Mary F. Spiers (nee Meakin)

November 24, 1953 ~ January 23, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary F. Spiers on January 23, 2024 at Pinawa Hospital, at the at age of 70.

Mary leaves behind her husband Jim of 49 years; son James and grandsons Austin (partner Tiara), Declan (partner Navarda) and Tannon as well as extended family and siblings in the UK and Ontario.

Mary was predeceased by her son Christopher (1978) and daughter-in-law Leila.

Mary grew up on Hays House Farm, Bramshall, Staffs, UK.  After attending Rodbaston Agricultural Collage from ‘71 – ‘72 at the age of 17, she made dairy farming her career. She also picked out a likely husband, and they were married in ‘74 and she took an active roll along side her husband on their family dairy farm.  Son James was born later that year.

As the opportunity for a young family to have their own farm in England was slim we emigrated to Gladstone, Manitoba in ’81 buying a small dairy farm.  Mary took a very active roll on the farm continuing to milk until we were around 90 cows and employed a herdsman.  We both gained a lot of satisfaction out of working together and seeing the farm continuing to grow.

She also liked to ride, so it wasn’t long before there were 3 horses around and lots of adventures to follow, stopping in at various neighbours for refreshments along the way and arriving back home in the early hours.  Mary’s love of animals didn’t end there, anybody that knew her always looked for the four or five dogs that would be with her.  On one occasion she came home with a goat in the trunk of the car!  But she did make it clear that a couple hundred wild boars were not her idea.  Mary also liked to entertain so there were many dinner party’s and celebrations throughout the year, anything up to 100 guests depending on the season.

We both retired in 2009 and moved to Pinawa where she was very active in the Woman’s Auxiliary raising money for the hospital.  Of course, she had 2 jack russels and a bike and enjoyed every opportunity she had to ride around town.

Travelling was on the agenda so we did some cruises and touring Europe but by far Mary’s favourite form of travel was road trips throughout the USA and Canada in our convertible.  Mary always thought we had a blessed and unique lifestyle.  Although we worked hard, we were lucky enough to retire young and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Mary was diagnosed with cancer when we moved to Pinawa but thanks to successful treatment and Doctors efforts, Mary avoided a lot of the side effects until the last 4 years and for that we are eternally grateful to have that time together.

We would like to thank the staff at Pinawa Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care given to Mary.

As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Pinawa Hospital or CancerCare Manitoba.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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