April 5, 1919
-
May 11, 2013
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing on Saltspring Island of our dear mother Mary (Kalmakoff) Schick. Born near Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and raised on a farm, she was always fascinated with the natural world. She studied Chemistry and Biology and worked in a lab while raising her four children in Regina, Saskatchewan. Later she taught school in Manitoba.
A member of the Voice of Women during the fifties, she was a great supporter of Tommy Douglas whom she had the honour of hosting in her home. Due to her facility with the Russian language she also hosted members of the Red Army Chorus when they performed in Regina.
Mary moved to Nelson, B.C. in 1971 where she reconnected with her Russian heritage, living there until 2007 when she retired to Saltspring Island.
She is predeceased by our father, Leo, two brothers, Charles and Mike. She is survived by her sister, Betty Glendinning, her four children, the twins Alvina (Ralph) and Peter (Paty), her son Michael (Joan) and her daughter, Erna (Doug), nine nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and extended family.
Above all our mother was a model of kindness and respect for others, appreciated for her sense of humour, and greatly loved by all who came to know her. The world has lost a great supporter of women’s rights, democracy and science, and Heaven has gained an angel.
Rest in peace, Mom, you are forever in our hearts.