1952 – 2026
A life lived through pictures and stories.
It was always clear to those who knew her that Mary had her own values and would likely choose a different lifestyle and career than the rest.
In essence, she would write her own story.
Moving from Ottawa, where she was born and raised, she became part of Vancouver’s nascent film and television industry. Working as a location and production manager, then a producer, with credits on early TV series such as Danger Bay and 21 Jump Street and feature films like Meatballs, The Twilight Saga and I, Robot, Mary’s career spanned nearly 4 decades.
Through her work came the opportunity to travel which Mary loved, shooting in various locations around the world, like Serbia, Croatia, Belgium, Guam and Peru.
When not “on set” Mary was involved with “Women in Film“and other women’s groups, using her down time for personal growth. She learnt story editing, experimented with art-making, studied naturopathy and always tried to live with intention.
Her 5-year journey with Stage 4 cancer was taken with fortitude, creativity, and positivity. On August 17th, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends Mary’s story came to a peaceful end, “In this world,” she might have quipped.
Predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Daley) and Jim Guilfoyle, and sister Eleanor (late Rick Beaver). Mary was a sister of Pat (Wendy), Marlene Etherington, Kathy (late Aurele Fleury) and Brian, and aunt to many generations. Along with family she will be missed by Mary L, Shirley, Paula, Rhonda, Mary MP, Eva, Dona, Carol, Marianne, Murray, Ans and David and the many other friends she loved and are too numerous to name.
Thank you to the patient care staff at BC Cancer Care and the Royal Jubilee Hospital, and for the ongoing support provided by Dr. Gurdev Parmar and Dr. Sheree Chappell.
Dear Mary – may you finally be free of pain. Your spirit will live on in those who loved you. Watch over us in this ever changing world. Peace & Love.
We wish to express our condolences to Mary’s family and friends. We enjoyed having Mary visit us a few years back with her sisters Kathy and Eleanor. Mary was a trooper who fought a hard battle. May she rest in peace.
I remember Mary fondly. I came up learning a lot of what not to do from many production managers, however Mary was always a strong, sensible and fair presence. She was respected and admired by many, and I feel her contribution to the guild and our film community is very understated.
My condolences to those closest to Mary. I am happy to have known her!
So sorry to hear on Mary’s passing.
I remember her great spirit and warm energy on Productions she was involved in the 80’s. I was working on other projects at same studio and we would chat about our respectivee challenges when we bumped into each other. She guided and launched alot of peoples carreers.
Mary was a much respected member and contributor to the British Columbia motion picture and television production industry. Her calm, quiet manner reflected on those around her on each production. She will be missed.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Warren Carr
Directors Guild of Canada
National Production Rep.
(And fellow production manager)