In her own quiet way, Mary slipped peacefully into Eternity, Tuesday July 16, 2019, one week short of her 91st birthday.

Mary was born to Martin and Verona Bozek, Czechoslovakian immigrants, in Coleman, Alberta. As the fifth of nine children, she learned early the necessity and value of hard work, especially when the family moved to a farm in the Evergreen area.

Like many young people, she came to Red Deer to find employment. She met Gerald Boomer and in 1947 and opted to become a wife and mother rather than pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. In raising her five children and participating in their activities, she had many opportunities to “teach” in Kids Clubs, Sunday school classes and Time-out Childcare. Grandchildren were another outlet for her “teaching” gifts.

Mom’s hospitality was generous. She always had time for tea and her famous frozen cookies or a home-cooked meal. Everyone was welcome at her table. Over the years, many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews boarded with Mom and Dad when they first left home to seek their fortunes.

An avid gardener, Mom grew enough vegetables to feed her family even after they left home. Growing lillies and petunias brought her pleasure. Who could resist her invitation: “Come and see my flowers”? Her hands were never idle. Crocheting beautiful doilies of all sizes and colours or crafting quilts became gifts she gave for others to enjoy.

Together, Mom and Dad took numerous trips out west, camping and fishing, horseback riding and hanging out with friends and family. Over the years they took trips to the USA, a highlight being an Alaskan cruise with several family and friends.

Mom loved beautiful dolls, china dishes and anything crystal. Her collections grew easily because they made wonderful gifts. But more than these fragile mementos, Mom left behind a legacy of faith in God, generosity, compassion, kindness and integrity to her children, Sharon (Lloyd) Quantz, Lois McRae, Jean (Wayne) Pedersen, Allan, Jack (Stephen Hammond), nine grandchildren and spouses, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great grands. Also remembering her are two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Now, she is with Gerald, her dear husband of 58 years, granddaughter Karen Pedersen Stetson, son-in-law Les McRae and two infant grandchildren as well as all her siblings and numerous others.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Balmoral Bible Chapel, 2700 – 55th Street, Red Deer, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Suite 144, Centre 104, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5G8.

Condolences for the family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta, 587-876-4944.

• Date : 2019-07-16
• Location : Red Deer