Mary Clara Birch
Mary Clara Birch Obituary
January 19, 1924 - Ryley, Alberta
August 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Mary Birch (nee Pepper) passed away peacefully at Agapé Hospice on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Calgary, AB.
She was born in Ryley, AB, on January 19, 1924. Mary grew up on the family farm north of Ryley but travelled to Quebec to stay with family while she worked in a war plant folding parachutes and making flares for the war effort. Upon returning to Ryley, she married Gerry Birch. They spent over 62 years together, primarily in Calgary, before Gerry passed away in 2008. Painting was a lifelong source of joy; she spent many years volunteering at the Parkdale Community Association and the Nifty-Fifties Club where she created and sold numerous works.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Edith and Lester Pepper; her sister Jean Stelter, and brothers Jerry and Allan Pepper. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Murray Birch (wife Rebecca Sullivan) of Calgary, as well as by many nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will take place at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice is preferred. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here.
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