Obituary of Mary Nurse

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the events of recent weeks, and with concern for the wellness of family and friends due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, Mary’s family have made the difficult decision to POSTPONE her memorial service which WAS to be held Saturday, May 2, 2020. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be announced and held at a later date.  

NURSE, Mary

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, Mary Kennedy Nurse, passed away quietly on February 1, 2020. Mary was predeceased by her parents, David and Grace Eggie (née Chambers); husband, Ken; sister, Isabel Read; sister-in-law, Carol Eggie; brother-in-law, Gerald Nurse; and niece Cleone Nurse-Phillips. Mary is survived by her daughter, Susan; son-in-law, Darren Hector; granddaughters, Eleanor and Virginia; siblings, James Eggie, Helen Ryane (Jane), Stewart Eggie (Lorraine); brother-in-law, Derek Read (Dorothy); sister-in-law, Shirley Nurse, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary was born in Mazenod, Saskatchewan, and grew up on the family farm at Mossbank. Following Teachers College, Mary taught primary school in Fillmore, and it was there that she met her husband, Ken. They married on July 4, 1962, and settled in Regina, where Mary continued to teach. She loved working with small children and cherished the lifelong friendships she made through teaching. While creating a home in Regina, Mary was also an invaluable support to Ken in his career.

Mary had an active social life and made treasured friendships through curling, bridge, volunteering, politics and family dinners with neighbours. Mary contributed to numerous provincial and federal election campaigns as a much-valued door knocker and as one behind the scenes, hosting gatherings at the house. Mary had an enduring faith that gave her strength, and some of her most cherished friendships grew through a shared belief in Christ.

Above all, Mary was a good mother and devoted grandmother. It was her greatest pleasure to spend time with Ginny and Ellie, looking after them while Susan worked, teaching the skills of gardening and baking, and sharing her faith. She loved to listen to them play violin, whether it was a family concert in the living room or a formal performance in a concert hall.

Despite her decline of late, the virtue of hospitality remained an important part of Mary and her way of being with others. Her generous spirit will be missed, and she will be lovingly remembered for a heart and home that were always open to family and friends.

Mary’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to staff at Wintergreene Harbour House for their dedication and kindness and to Dr. Peter van Rooyen for his respectful and compassionate care over the years.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Mary to Soul’s Harbour, 1632 Angus St, Regina, SK S4T 1Z2 or the Regina Music Festival Association, 1204-1830 College Ave. Regina, SK S4P 1C2 or online at https://www.shrmsk.com/get-involved/donate, http://reginamusicfestival.org/donate/donate-now/

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com