September 18, 2018
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Maria (Mary), much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dave, children Michael (Juneko) and Leah (Sam) and grandchildren, Mika and Kaito.
Mary was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Victoria. She and her immediate family spent many years in the education system in the Kootenays, first Nelson and then Fernie. After 28 years in Fernie, Mary and Dave came back to Victoria to be closer to the children, grandchildren and other family members.
Mary had four main passions that steered her course in life: her family, the environment, music and her garden. She was a nurturer and her family were the first beneficiaries of that, and her garden, second. Mary took an active part in advocating for a healthy planet. She also dedicated much of her adult life to advocating for community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. She was an avid and skilled photographer and took many beautiful pictures around her home and on various trips.
In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted at the Power of Hope www.powerofhope.ca/donate for the Maria Squance Scholarship Fund, which will support the participation of young people with developmental disabilities in the Power of Hope's activities.
A service will be held at St. Aidan's United Church (3703 St. Aidan's St., Victoria) on September 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm.