MARY BUNTING

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MARY BUNTING June 5, 1921 - March 19, 2018 Mary was born in Alstonefield, Staffordshire in the beautiful Peak District where her Adams ancestors are recorded as having farmed at nearby Narrowdale for over 600 years. She was the first child of Ralph and Florence (Adams) Bunting. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925 living for a year in Neepawa before settling on a farm near Kelwood, MB. An intelligent student, Mary trained as a teacher and, while working, completed her BA and her BEd through evening courses and summer school. She taught in the Winnipeg School District for decades as well as two years in England. From the early 1950s onwards she travelled overseas extensively usually with her sister, Nancy, and various close friends including Margaret Hood, Betty McLaughlin and Alberta Kennedy (who have all predeceased her). A capable and independent woman, she remained an avid reader of the daily newspaper and novels until the last few days of her life plus prided herself on her ability to walk quickly even when she needed a walker for balance. She was predeceased by her parents, her first sister, Betty (in infancy), her eldest nephew, Ralph Ferguson (1989), her youngest sister, Nancy Bunting (2001) and her only brother, Ralph Bunting (2003). In her generation, she is survived by her middle sister, Joan Ferguson (formerly of Boissevain, MB, now of Regina), and her sister-in-law, Brenda Bunting (Red Deer, AB). In addition, Mary is survived by her devoted nieces, Patricia (Ron) Warsaba of Regina - who provided hours of practical help and companionship over the last five years of her life following her move from Winnipeg; and Phyllis Ferguson (Lindsay Bottomer) of North Vancouver. She is also survived by her three nephews: John (Connie) Ferguson of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Sean (Kathy) Bunting of Calgary and Guy (Carly) Bunting of Calgary. She took an on-going interest in the activities and life events of her seven great-nieces and nephews: Jan Bottomer (Jeremy Wiseman), Tim Bottomer (Elizabeth France), Bree Warsaba, Spencer Warsaba, Reid Warsaba, Ben Bunting and Oliver Bunting. Having a strong sense of family history and continuity, she was pleased to welcome the first arrivals in the next generation: Jackson and Tessa Wiseman of Montreal as well as Abigail and William Bottomer of Vancouver. She was laid to rest in the Kelwood Cemetery beside her sister, Nancy, and near their parents. Her interment took place on August 4, 2018 with local friends plus family members from four provinces and one state present.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2018