In Loving Memory of

Mary Ann Woodbury

of Edmonton
Jan 19, 2013

 

 

Dear Clair, We am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. We feel so blessed to have known you both. We always felt so welcomed at your home. Mary's humour and sense of language opened us to the beauty for language and human life. She gave her gift of story and poetry to us all. We wish you and your family comfort and rest as you go through this difficult time. Loretta and Daniel Bogert-O'Brien
posted by Loretta and Daniel Bogert-O'Brien : Friends. : Mar 09, 2013

 

I'm so sorry to hear about Mary's sudden passing. Although I did not know her well, she was a real spit-fire. I first met her to interview her for Other Voices which she helped to found. She welcomed me into the community outside of the university & for that I'm truly grateful. Her continued enthusiasm for writing and especially for women's writing touched so many of us & helped so us too I think realize our own potential & dreams. She will most certainly be missed, but her strength, her determination, contribution to the community, & especially her kindness will not forgotten. I am grateful to have meet her.
posted by Kath MacLean : I'm a writer in Edmonton. I met Mary many years ago as a grad student sent to interview her for Other Voices. Small world here so that I would see Mary at literary events from time to time. : Jan 30, 2013

 

Clair, I was sorry to hear of Mary's death. I recall many casual contacts with her over the years, but particularly remember our youth group at First Mill Woods using her plays on different occasions and their appreciation of them. I had been planning to be there this afternoon, but a cold has plugged my ears so my hearing is about 20% -- a frustration in services and conversation. My thoughts and prayers, however, are with your at this time. Tom Sawyer
posted by Tom Sawyer : I've known both Clair and Mary through the church for a few decades. : Jan 26, 2013

 

It is enough for us to know that heart of God is with you, full of mercy and compassion, tend to the wounds you and your family bear. Our sincerest sympathy, the Kobylka family Jean, Jo-Anne, Janice, Joy, and Keith
posted by Jo-Anne Kobylka : Claire was the Minister at Southminster- Steinhauer United Church and Mary was part of the congregation. : Jan 26, 2013

 

Dear Clair and all your wonderful family, We cherish the memory of Mary during our work with the ICA so many decades ago, and stand in awe of the creative service she continued to give to the people of her beloved Canada in recent years. We hold you in our prayers at this time of loss and trust you can find comfort in celebrating Mary's full and complete life this weekend. Grace and peace, the Crockers
posted by Joe & Marilyn Crocker : We worked with the Woodbury family in international development efforts in the 1970s. : Jan 25, 2013

 

Dear Clair, We were so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mary. We both remember her gentle smile, her warm laughter and the twinkle in her eyes. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
posted by Claude and Eugénie Dubé : We are neighbours. : Jan 24, 2013

 

Dear Clair, Robert and sibs, Please accept my condolences for your loss. Well I remember your mother's wit and intelligence as colleagues in the Ecumenical Institute and the Institute of Cultural Affairs. She was always enjoyable to be around. Her commitments and reliability could always be counted on. With all best wishes, Ken Fisher
posted by Ken Fisher : The Order Ecumenical : Jan 24, 2013

 

We are very sad to learn of Mary's passing and extend our deepest sympathy to Clair and the family. I remember meeting Mary at Steinhaur United Church in the late 1980's. She had a lovely alto/tenor voice, a passion for writing and a great capacity for friendship. Over the years our paths crossed a few times and I remember a poetry writing workshop with her at Pigeon Lake. She was adamant that we know writing was 90 percent work and 10 % inspiration. Thanks to her I read a poem and am proud of that feat. Recently Mary was the guest speaker at the Southminster Steinhauer Book Club Christmas Luncheon. We heard her read some of her poetry and we celebrated her success as a writer. She gave me the biggest hug and smile. I will remember her outgoing personality, her sense of humour and her work ethic. She will be missed by all who knew her.
posted by Sandy Robertson : Southminster-Steinhauer United Church : Jan 24, 2013

 

The congregants of Morinville United Church and Busby United Church in Morinville Pastoral Charge are saddened by your loss. It is especially hard when someone so vibrant and alive is taken from us so suddenly. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers this week as you struggle through this most difficult time.
posted by Morinville Morinville Pastoral Charge : Clair was our minister for a number of years back in the 1990s. : Jan 24, 2013

 

Dear Clair and family, We send our loving sympathy to you at this very sad time. We always remembered you and Mary and your family, perhaps because in the Order Ecumenical we were Aussies and you were Canadians. It was a deep pleasure to know Mary and especially her strong laugh and rich smile. What a wonderful life of writing she led. We know that your family will be close by, and will grieve with you in the passing on of a truly good and kind woman, Wife, and Mother. We send our love to you Clair, and we hope that you feel supported in the strength of prayers from folks far and wide. Sincerely, Isobel and Jim BIshop.
posted by Isobel and Jim Bishop : Through our working together in the Ecumenical Institute, and the Institute of Cultural Affairs, in the 60's-80's. : Jan 24, 2013

 

Dear Clair: Ann and I join you and many colleagues in celebrating the completion of Mary's life and commending her to the care of the eternal Mystery. You have our deepest condolences. John Epps
posted by John Epps : We were colleagues in the Ecumenical Institute / Institute of Cultural Affairs : Jan 24, 2013

 

Dear Clair and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mary's death. Please know that we walk with you at this time, and pray for your comfort and happy remembrances of a great and faithful wife, Mary. Ken & Clare Whitney
posted by Clare Whitney : We worked together in North America and Italy. : Jan 24, 2013

 

We shall miss that vibrant smile and energy which she brought to many. I was moved to open her book of poetry and read through yesterday. It brought a flood of memories of Mary's enthusiasm, and the time we shared in choir and other church events. Our thoughts are with you and know that she is loved and valued in so many ways. The ladies of the Tuesday Connection group at Southminster-Steinhauer sent special prayers your way yesterday. Warmest regards, Bonnie and Ed
posted by Bonnie and Ed Berg : Clair was our minister at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church and Mary was a part of our choir and ladies events. : Jan 23, 2013