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Mary Frances Paul (nee England-McNeill)

December 6, 2011

Paul-MaryWEB

Mary Frances Paul (nee England-McNeill) passed away peacefully on December 6, 2011 at Shuswap Lake Hospital, Salmon Arm, B.C. at the age of 98.

Mary was born in Whitney Pier, N. Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on March 30, 1913. She was predeceased by husband Lawrence (2002), son Lloyd (1987) and grandson Sydney (2008) and her four siblings. Mary is survived by daughters Dawn (Vic) of Maple Falls, WA, Lorraine (Bill) of Salmon Arm and son Jim (Sandra) of Fernie and daughter-in-law Mary McNeill of Abbotsford; grandchildren Linda, Brian (Sheri), Bruce, Brad, Mark (Catherine), Colleen, Jenny (Todd), Sarah (Robert), Heather (Jesse) and Ian; numerous and treasured great grandchildren and great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary moved to Salmon Arm in July 2003 from Fernie, B.C. She adored her family and was passionate about art and music. She was an accomplished artist who had her own show of mixed media in Fernie as well as selling many pieces. Mary and her granddaughter Linda attended Douglas College where she furthered her art educatiion and was a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. She was a music teacher, ARTC examiner, president of Paul’s Music in Richmond, B.C. and her students often won awards at festivals and adjudications. When Mary moved to Vancouver in 1938 she began her radio program on CKMO where she sang and played her guitar. She continued this weekly program until her marriage to Lawrence in 1943. Mary celebrated life by observing nature - marveling at patterns, lighting and colours. She adored animals.

This sweet lady was a thrill seeker and a risk taker. On her 75th birthday, she went up in a hot air balloon and was looking forward to riding on a Harley on her 100th. Mary had a special zest for life that will be so very missed. Magic hugs Mom!

Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm. Service will be planned in Spring, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Society of BC and the SPCA.


Online condolences can be sent through Mary’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com