Mary McAvany (Padjen)
In the early morning of Monday, September 4, 2017, Mary found peace and gracefully joined the ancestors.
Mary will be deeply missed by her daughter Sylvia McAvany of Victoria, BC; grandson Lyle Denny (Kristen Rogers) and great grandchildren Abbigale, Emma and Kailee of Parksville, BC; granddaughter Audra Denny of Blackfalds, AB; three surviving siblings, Annie Willis, Kay Padjen and Rosie Gemmill; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
She was predeceased by her daughter Shannin Denny, her parents Petar and Slavka Padjen and her brothers Johnny Padjen and Mike Padjen.
Mary was born in Hillcrest, BC on October 23, 1941. She lived in Duncan until her late teens, before making her way to Alberta, where she later married and started a family. After settling in Calgary, Mary began her career at the Calgary Board of Education and worked there until she returned with her family to Vancouver Island in 1980; the Comox Valley had been her home for over thirty years. Mary worked in the kitchen at the Comox Air Force Base until retirement at the age of 65.
Weekly bingo outings and trips across the border with her besties were highlights for Mary.
She was famous for her Croatian Orahnjaca bread and when her fingers would oblige, she enjoyed the fine art of embroidery and cross stitch.
Affectionately referred to as "Baba" (grandmother) by many, Mary's quick wit and willingness to help out a friend in need will always be dearly remembered. Baba enriched our lives and made this world a much better place. To those who provided meals, visits, rides, phone calls and flowers - thank you. Our hearts were warmed by the care you took as her health declined so rapidly; we send much love and gratitude your way.
Mary was cremated on September 6, 2017. Some of her ashes will travel to Australia, as she often spoke of visiting family in Canberra; a wish that never materialized while she was here with us.
Flowers gratefully delined. Mary's family asks that you help those in need through a charity of your choice.
There will be a gathering in honor of Mary at the Little Red Church, 2182 Comox Ave., Comox, BC on September 15, drop in between 1:30 and 4:30 pm.