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.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved “Mama.” Gail Hamilton passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at Victoria General Hospital.

Gail was predeceased by her husband Don “Papa” Hamilton in 2012; her parents Augusta and Walter Gingell, her stepmother Violet, her sister Bev, and her brother Glen.  She is survived by her sons, John (Connie) and Grant (Katie); grandchildren Taylor (Jessica), Matthew (Nicole), Elle (Jordan), Bria, Kendra, and Oliver; her brother Brian Gingell (Bev); sister-in-law Jamie Hamilton; and several nieces and nephews.

Gail was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended Miles Mac High School, where she first met her future husband, Don. After both began their careers with the Toronto-Dominion Bank, their friendship blossomed into love, and they married in Winnipeg in 1962.

Throughout Don’s banking career, the family relocated several times before settling in Victoria in 1972. Gail continued her own career with the Toronto-Dominion Bank until her retirement in 1999. Don and Gail’s greatest joy was their family. They supported John and Grant in all their sporting pursuits, and Gail was their biggest fan.

When the boys were young, summers were filled with epic camping trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. In 1980, “Mama” and “Papa” purchased a campsite at Shawnigan Lake, which quickly became their favourite place to gather with friends, family, and especially their grandchildren. Days were filled with beach time, roasting marshmallows around campfires, hot chocolate, and sing-alongs. Gail’s love for her grandchildren was endless.

Christmas was another special time for Gail and Don. They loved hosting family and friends and were known for their legendary Hamilton Christmas Eve celebrations.

So many were touched by her love. She will be deeply missed.

Friends and family are invited to gather and honour Gail at a private residence at 140 Meadow Park Lane, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend Linda Armstrong. She died peacefully at 4AM, July 24th after a brief battle with cancer.

It is hard to put into words what a remarkable lady she was. First was her deep love and devotion to her husband, Ken which she modeled in kindness, word and deed.

To us she was a constant source of kindness, strength and generosity. Linda had an incredible gift for making time for others, whether it was sitting down for a cup of tea, offering a listening ear, or quietly stepping in to help whenever someone needed her. Many of us were taken care of or consulted by her capable experience as a nurse.

Linda shared her gifts with everyone around her. Tennis Captainship, patient instruction, willingness to help and most importantly her caring friendship with all that knew her. We shared countless happy hours with Linda and Ken over the course of years; she did in tennis as she did in life! Positive, Can-Do spirit, See things through to the finish and never stop fighting, Hard work, Care and concern, Lots of laughs…

Linda’s patience, warmth, curiosity and love of life made every moment together special. She faced every challenge with courage and strength and even during her short battle with cancer, her spirit remained an inspiration.

At 80 years of age, Linda left this world having touched so many lives with her caring heart and unwavering friendship. We will forever treasure our conversations, our laughter, our tennis matches, club dinners and events and the many simple moments that became precious memories.

Linda ~ you enriched our lives beyond measure, and we will miss you deeply. Though you are gone, you will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will think of you every time we step on a tennis court or just need a cup of tea with a dear friend.

Rest peacefully sweet Linda.  You will not be forgotten.

 

Fanny Mar (aka Fani and Aunty Fun), passed away peacefully at age 94 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC, the evening of August 04, 2026, after suffering a stroke a month earlier.

Born and raised in Victoria, she lived and worked in Vancouver, Hawaii and California before retiring back to Canada.

Always elegant, stylish and engaging, it was difficult not to be charmed by her. She was always interested in what you were doing and all the things                                          around her.

A lover of good fashion, art, music and dance, she enjoyed attending all events especially if it included a family member or friend. There was no end to her praise.

She loved cultural events from Taiko drumming to Polynesian dancing, but was especially enamored with Chinese lion dancing which reminded her of her childhood when she was part of a dance group that performed at the same events.

She always knew what she wanted and was determined to do as she pleased even if occasionally it took longer to get to her destination, like getting to your place for dinner after walking down every aisle of a grocery store looking at what was new and tasty to bring you. There was no stopping her if she had her mind set on it.

She was fiercely loyal and protective of her family and friends and you counted your lucky stars to be in her good graces and receive those giant bear hugs when she saw you. She also spoke her mind and suffered no fools. You would know it.

Predeceased by siblings Ben, Jean, Jack, Susie, Toye, Quinton and Bill, she is survived by youngest sister Soleine and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Fani leaves long time friends Amy Lowe and Corinne Wong, as she meets up with friend Anita Der.

Fani was deeply loved and shall be greatly missed.

In lieu of any cards, flowers or donations, please treat yourself to a favourite indulgence in her honour.

Mel Patrick (Pat) Chury passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Victoria, B.C.at the age of 66 years. Pat is survived by his wife, best friend and soulmate Joyce, brother Greg (Kathleen) Chury and their children Joel (Kate, and their children Silas, and Tatum), Britt (Chris) Catala, and Brad (Beth), and their children Lilly, Rosie and Ivy ;, sister Leah Ann (Stewart) Vail and their daughters Kaitlin (Richard), and their children Marie and Emmalynn and Kelsey (Sam)and their son Lucas He is predeceased by his parents Bill and Pauline Chury.
Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Victoria General Hospital ICU for their wonderful care.
Private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Victoria Humane Society or charity of choice.
Loved and forever missed.