Mary E. Crawford

It is with a very heavy heart, and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my beloved, dearest love, MARY CRAWFORD. The words printed here are meant to “celebrate her life”, and “honor her memory”. The lovely Mary was my life partner for well over 40 years. We met in September of 1978.

During Mary’s life, music and performing was her passion. Her voice touched the soul of many lives, bringing both comfort & joy to everyone around her. Gifted with a natural aura and shear presence, along with the distinct ability to make every person in an audience think that she was singing “just for them”. At a tender 5 years of age, she sang on stage for the first time, when she sang her first song “One-A-Penny, Two-A-Penny, Hot Cross Buns” for WWII soldiers. During our many years together, her voice and presence touched the heart of numerous lives that had the privilege of meeting and hearing her. She excelled with Classical music, though generally her career prompted her singing a variety of other music. One (of many) highlights in her career included a memorable “3-minute standing ovation” performance at the Winnipeg Concert Hall, on July 16, 1982, where she sang a special tribute of WWII songs (made famous by British artist Dame Vera Lynn during WWII), with the British Royal family member Anne – the Princess Royal in attendance.(The standing ovation instigated by Princess Anne)!!

In addition, a full-length movie (featuring LIVE performances) was made around the same time called “A LAST FAREWELL”, in which Mary sang many of the songs performed during the Concert Hall Event (with the British Music Hall group “The Bunch of Grapes”. The movie won a Gold Medal for Canada. Shown on CKND television every November 11th (Remembrance Day) until the beginning of the new decade. The song medley (in video format) can be watched here as part of this special tribute. They are meant to represent not only her talent and beautiful voice, but her happy, playful and loving personality and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mary is survived and grieved by her four children (Caroline, Janette, Tony, and Elaine), along with 10 grand children, and 1 great grand child. Through her voice, pictures, and documented performance videos, she will remain forever young in our hearts.

To my Mary: “There are no goodbyes for you and I. Wherever you are, you will remain – Forever in My Heart”. You are dearly loved and will be dearly missed.

The late, great British singer “Dame Vera Lynn” once sang a lovely song to soldiers during WWII. These poignant words seem fitting at this time “WE’LL MEET AGAIN, DON’T KNOW WHERE, DON’T KNOW WHEN, BUT I KNOW WEL’LL MEET AGAIN SOME SUNNY DAY”.

Now, go my dearest love, lead God’s heavenly choir, and fly with the angels, fly!!

Your Reg

Quotes: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people with Never Forget how you made them feel”!! – Maya Angelou

1. Pooh Bear once said to Piglet:

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?”

“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.” “We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?” asked Piglet.

“Even longer,” Pooh answered.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. 

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. 

But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”

I invite each of you to “raise a glass in a toast to Mary’s memory”. You are encouraged to add your “personal tributes”, and light a candle in acknowledgement of the lady; known by many simply as “LADY M”.

Cremation has taken place, Mary’s life will be celebrated privately.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com