Mary McWhirter
Peacefully, Mary (Miriam) McWhirter (nee Salloum), passed away November 2, 2022. She is survived by her husband and our father, Jack McWhirter and her sister Helen Salloum.
Mary is predeceased by her father and mother, George and Shamse Salloum, siblings; Eddie, Rose, Habib, Fred, Phyllis and Albert.
Left to mourn are her children; Wayne (Dana), Sharon Bonar (Dan), Bruce (Anh), Brian, grandchildren; Ashley, Andrew, Ainsley (Mike), Ryan, Kyla (Jared), Brittany (Gary), Kallem (Rebecca), Hung (Vadsana), Cuong, great grandchildren; Angel, Logan, Lincoln, Mia, Wells, Abigail, Isaac, Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Saskatchewan on June 3rd, 1930. In her large family of 8 kids, she worked on the family farm and family restaurant. She then moved to Edmonton with her sister Phyllis to start a new job where she met Dad. Mom and Dad married shortly after that on July 30, 1955. The first 3 children were born in Edmonton. With Dad being in the Air Force they were posted overseas in 1959 with 3 kids in tow. Our brother Brian was born in Germany, and together they raised four children. With over 67 years of marriage, Mom and Dad lived in many places including Edmonton, Baden-Baden Germany, Innisfail, Alberta and finally settling in Portage la Prairie in 1966. Over the many years in Portage, she and Dad had many friends and enjoyed their coffee time, fishing, snowmobiling, dancing, and other activities around the community. Mom kept very busy raising 4 children while Dad worked to provide for the family with his many years in the Air Force.
When Dad retired from the force, together they decided to open a mobile catering business called Jacks Catering. We remember Mom cooking 2 turkeys a week, making 2 dozen bran muffins each day, and 40 cups of coffee a day to support the daily “coffee route”. Mom never complained but we knew she was very happy when the catering business was sold. Mom was a talented seamstress and always found time to help neighbours and friends with whatever clothes they needed repaired. We all remember that during the early years of elementary school, most of the clothes we wore were made by Mom. She always found time to meet and talk to all the new neighbours that moved to Yellowquill Drive. Mom loved to knit, quilt, crochet, do puzzles, and any other activities that “kept her busy”. A Christmas did not go by that she failed to knit toques, scarves, leg warmers and mittens for all the children, grandchildren and friends of the family. Dad and Mom enjoyed their years on Yellowquill Drive and made many friends that still sent Christmas cards every year even though they had left the street 40 years ago.
The family deeply appreciates the care given to Mom by Dr. Rimmer, Dr. Aquin and the Cancer Care team in Portage. Their compassion will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to McKenzie United Church, 85 11th St. NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2S2 or Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the McKenzie United Church in Portage la Prairie on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 1:00 pm with Wilma Shirriff officiating.
Allah Yerhama ( May God have mercy on her soul) - الله يرحمها
You fought a valiant fight. Rest in Peace Mom.
Messages of condolence can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com