Mary was born September 26, 1948 in Minnedosa, Manitoba.

She grew up on the family farm near Cordova, Manitoba in a close family setting. As a child she was known for being the responsible one. She was the one who followed all the rules and kept her siblings in line. Mary was the glue that kept her loved ones together as a family. She always reached out to extended family and cared for all.

In April 1967 she married Jim Carter and their life of adventure began. They were determined to see the world and they certainly saw a lot of it. They lived in at least 8 countries across the world. They embraced new ways of living, new activities, new food and wine and developed a spirit of meeting challenges head on. They shared positive energy and determination to keep learning. What a life they had together.

The journey also included two sons. Don was born in Red Deer, Alberta in 1967. James was born in Slave Lake, Alberta in 1970. The “boys” joined this life of adventure and saw the world with their mom and dad.

Their love of Osoyoos and family ties led them to settle there. Their life in Osoyoos was a busy and active one.

They celebrated their love of music, which began when they were teenagers. Mary followed The Rondelles, Jim’s band of music-loving guys in late 60’s. It was the beginning of a passion for music that they loved and shared. They attended many music events and concerts. They went on Blues Cruises. They listened to music, danced to music and could always find musicians in out of the way venues. Jim was the musician. Mary was the music lover. Together, music was their connection.

Many hours were spent in the curling rink. They both loved curling and played and watched with a love for the game and the people involved. Many tense moments occurred during curling finals of the Scotties and the Brier. Mary loved to cheer for her favourites and wasn’t above cheering against “the others.”

Jim and Mary loved their outings together. They always looked for the road less travelled for the interest it might bring. Jim and Mary could always give the name of a good restaurant, a good place to stay or an interesting place to go.

The love of her life, Jim passed away in September 2011. She missed him dearly. Her strong will and spirit and her focus on family and friends kept her moving ahead.

Mary’s connection to family was still unwavering. Her beloved father, Don Stewart predeceased her in 1974. Her mother, Ethel Stewart (Mclaughlin), with whom she spent countless hours with love and dedication, passed away in 2016.

Her “boys”, Don and James will always cherish her love and the memories she leaves. Don and Eanna and James and Melanie held that special place in Mary’s heart. Her grandchildren, the joys of her life, spent hours and a number of good “travel times” with Grandma. Grace, Riley, Rachael and Jaydon had the best Grandma and will always have memories to share.

She will also be fondly remembered by Grace and Riley’s mother, Anita.

She is the most loved sister of Lorna and Bill and always loved sister in law to Tom, Brenda and Karen.

Her interest in and involvement with her nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews was unparalleled. Aunt Mary was always up for an afternoon of Soccer, Ringette, Baseball, Dance and any other activity with “the kids.”

Mary continued to be active and busy in Osoyoos. She was involved in the community and made many friends who will miss her dearly. Her “East Bench” friends were a part of her life and kept her engaged in special events. There were trips, visits, parties and sometimes just a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Mary taught Yoga and kept herself fit and socially engaged. Mary liked to garden and grew amazing vegetables to share with others. She was a good cook and loved to serve a great meal. She loved her coffee, and her coffee machine was well used.

Mary passed away on October 2, 2020 after a ferocious battle with Cancer. She was fully determined to fight for more time with those she loved. Throughout, her spirit remained positive and steadfast.

We have lost a beautiful person whose love will carry on in those who knew her.