Mary passed away peacefully with her son Nick by her side in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in Kamloops, BC. The family is comforted she is reunited with the love of her life Rod and her children that passed before her.

Mary is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Harold) Oliver and her son Nick (Gabriele) Esser, grandchildren Cheri-Lee, Jacqueline (Jason), Tracy (J.B.), Angela, Ben (Kathy), Emma (David), Craig (Jules) and Tyler (Karis); nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also left to mourn are her sister Annie and brother-in-law Joe, sisters-in-law Jan, Annie and Maxine as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Rod, her sons Ernie, Frank and Johnny and most recently by her daughter Kitty. She was also predeceased by her infant granddaughter Sandra, her brothers John, Frank and Carl and her first husband Wayne Esser, father of her children. 

Mary worked in the restaurant industry for many years. She and Rod built the Waymark Restaurant in Heffley Creek, they also operated many other restaurants in Kamloops including Sleepy’s Hollow and finally Bruce’s Restaurant on 12th Street before Rod’s untimely passing. Mary moved in with her son Nick and his family shortly after Rod passed and lived there with her cats until recently when the decision was made to move her to the Gemstone. Moving away from her cats Mitsy and Rufus was difficult but the Gemstone made it possible for Nick to bring her beloved cats to visit her on a regular basis, which always brightened her day.

The family would like to extend its thanks to the staff at the Gemstone Copper Ward, who took such wonderful care of our mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kamloops SPCA.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Free Methodist Church, 975 Windbreak Street, Kamloops. Mary’s dear friend Pastor Vern Frudd will officiate.