johnny was the Vancouver Canucks – they took in as many live games as possible – but never missed a televised game.

In Mary’s later years she continued to enjoy visiting with her friends and family. She enjoyed playing cards and games with her neighbors at Nicola Meadows, scratching tickets and spending time visiting with her children, grandchildren and her great grand children; Alexa, Lauren, Tyler and Arya – as well as Pat and Steve. Monck Park for Mother’s Day was an especially cherished tradition during this time.

Mary passed peacefully on January 3, 2022 in Kamloops, BC. Never has someone been loved so deeply and missed so dearly. The family is planning a celebration of life to be held in the spring.