Obituary of Mary Selina McBurney

McBURNEY: Mary Selina McBurney of Rivers, in her 101st year, died peacefully at Souris Hospital on the morning of August 4th. She had been well supported during her hospital stay by her loving family, by members of the Rivers Palliative Care group, and by the caring staff of the hospital. Mary was born on December 18, 1912 in Rapid City, Manitoba to George and Harriet (Priestley) Haslen. She was the fifth child and first daughter in the family. She grew up and attended school in Rapid City, and then went to Winnipeg to take her grade 12, followed by a year of Normal School – which enabled her to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. She taught in several small one-room country schools and enjoyed instilling a love of learning into most of her students. While on a holiday to Wasagaming, in Riding Mountain National Park, Mary met a handsome young man named Tom McBurney. Romance blossomed and in 1938, she and Tom were married and she moved up to Wasagaming as a bride. Daughter Nola and son George were born while Tom and Mary resided at the corner of Orchid Street and Wasagaming Drive. In 1951, Tom and Mary decided to build a home in Onanole for their family. Unfortunately, Tom had major health problems and died far too soon in 1956. Mary had just returned to teaching at Onanole, and she taught there at the elementary level until 1962, when she decided to make a big move to Rivers to teach kindergarten at Brooke School. During the years spent at Wasagaming/Onanole, Mary was actively involved in the community – as a Red Cross fund-raiser, Girl Guide leader, Sunday school teacher, WI member, and organizer for getting a United Church located in Onanole. Mary spent the rest of her life at Rivers – teaching at Brooke School until the base closed, and then at the training centre, an activity which gave her immense pleasure and satisfaction. When she retired in 1977, she was recognized "for a lifetime of dedication to children". Mary was active in her new community and remained so for the rest of her life. She attended Rivers United Church and sang in the choir, belonged to UCW, was a member of WI, the Rivers Housing Authority, Order of Eastern Star, Rivers Health Auxiliary, and Fifty Plus. Soon after she retired from teaching, Mary helped to organize a rhythm band for the personal care home in Rivers, and for more than thirty years she conducted rhythm band there twice a month to help entertain the residents. She was supported in this venture by a dedicated group of volunteers. Even after she semi-retired from leading the rhythm band, she attended and helped out with the presentation, doing so even this past spring and early summer. Mary also presented other programs to seniors at Rivers and at various communities in the Westman area. She loved being able to help out and bring pleasure to others. After her retirement, Mary discovered the joys of travel. All it took was one trip abroad to get her hooked! She enjoyed many trips to England, several to both Europe and Asia, one particularly special trip to Kenya, and many winter holidays to points in the southern U.S. and especially to Bermuda, which she visited 21 happy times, and where she made wonderful friendships. She even introduced her six great grandchildren to the joys of travel! Mary was predeceased by her husband Tom, her parents, her six brothers and one sister, and by several nephews and one niece. She is survived by her daughter Nola, her son George and his wife Lori, her special grandsons Don and Darren and much loved granddaughter Kathy, and their spouses, Denise, Nathalie and Nik and her six precious great grandchildren, Brett, Elizabeth, Mallory, Tyra, Logan and Oceane, as well as one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Mary's life was held at Rivers United Church on Friday, August 9, 2013 with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating. Interment took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were with you. For I am happy!