June 30, 1935 - December 7, 2019
Mary Lou as her parents called her Died on the afternoon of December 7th, 2019 at 2:05 p.m.
Mary was born in New Westminster BC June 30th 1935 to Hugh Frederick and Verna Ponton. She spent the first 7 years of her life on Princess Royal Island just south of Prince Rupert in the small Fish Cannery community of Butedale, at that time accessible only by Union Pacific Steamships or chartered aircraft. Princess Royal Island is the fourth largest island in British Columbia and home of the White Sprit (Kermode) Bear. This is where Mary got her love for the ocean and nature of the West Coast. We believe Mary was probably the last surviving British Columbian to have lived on Princess Royal Island.
Mary returned to Vancouver in 1942 and attended primary school in the East end of the city and Van. Tech. High School. After leaving school Mary worked for the Department of Nation Defence - Inspection Services and while on an inspection trip to Dominion Bridge Company in Burnaby met Peter Hall. Peter and Mary were married September 17th 1955. They had two daughters: Leslie (Karl) and Susan (Gordon).
Mary was a stay home Mom until Leslie and Susan graduated, and she went to work for The Department of Highways, North Vancouver BC as an administrative assistant. Mary was a loving, caring mother, always adored and respected by her daughters.
Peter and Mary moved from Vancouver to Vancouver Island in 1990 and lived in Eaglecrest, Qualicum beach until moving to Craig Bay in 2002. Mary's time on the Island was spent Volunteering. She was a member of the Auxiliary of Trillium Long Term Care facility for 26 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels and helped prepare Christmas packages for those less fortunate at S.O.S.
In Craig Bay Mary could be seen walking every day until she was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis which slowed her down a little but didn't stop her. She will be missed by her many friends, her daughters Leslie and Susan, sons-in-law Karl and Gordon, and by Peter, as she was his best friend for 66 years.
The family would like to thank the nursing and administration staff at Stanford Seniors Village, for their care and kindness to Mary.
Yates Memorial Services
250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"
