The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Mary East passed away October 17, 2003 in Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg with her son Greg at her side. Mary was predeceased by her parents, two infant daughters and husband Bill. She is survived by her son Greg East (Jan), grandchildren Jesse, Cody and Jeni, foster son Tony Morin, sisters Gladys Ardeline and Jeanne Cooper and their families, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary East was born Mary Isabel Brims in Holdfast, SK on September 27, 1921, the daughter of Sgt. D.J. Brims and Ruth Brims. Mary was the eldest of the three "Brims girls", her sisters being Gladys and Jean. D.J. Brims was a member of the Sask. Provincial Police and later, the RCMP. The family moved often, as was typical with police families, and life was sometimes difficult but always interesting for them. As a child, Mary spent a lot of time helping out with her younger sisters. This influenced her future, as much of her later life was also devoted to taking care of others. Mary graduated from the Brandon School of Nursing and moved to Flin Flon in 1943 to begin her nursing career at the "Company" hospital. She met Bill East who worked in the drafting office of HBM&S Co., and they were married in February of 1945. Bill had enlisted in the army but was lucky enough to have the war end while he was in training at Camp Shilo Manitoba. In 1949, Bill and Mary built their first and only house at 392 Green Street, where Mary lived until her passing. Mary and Bill had their first child, Greg, in 1951. Mary was always Greg's most ardent supporter. He remembers that his birthday parties were always "the best" including special cakes and activities. Mary was a great mother, and Greg knew he was well loved even when he was a rebellious teenager. Mary had two other very difficult pregnancies but neither of the babies survived. Her heart was broken after these tragedies, but she pulled herself together for her family and went back to some part-time nursing. We have talked to a number of people since Mary passed away who have commented on what a marvellous nurse she was. She was compassionate, caring and willing to go out of her way to help anyone in need. No where were these traits more evident than in 1958 when Tony came into Mary's life. She had been called into special with Tony, a scrawny, loveable 1 1/2 year old from Sandy Bay. Because of his disabilities he was unlikely to survive if he went home again, and Mary was asked (or volunteered) to take him home. That was the beginning of a 45-year long relationship. Tony and Mary became inseparable and Tony went on to win the hearts not only of Bill and Greg but the neighbours and everyone else who had the good fortune to meet him. Mary and the family, but mostly Mary, got to listen to Tony's favourite music by the Irish Rovers over and over and over. We have all come to love the Irish Rovers and I think we can thank Tony for that. But we really need to thank Grandma Mary for bringing him home to be part of our lives. Even though she was no longer nursing, Mary was always ready to help out around the neighbourhood when she heard someone was ill. She was a founding member of the Palliative Care team and spent many hours sitting with families and people who were in need of comfort. We have no idea how many people she supported but we know there were lots. There were a number of elderly folks she kept in touch with regularly by phone, checking up on some of them daily to make sure all was well. In 1998 Mary had a fall that put her in the hospital for a time. Even though her health continued to decline, her mind remained sharp. We frequently got phone calls about what she had seen or heard on the radio or TV. We never had to worry about missing an important show as she made sure that we knew if there was anything interesting or worthwhile watching. Mary's wish was to continue to live in her own home and we wondered how this could continue after she had another fall and ended up in the hospital again last year. Although at first it was difficult for her to accept home care, she quickly came to appreciate the ladies who came every night to assist her and the nurses who came during the day to check on her. We want to thank everyone who helped out as this meant Mary got to remain in her home. She was determined not to move and we are grateful that her wishes were able to be accommodated. Mary's qualities of compassion, caring, determination, her generosity, her sense of justice, responsibility and service do live on in her son and her grandchildren. Mary, you were a special person. You leave your friends and family with the precious gifts of your caring and sharing. Through the seeds you have planted, your spirit lives on. Mary, we appreciate what you have given us. We love you and may you rest in peace. Deep peace of the northern skies to her. Deep peace of the running wave to her. Deep peace of the gentle wind to her. Deep peace of the quiet earth to her. Deep peace of our love to her. The family of Mary East wishes to thank: Dana and Darren of Dadson Funeral Home for service above and beyond the call of duty. Our neighbours and friends for all the support. A special thanks to Frank Fieber for officiating at Mary's memorial service. Thanks to musicians/friends: John and Gaby Taylor, Doug McGregor, Tim and Elly Spencer, Brent and Susan Lethbridge and Cindy Fahie, and Rod Walker for sending off Mary's 'spirit' in a fashion we know she would have approved of. To Lu Berg for attending the memorial registry, and to Const. Monty Henstridge for providing the 'colour guard'. You all helped to turn a difficult day into a very special memory. To all the Home Care nurses and staff who supported Mary over the past year. Thank you on behalf of Mary's family. Greg, Jan, Tony, Jesse, Cody and Jeni
