MARY CARPENTER

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MARY CARPENTER

June 8, 1923 – August 23, 2025

Peacefully at the Grace Hospital with sweet Madeline by her side, Mary passed away after more than 102 years on this earth.

Mary was born in Toronto on June 8, 1923, to Frank and Edith Carpenter. She was a cherished child, entering into a family with a much older sister Lenore, and brother Frank Junior.

Mary moved to Winnipeg at a young age, settling into what is now referred to as old Tuxedo. Up until her move to The Shaftesbury in 2013, Mary lived her entire life on Lamont or Handsart Blvd.

Mary was just beginning her transition to grade 9 when her dear sister Lenore passed away from a heart condition resulting from scarlet fever. Mary remembered this as a dark time for herself and her family.

From Riverbend, Mary went on to Angus Business College for a year, where she studied penmanship, spelling, typing, and shorthand…which she could do at 100 wpm! Mary ended up working at the law firm of ‘Aikens McCauley Thompson Dilts’, where she was told by Mr. Thompson that she should go to law school. To this day Mary wishes she would have taken his advice.

Mary remembered with great fondness the times she would go out dancing with “the boys” during the 1940’s. She noted that after the war it was much more difficult to meet boys.

When Mary was in her early 20’s, her brother Frank was killed in THE Second World War. She remembers that again, these were very dark times. Although she received more than 1 proposal of marriage, it seemed clear to Mary that after losing both their 1st and 2nd child, her parents weren’t going to lose her too. As such Mary never married, choosing instead to live with and care for both of her parents until they died in their 80’s.

Back in Winnipeg Mary quickly found work at Simpson Sears, flying up the secretarial ranks to become the administrative assistant of the manager/superintendent, which she did for more than 20 years as a much-valued employee.

Mary retired soon after her parents passing and, for much of her late 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, travelled extensively throughout the world. She even travelled to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London.

The last twenty years of Mary’s life were mostly spent alone. A self-described hermit, she cherished her books, radio programs, magazines, and television programs….especially the historical documentaries. Moving to the Shaftesbury was a big change for Mary, but she came to really enjoy the company of the staff and the home care workers in her midst.

Along with her amazing memory, Mary had an excellent sense of humour. It was these dry, unexpected retorts which would have us laughing out loud and coming back for more.

Mary was a lifelong member of St Georges Anglican Church. The people there, especially Gwyneth, were a very important part of her life.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Frank and Edith Carpenter, her sister Lenore and her brother Frank Junior Carpenter, and by her beloved friend Agnes. She will be remembered with love by Helen and Alfred Schellenberg, Elizabeth Schellenberg and Andrew Hiebert, Gwyneth Jones, Madeline Hiebert, Ruth and Geoff Branson, and the fabulous staff of The Boulevard at The Shaftesbury, most notably Agnes and Resmije.

Cremation has taken place. A service to remember Mary will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St George’s Anglican Church, 168 Wilton Street, Winnipeg. High tea will be enjoyed after the service in honour of Mary.

In care of arrangements

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2025