Mary Russell

Mary Paterson Ballantyne Russell died peacefully in the early

morning hours of Saturday, November 30, 2019 at St. Martha's

Place Nursing Home in Banff, Alberta at the age of 95 years old.

Mary was born in Douglas, Ayrshire, Scotland and spent her childhood in Muirkirk, Scotland. In her youth, Mary was a talented student and athlete in the sport of running, winning many school races and sometimes running up the mountain behind the town, Cairn Table, "twice a day". During WWII, Mary became a conductoress on the Glasgow Tram System, and this is where she met a young soldier, Anthony (Tony) Russell, whom she married in 1948. Mary and Tony celebrated their 71st anniversary on Jan. 23, 2019.

Mary and Tony immigrated to Canada in 1963, settling in Canmore with their four children. Throughout her life, Mary held many positions, including noon hour supervisor at Canmore School, Providence Insurance representative and maintenance staff. She rose to become the head housekeeper / supervisor at both the Voyager Inn in Banff and the Banff School of Fine Arts (Banff Centre). An avid volunteer, Mary worked in the Athlete's Village during the '88 Olympics, and she held many executive positions with the Canmore Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies' Auxiliary, including vice-president.

She was often the first one to be called upon for assistance with catering, hospital visits, organizational tasks, etc.. Mary was awarded

a Lifetime Membership in the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary, of which

she was very proud.

Mary was well-known for her kindness and generous spirit, never turning anyone away from her dinner table. Her award-winning shortbread was renowned in Canmore, and Mary generously shared this treat with family, friends and neighbours. Mary loved to read, knit, play cards, bake, cook and do puzzles. In her later years, she especially enjoyed listening to music and singing along. A lifelong learner, Mary obtained her driver's license in her 60's and learned tai chi in her 80's.

Mary was predeceased by her mother, Nicholas Smith, her father, John B. (Jock) Smith; her siblings, Nancy Keddie, William Smith, John Smith, Margaret Fisher; and her son-in-law, Charles (Butch) Whelan.

Mary is survived by her husband, Tony; her children, Maureen (Butch), Anthony (Marilynn), Ann (Pat) and Ed (Mary). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Paul K., Brent, Reece, Clinton, Kyle, Caitlin, Carly, Paul B., Elaine and Mark. Mary also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces and her surviving siblings,

Hannah McGleish and Ian Blackwood.

The family would like to thank everyone at St. Martha's Place for providing excellent care and support to both Mary and her family

for the past two and one-half years. Mary was blessed to spend

her final times in such a caring environment. We would like to thank Catherine McAllister, her longtime caregiver, for the friendship and support she has provided to Mum and her family. Many thanks to

Dr. Mitchell, Mary's long time physician, who provided care and guidance for so many years.

A celebration of Mary's life took place on Sunday, December 15

at the Canmore Golf and Curling Clubhouse.

If so desired, a donation made in Mary's memory, to St. Martha's Place in Banff, in lieu of flowers would be appreciated by the family.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.