Mary CONSTANTINEAU

CONSTANTINEAU, Mary
January 2, 1926 – September 8, 2014
Mary – aka Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma – left us suddenly while enjoying a gorgeous day with family and friends. She lived a full and rewarding life but her unexpected departure has devastated a very large circle of people who were enriched by having known her. Mary Wodka was born in Montreal, married Air Force flying officer Ed Constantineau and moved to his native B.C. during World War II – remaining in the province for the rest of her life, though she was always very proud of her Montreal roots and family connections. The Constantineau family lived throughout B.C., with stops in Haida Gwaii, Vancouver, Victoria and Cranbrook before resettling in Vancouver in 1970. Mary raised five children and met the challenge of being a single mother of a young daughter after Ed died in 1977. She had many jobs but was happiest when using her natural skills as a compassionate caregiver, especially during a long career with the Dania Home in Burnaby. Mary volunteered at nursing homes well into her retirement years. She was a lifelong fitness enthusiast who loved swimming and enjoyed yoga long before anyone heard of Lululemon. Mary loved animals, especially dogs and especially Ulysses. She is survived by a loving family that includes children Lynda, Larry (Leona), Rick (Permelia), Bruce (Graziella), Jade and many adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held Friday, September 19, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Forest Lawn Chapel, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Heart & Stroke Foundation or the BC SPCA.