Obituary of Mary Niven Nisbett Pollock

May Pollock

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mom, gran, great-gran, on June 1st, 2024 at the age of 98 years and 10 months.

Left to cherish May’s memory are her daughter Morag (Patrick); son Peter (Tammy); daughter-in-law Debra; seven grandchildren: Curt, Ria (Mike), Darcy, Sarah (Clayton), Tyler (Kallyn), McKenzie (Nick) and Mason; eight great grandchildren: Drake, Aiden, Jake, Taven, Layla, Shane, Alainna and Sloane; sister-in-law Louisa; nieces Elinor (David) and Sharon (John) from Scotland; sister-in-law Marjorie, nephew Neil, nieces Cathy (Darren), Lesley (Julian) from New Zealand ; as well as many, many wonderful friends.

May was predeceased by her parents Peter and Violet;husband George; brother William; brother-in-law Alex and just recently her oldest son Brian.

May was born in Scotland on August 7th 1925. At the young age of 14, she began apprenticing as a tailor. That apprenticeship was interrupted during World War 2 when May worked in an aircraft factory. After the war she resumed her work as a tailor until her marriage to George in 1950. Two children, Brian and Morag were added to the family in Scotland. The family emigrated to Canada in 1957 where George found employment as a carpenter. Peter, their youngest son was born in Stettler in 1961.

May and George formed Saracen construction company. May quickly had to learn a new skill set , that of book keeper and office manager. In 1975 May fell back on her original training as a seamstress and began working at Lou’s fashion where she was employed almost 30 years.

For well over 50 years, May was actively involved in the United Church. During that time, she belonged to Unit 4. She served Rotary dinners, funeral lunches, baked and made handmade items for church bazaars. She also served as the UCW treasurer for many years.

May was also a lifetime member of IODE and served as the treasurer for that organization for 30 years. She was a charter member of the Investment club and played bridge weekly with the same group for close to 50 years. As a proud community member, she enjoyed attending cultural events and was a supporter of the Stettler Music Festival. In 2006 May was honoured to be recognized as Stettler’s female citizen of the year.

May was a founding member of the Quilters guild, and over the years became an avid quilter. She was involved in making quilts for the terminally ill, hospital association raffles and other worthwhile projects. She also made countless quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many special friends. She often told people quilting was her addiction.

In 2017, May left her beloved home on 52nd Street to move into Paragon Place where she was lovingly looked after by the incredible staff. August 2021 May’s health began to decline. In spite of the extra care and attention by home care and the staff at Paragon Place, a move to Points West in Stettler for a higher level of care was needed. August 2022 May moved to Points West where she was welcomed and supported by another amazing, caring staff.

We are so grateful that mom was surrounded by people who cared for her with great kindness, empathy and compassion right to the end of life.

Celebration Of May’s Life

Friday, June 21, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Stettler United Church, Stettler, Alberta

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital ~ Edmonton, Canadian Cancer Society – Alberta/NWT Division 200-325 Manning Road, NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9 or to a charity of your choice.