It is with deepest sadness that the family of Mary Linford announces her passing on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 90 years.

Mary was born on May 22, 1935, in Vegreville, AB, and grew up on a farm where she created many cherished memories—playing in the barn and enjoying sled rides to school during the winter. At home, she spoke only Ukrainian and didn’t learn English until she started school.

As a child, Mary was an excellent gymnast, with her small size always earning her a spot at the top of the pyramid. She also loved skating, curling, and bowling.

Eventually, her family moved to Edmonton, where Mary attended high school and began working as an office temp through the White Glove Girls agency. She married in 1963 and was blessed with two daughters.

She worked here and there, babysat, and sold Avon to help out the family. Her favorite times were having coffee with the neighborhood ladies and heading to the bingo hall while her girls were up past bedtime, dancing to the loud music blaring from the record player with the babysitter.

In 1977, she moved to Grande Prairie with her girls and began working at the Grande Prairie Public Library. Mary dedicated many years to the library, becoming the circulation supervisor, and even after retiring, she generously volunteered countless hours, continuing to share her love of books and learning with others.

She loved her daughters immensely and welcomed all of their friends into her home. Everyone called her mom, and she was not scared to scold any one of us if we needed it.

Though small in stature, she had an enormous and loving heart. Her family meant the world to her, and becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys in life. She was an incredible mother who raised her girls herself, ensuring that they always had everything they needed and knew they were loved.

Mary had a deep love for books and could often be found reading. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, creating beautiful pieces for family and friends. She loved her trips to Vegas with her sister and her husband, as well as the odd trip out east. She liked building jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and many other hobbies until dementia made them difficult for her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jay Linford, Jackie Murray, and son-in-law Don Murray; grandchildren: Donny Murray, Chance Murray, Denny Howell, and Madeline Howell; brother in-in-laws Alex Krywiak and Gary MacMillan; numerous nieces and nephews; her special friends Mary and John Bereska, Joan Taylor, Sharon Shellenberg, the ladies of the library and many friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Pope, Nurse Melissa, Nurse Roxanne, and all the home care workers on the 4th floor at Prairie Lake for taking such good care of her over the last few years and in her final days.

Mary was predeceased by her twin sister Nadia Hoysak, her parents John and Annie Hoysak, her brother Walter Hoysak, and her sister Olga Hoysak. Mother-in-law Betty Linford, sisters-in-law Geri Macmillan and Maryann Hoysak.

As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Mary would want everyone to cherish all of the good memories and “Live life!”

Memorial donations can be made to the Grande Prairie Public Library (https://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1204) or to Prairie Lakes Seniors Community Centre (11460 104 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 3G9).