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Mary Dennis Obituary

DENNIS, Mary Mulvin Mary Mulvin Dennis died in Victoria, September 14th, 2022 in her 101st year. She was predeceased by her husband Donald D. Dennis and brother Robert W. Mulvin. Born in Vancouver, Mary Lilian Mulvin was a gifted student, who prized education. Funded by bursaries and scholarships, she earned a BSc in Agriculture (plant pathology) in 1943 and an MSc in Agriculture (plant nutrition) in 1952, both at UBC. She worked as a lab instructor, Biology and Genetics, at the University of Victoria for 30 years, retiring in 1986. She excelled in everything she put her hand to - a master gardener, seamstress and adventurous cook. She valued the arts and followed the maxim - take the short view and read the New Yorker. She played bridge until she could no longer read the cards, solved the Guardian's cryptic puzzles,and valued her life-long friends, often couples, who enriched her life. Mary and Donald married in 1945 after a chance wartime meeting on the Princess Mary. In 1954, they moved into the Victoria house that Don designed and built with his brother, David. For 68 years Mary found joy in their home and in the garden they built together. Mary leaves her daughter Valerie Fedoruk (Mel), Saltspring Island, and sons David (Leslie), Toronto, and Peter (Susan), Lopez Island; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Trudi), Alexandra (Todd), Ameera (Roberto), Melissa (Robert), Yusef (Jill), Romea, Claire, David and Will and nine great-grandchildren, Anna, Kate, Olivia, Sienna, Lucian, Vivienne, Trevor, Stella and Sanna. Mary's family extends deep thanks to Donna Prelypchan, daughter of a childhood friend, and a constant friend to the last moment of Mary's life. Friends are invited to join in remembering Mary at 2PM, Thursday October 20th at The University Club, University of Victoria.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 30 to Oct. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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7 Entries

Aldene Meis Mason

October 7, 2022

"Aunty" Mary was a strong influencer for me studying sciences at university. She used to tell me about the fruit fly and genetics research she was involved in.
My father was a horrible driver and others didn´t believe how scarey it was. Mary drove back in the front seat from one of our annual multi family camping trips in the Okanagon. She was knitting furiously. When she ran out of wool, she unravelled what she had been making and began knitting again. When our trip ended, Mary apologized to me for not believing our stories.

Scott Meis

October 6, 2022

I met Mary as a very young child since she was of my mother's (Lorelie) best friends from her own childhood in Vancouver. I send my heartfelt condolences, and those of my sisters, Sondra and Aldene as well as those of my whole family, Denisa, Simon, Toby, Ruxandra and Yvonne to the Dennis family at the recent loss of your mother, Mary.

Mary was a life-long friend of Lorelie -- she always said Mary was her oldest best friend, meaning that they first met in primary school in Vancouver (at Kits?) and remained friends ever after, in junior high school, high school (Lord Bing?), at UBC and thereafter.

At this time of Mary's passing, I remember the many good times we all spent together, family camping jointly with the Bishops and the other friends and partners of their youth and adulthood -- the bridge games, the laughter, conversation, jokes and dancing!

I am also thinking fondly and respectfully, of the many times we met elsewhere as two families (Vancouver, Crescent Beach, Kelowna, Banff, and Ottawa), or as individuals, or visited at the family home of Mary and Don on Runnymede in Victoria.

We have all been blessed with the warmth and depth of Mary's life-long friendship, sense of humor, thoughtfulness and wisdom.

Please know that we are thinking of Mary (and Don), and all of you, in your time of loss and grieving.

With condolences and warm regards,

Scott Meis

Dr Catherine Stubbs

October 4, 2022

I met Mary when I first dated David in University many years ago. She remained a dear friend and patient when I returned to practice medicine in Victoria. She brightened my life with her lovely sense of humour and great wisdom. She will continue to be an inspiration in my life for her love for her family and beautiful gardens. A treasured soul mate!

Brenda Simeoni

October 2, 2022

Remembering Mary! My mother, Freda Mason, was in Mary's PEO Chapter (Y) and I have known Mary since I was a youngster. In addition to Mary being a friend and PEO sister of my mother's, Mary, was my lab instructor in both Botany and Genetics at UVIC. I have knitting patterns (given to her by Freda) that she kindly wrote out by hand and mailed to me after my mother died. I can not look at an African violet with out thinking of Mary. They always make me smile. There were many of Mary's plants in our house and I was fortunate to receive several when I left home. Many of Chapter Y's sisters have gone before Mary and I hope they can all reunite. My heartfelt condolences to all of Mary's family.

Patti Byron

October 1, 2022

Remembering with love my dear Auntie Mary ~ we enjoyed spending time with Mary ~ meals together, family stories and her beautiful garden. A very long life well lived
Photo with her brother Bob celebrating Mary´s 90th birthday.

Peter Dennis

October 1, 2022

Betty Sudul

September 30, 2022

Mary was a long time member of and special Sister in P.E.O.
She showed us how women can benefit from higher education. she was a special star. We will remember her.

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Memorial Events
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