Obituary of Mary Duke

Mary passed away peacefully at the Regina Pasqua Hospital on Monday, February 22, 2021.  Mom would have been 90 this July, born in Regina to George Spack and Doris Pasklav. 

 

Mom had a tough childhood, having lost her mother at a young age, and being the youngest of three girls that had to grow up fast.  She had a Grade 11 education and was a waitress when she met Dad; they married in December 1948.  Mary worked at a cigar store as a Clerk, then got on at Eatons in the hardware department.  From there she went on to oversee the store’s security. In 1969, Mary was appointed Special Constable in the Province of Saskatchewan and acquired many training certificates with respect to law enforcement.  Mom moved over to the Regina Police Service where she was a Supervisor in the Traffic Division.  Mary’s accomplishments and roles in enforcement were quite remarkable given the era and that she was a woman.

 

Mom had a very take-charge personality and enjoyed being a Brownie leader, working alongside Dad with Scouts and being on various boards.  Mary was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Rebekah Lodge, which believed in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Sisterhood of Woman.

 

Mom and Dad spent numerous summers at their spot at Sherwood Forest.  They loved attending the barn dances, and she made sure us kids all knew how to 2-step, teaching us in our living room.  Mary enjoyed having friends over to play Mahjong, having morning coffee with her neighbour Chris, and alternating Thanksgiving and Boxing Day dinners with the Seal family.

 

Mom was a huge fan and long-time season ticket holder of both the Regina Pats and Saskatchewan Roughriders.  When Hockey Night in Canada was on, the house was loud – you’d think she was a referee!  Mary had great Rider seats, right behind the opposing football team’s bench, and never hesitated to give their head coach a hard time!  Poor Wally Buono and Henry Burris, but they would kibitz right back with her HAHA!

 

Mary loved travelling, and when both her and Dad retired, they were able to visit Europe a few times to connect with our heritage.  When Dad passed, mom continued her travels with her sister Anne Dunn and her children.

 

Mom loved to bake and for many years you would see her at craft/bake sales with her cabbage rolls and butter tarts.  If you came to visit, you never left empty handed.

 

Mary was a tough mom who instilled in her children right from wrong and pushed us to always do our best.  Although mom could be a hard ass, she was there in a heartbeat when you needed her.

 

She was the best Grandmother who just loved and gave so much to her 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson.  Mary was predeceased by her husband Lionel Duke; parents George Spack and Doris Pasklav;  and sisters Anne Dunn and Polly Niculeac. She is lovingly remembered and survived by children Lark Feather, Lyle (Linda) Duke, George Duke and Tracey (Chris) Willis.

 

We would like to thank the many medical and support staff at both the General and Pasqua Hospitals, as well as the staff at College Park Retirement Residence, for making mom’s last few months as comfortable as possible.

 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Graveside Service for immediate family will take place.  In keeping with mom’s wishes, she will be laid to rest alongside our father in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery.  Although extended family and friends aren’t able to join us, don’t hesitate to have a shot of rye for mom!

 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Canadian Lung Association.