Laura Mary Ellen Wickson

It’s with sadden hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mary.  Walt lost the love of his life, his best friend, and his soul mate and we lost our mom and Nana on August 3. Walt and Mary were married for 63 years, an accomplishment not done by many. Together they raised three children, Teresa (Terri), Dennis and Michael. As well together they shared many hours with their Grandchildren Katie, Travis, Jaclyn, Brad, and Chantel. They were luckier than most and got to get to spend time with Great Grandchildren as well…. Savannah, Charley May, Ryder, and Scottlynn Belle (Scottie). Sadly, she did not get to meet Scottie’s little brother Stetson born on August 6.

Walter and Mary were married September 24, 1960, in Vancouver, B.C. They settled in Richmond. After having Terri and Dennis work took them to Prince George. Mom was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom, so she volunteered her time helping others. Together they decided to become foster parents. This is when Michael became part of our family. Walt travelled for work selling heavy duty equipment which led to our move to Smithers in 1971. It was the beginning of their life together with West Fraser. Mom continued with volunteering her time here as well. It’s here that she met the person who was to become her best friend, Bev. Together they became “partners in crime “. Nobody was safe from their shenanigans. 

Mom loved raising her own chickens, beef, pigs and growing her own vegetables. She taught us all about how to survive and how to look after ourselves. Whether it was preserving vegetables or butchering animals we raised. None of that time was wasted. They also spent many hours out on the ocean fishing with friends on the weekends. Time they thoroughly enjoyed together. 

In 1983 Walt, Mary and Michael moved to Williams Lake as that’s where Walt’s work took them. Not long after that they moved to Quesnel. Quesnel is where Dad retired from West Fraser in 2001, and they moved to Pender Harbour. They had previously purchased a house there together knowing that they wanted to be on the ocean with their boat when they retired.  There they got involved with the Legion. Mom spent many hours volunteering and helping in the community. 

After living in Pender Harbour for 15 years they decided to move back home to Smithers in 2015 to be near family as both Terri and Dennis and their families still called Smithers home. Once here again they both got involved with the Legion. Mary spent many hours volunteering at the Legion and made some very good friends. Together they looked forward to their Wednesday tea, Friday burger night, and the Saturday meat draw and during the winter playing crib on Sundays. When you were at the Legion you always kept and eye over your shoulder because you never knew if it was you Mary was going to surprise that night….right Butch.

Mary is predeceased by her granddaughter Jessica O’Neill, her son Michael, her brother Earl and her son-in-law Mike.

She is survived by her husband Walt, daughter Terri, son Dennis (Cheryl), her grandchildren Katie (Matt), Travis (Chelsey), Jaclyn (Jon), Brad, Chantel, her great grandchildren Savannah (Keaton), Charley May, Ryder, Scottlyn, and Stetson. As well she is survived as well by her siblings Terry and John and their families and her in-laws Fran, Barb, Steve and their families. She had many friends that she enjoyed spending time with but most of all she enjoyed her walks with her dog Zoey and her best friend Bev.

Mary’s passing happened very suddenly and as a family we are all very thankful that Mary…. Mom….Nana….didn’t suffer.

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