MARY STEWART EAST
After a full and remarkable life, Mary passed away February 29th in Fernie,
B.C., in her 99th year. Mary Stewart Wilson was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan on June 9, 1917 to Andrew and Violet Wilson, who immigrated from Scotland a decade earlier. She grew up on
Knockhill Farm, the second youngest of five sisters and three brothers. Mary
received her R.N. from the Winnipeg General Hospital and subsequently met and married Dr. Sparling East on April 25, 1942 at Sparling United Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Immediately after Spar’s return from the war, the couple in response to an Ad, moved to Fernie
in 1945 and raised their four sons —Stewart (Pauline), Craig (Rosemary), Fraser (Jacquie) and Blair (Janie).
Also surviving her are special niece Donna Noblett, (nee Wilson), and her family, seven grandchildren (Laurel, Shannon, Jeremy, Ryan, Stephanie, Jordan and Andrew) and ten great grandchildren (Shandra, Hannah, Ryan, Ella, Madeline, Amelia, Dylan, Bryce, Everett and
Wyatt). Mary was predeceased by her Wilson family, her husband of 65 years, Sparling East (2007) and daughter in-law Libby East (2006).
Mary leaves her cherished City of Fernie after decades of community service in the Fernie Heritage Library, the Legion Auxiliary, Knox United Church, Eastern Star, Rotary, and Fernie Hospital Auxiliary and establishing a Fernie Secondary School Scholarship, to name a
few. Both Mary and “Doc” East were ardent fans and supporters of Fernie Hockey, where she could be heard
saying “Come on Boys!”.
Mom spent many happy and busy years involved with her sons and their families at their Fernie home and Rosen
Lake cabins. Friends and relatives also gravitated to their many gatherings. She loved a party, planning her party outfits, to laugh, and in particular being regaled by her sons’ tales of various youthful indiscretions. Mom
and Dad enjoyed many travels abroad, often with Doug and Wilda Quail. They loved to visit family and longtime
friends, and made new acquaintances where ever they went.
Mary and Spar inspired their sons and grandchildren and all extended family to live life to the fullest!
The family is very grateful to the many people who made a difference in Mom’s life. Special thanks to Mary’s home support team and Frances Breland, a great friend and caregiver. Also a huge appreciation to Doctors Clark
and Michal and to all the staff at the Rocky Mountain Village Care Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Knox United Church, 201 2nd Ave., on Saturday, May 7th at 1:00 PM.
Condolences can be made online at Cherished Memories Fernie (cherishedmemoriesfs.com) or by
mail to PO Box 1017, Fernie, BC, V0B 1MO.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Mom’s favourite organizations:
Dr. Sparling and Mrs. Mary East Scholarship Fund
c/o Elk Valley Hospital Foundation
P.O. Box 670
Fernie, BC. VOB 1MO
Fernie Heritage Library,
P.O. Box 448,
Fernie, B.C. VOB 1MO
or a charity of your choice.