Mary was born and raised in Toronto by Dunja and Harry Sr. Parniuk along with her older brother Harry.
She led an exciting life continually striving to learn, explore and contribute.
She obtained a B.Sc. in Florida 1980 and a Masters of Arts and Leadership from Royal Roads University 2000.
Early on, her work in environmental sciences took her to many interesting places. One place being Tuktoyaktuk N.W.T. and another being station Papa via an Oceanography vessel. Much of her work was in Victoria and Vancouver. Through the years her work transitioned more into the realms of Health and Safety and eventually into the area of preparing people for retirement. She became a published author with a book named “Strategies for Transitions to Retirement” and a tips booklet called “107 Tips for Retirement”.
She completed two marathons in the mid 80’s. She was an avid photographer and in 1988 and she wrote an article about the northern mining town of Anyox to go with pictures she had taken. It was published in B.C. Beautiful Magazine. Her passions, achievements and interests throughout her life included Kayaking (she was the president of the Cowichan Canoe and Kayak club for two years), Kung Fu (black belt - teaching), Yoga (teaching), Violin (Played in the Victoria Civic Orchestra) and last but not least Singing with Encore Choir. Finally during quieter times she indulged in making many quilts, knitting many hats and in her final days she crocheted a blanket for her daughter Christine.
In 1989 she met Hugh Gallinger and on October 6th,1990 they were Married. They had one lovely daughter Christine in 1992. They moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1995 from North Vancouver. She is survived by her husband Hugh, daughter Christine and brother Harry.
The family wishes to thank Mary’s GP Dr. Seymour, the CDH emergency staff, the BC Cancer agency, Royal Jubilee staff, VIHA nurses, VIHA care aides, Hospice volunteers, Nurses Next Door and the many family and friends that provided so much support over the past three years of Mary’s illness. We truly live in a wonderful community. God bless you all!
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 1st, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street, Duncan, BC. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Cowichan Hospice or the B.C. Cancer Agency in remembrance of Mary.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com