Obituaries

MCGALE (GOWLAND), Mary-Anne

Mary-Anne McGale: (Gowland) passed away October 19th, 2017. We had just celebrated her 93rd birthday! (August 3rd, 1924-October 19th, 2017)

Every life is unique... and an experiment! Mary-Anne more than anyone we've ever met was "love thy neighbour" in the flesh. She saw our faults and weaknesses clearly. She prayed that we would overcome them but she regarded them like poison ivy or warts, they were only skin deep. She looked beyond them, at the real person underneath and the blemishes disappeared. Mary-Anne was an only child growing up in Sunderland, England and came to Canada as a war bride after WW2. (Married in 1945 for those too young to know)

Mary-Anne had a full and fun filled life with her Canadian Air Force pilot, husband Captain John James Patrick McGale. (you may notice a John or 2 come up here) They travelled 1st class. Patrick, we are sure will be there to greet his loving wife to their new and final home. Their daughter Terrie, will be there with her big warm smile, a welcoming hug and for sure a glass of of Pinot Auxerrois!

Mary-Anne will always be remembered with fantastic memories, smiles and love by her children - John McGale (Linda), Laurie Mackay (John) and Brent McGale (Debbie). Her many grandchildren - Tara, Mac, John, Matt, Juliann, Maleah, Patrick, Dax and Kaid. Great grandchildren - Zak, Stone, Reed, Ocean, Johnny, Lyla, Henry, Dakota, Joey, Sam, Zaryn, Kyara. What a legacy for Mary-Anne and Pat.

A family celebration of Mary-Anne's "It's a wonderful life" will be held very soon. Thank you to everyone who has sent condolences please know we are all at peace. At 93 we began to think she was eternal but we know now mom had wings of her own and last week she flew away...

Condolence Messages

Oct 31, 2017
Aunt Mary-Anne was a wonderful and dynamic individual who left a lasting memory in your heart. Her singing, (Devil in a Red Dress as I recall was a favourite) her painting and her huge love of life. I will always remember her big heart and generous personality as will all my family. Sincere and deeply felt condolences to you all.

Sent with much love from,

Bridget on behalf of Barney & Bernice McGale and Beth, Brian, Becky and Bernard
Oct 28, 2017
Such a lovely lady. She and I sang in the United Church choir years ago and she made my morning with her sunny smile and welcoming hug.

Lots of Hugs!

Gwen McClellan,

French Creek, Vancouver Island
Oct 25, 2017
We are saddened at your loss, but are sure that Mary-Anne will now be with Pat. What a lovely pair they were... and the stories they could tell. We loved hearing Mary-Anne play piano for many years. She'd say "how does it go?" Pick up the key and away she'd go. Hugs to you all.

Stu and Joanne Greenhough

West bank United Church
Oct 24, 2017
Oh, Maryanne, how those who knew you will miss you! Maybe you and Pat will get together with Jack and Hazel in your new home for a glass, to toast being together again! To all the McGale family, we send our love and condolences on the loss of this wonderful woman.

Rick and Maureen McIntyre
Oct 24, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the McGale Family on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She sounds like an extraordinary woman!

Tim & Maureen Rieger
Oct 24, 2017
Aww, McGale Family, we extend our condolences to all of you! We only got to know your mother in her final chapter at Sutherland Hills, she was indeed a delight! Hugs to all of you as you celebrate the life of a wonderful woman!

Mary Lou and Gary Inaba
Oct 24, 2017
Mary-Anne was a very good friend of my Aunty Verna Simpson who also has gone on to Heaven. I did get to meet your mum quite a few times. We send our condolences to the family.

Ev and Alex Nyuli and Elva Davies