January 24, 1938 – February 24, 2020
Please join us to honour Mary Ann’s life: March 14, 2020, 1:00pm at the Genelle Community Hall.
The last waltz should last forever…
Mary Ann Stewart (nee Sahlin) passed away peacefully on February 24, 2020.
She will most certainly be met by her Teddy Bear for her long-awaited Teddy Bear hug.
Mary Ann’s amazing journey began in Kimberley BC with her mother Karin, Father Knut and brother Gordon. Music was a must in this household. Often getting out of dishes and other chores, Mary Ann would be encouraged to practice piano, which she always obliged. Later, at the tender age of 12, she would begin playing accordion with her dad at the local Legion.
She and Ted married in 1961 and Mary Ann was inducted into this large, wonderful and connected family. Family reunions were often the reason for travel and Mare & Ted would go when ever they could. Some other travels to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Branson, St. Louis, Alaska, and a mother-daughter Mediterranean Cruise.
Mary Ann’s musical talents were plenty, being a virtuoso in piano, accordion, guitar, ukulele. She could be heard singing all the time and would often turn any topic of conversation into a song. She was such a good sport when son-in-law Terry howled when she sang. Secretly, she loved this…
Bravely facing many health battles, Mary Ann’s smile rarely waned. Many remember her as “a ray of sunshine”, “bright”, “bubbly”. Her smile was infectious.
Missed by son Brant (Shelley) daughter Tonnie (Terry), step-son Don (Lori) grandchildren Melissa (Bob), Justin (Hilary), Andrew and Paige, and great grand-daughters Claire, Abby, Ayla & Reimi and an enormous number of nieces and nephews and their families.
Mary Ann was pre-deceased by her husband Alfred (Ted). They enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage and were rarely seen apart. She was also pre-deceased by brother, Gordon Sahlin.
Our thanks to Dr. Vasil and the army of health care professionals who assisted mom over the past decade. You all made a difference to her and our worlds. We are also grateful to the Castlegar Home Support for their outstanding and caring assistance.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Mary Ann’s name may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation (1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1) online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or to the Canadian or BC Cancer Societies.
Our parents are reunited and continue to dance.
Offer Condolence for the family of Mary Ann Stewart (nee Sahlin)
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Darlene and Gordon
I’m very saddened to hear of your loss
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
Janet & Peter John
Peter and I are so sorry to learn of Mary Ann’s passing. The photo shown is exactly how we remember her, always with that lovely, genuine smile on her pretty face. We were fortunate to have Mary Ann work with us in our Salmo office for several years, and she and her family also made a music soundtrack “Jingle” for a John’s Insurance radio ad many years ago….I still smile when I think of the tunes that Mary Ann, Ted and Tonnie came up with, it was fantastic. In later years Mary Ann would entertain at the Senior Home in Fruitvale where Peter’s Mom lives, and Grandma would always let us know when she saw Mary Ann play. Our condolences to your family. I have no doubt that Mary Ann and Ted are happily reunited, making beautiful music together. Sincerely, Jan & Peter
Diane Heim
Sad to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. Mom and I shared a cup of tea and reminisced about a wonderful friendship, tiki afternoons and Mary Ann’s musical talent. Mom will not make it to the service but our thoughts are with all the family. Sincere condolences Mary Edmonstone and Diane Heim
Sharon Smythe
Tonnie,
I am so saddened to see this. I have lovely memories of both your parents, and wonderful times spent in the house on Hart Street. The obituary is perfect: your mom was music personified.
-Sharon