Our beloved Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie and Friend, Mary Louise Nellis, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the age of 76 years.

Mary was born June 3, 1945, in Regina, SK, to Donald and Frances McKinnon. She loved to tell stories about growing up in Saskatchewan and the mischief she got into with Cam, Bruce and Lynda. Her family moved to Grande Prairie in 1959, and she met the love of her life, Gary, shortly thereafter. They married in 1966, and built their lives in Grande Prairie, with Robin and Derek completing the family. They relocated to Sexsmith in 1976. Here, they became very involved in the sports community in the town, and she was always there supporting hockey, figure skating, baseball and school sports, cheering loudly. This continued through the years with her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that Auntie Mary loved and supported.

In 2002, Mary was given a tremendous gift when she received a lung transplant. She was so grateful for that blessing and she lived her life with joy and purpose, knowing that she received a second chance. Being a huge part of her grandchildren’s lives was a blessing that she counted every day. She was the most amazing Gramma. She had a very special bond with each of her four treasured grandchildren. Participating in their lives as they grew up was very important to her.

Mary had so many special friendships that lasted through the years. Friendships made in the hockey arenas endured long after the final season. Retired from Telus for more than twenty years, she and the “Telus girls” met regularly for dinner and drinks, cards and crafts. The “Sexsmith girls” held a special place in her heart and the laughs were nonstop when they got together. The “Card girls” were her remarkable group of ladies, unwavering in their love for each other and their competitive canasta games.

Mary was competitive and liked to win! On the golf course with Dan, at the canasta table with the girls, playing rummy tiles with Sharon, she played to win! She was always down for a game and she wasn’t shy about wanting to beat you! She shared her love of games with anyone willing to play.

Mary was well known for her cooking. Her cabbage rolls and butter tarts were some of her specialties, and her pie crust was the absolute best. Mary’s collaborations with Jeannie to make lefse and perogies resulted in some large batches of deliciousness that she was always willing to share.

The joy and light that Mary sent out into the world was felt by many. She had a very beautiful way of making everyone feel special and that gift will be cherished by her family and friends forever.

Mary leaves behind her devoted children Robin (Rob) and Derek (Tara); her cherished grandchildren: Kinley, Logan, Bo and Sage. She also leaves her sister Lynda (Chris); brother Bruce (Karen); brother in-law Dan (Marlene); sister in-law Jackie; as well as sister in-law and dear friend Barbara. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Mary was predeceased by her great love Gary, in 2017. He welcomed her with open arms to continue their journey together. She was also welcomed by her parents Frances and Donald; brother Cam; her in-laws Opal and Ted; as well as brother in-law Murney.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date, so that we all can come together to share stories and celebrate this remarkable woman.

In memory of Mary, if you are able, please register with the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry.