Mary W Gorrow, 95, died on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Parksville, British Columbia. She had enjoyed the morning in the pleasant sunshine while sitting outdoors. She always thought being close to nature was the very best way to spend time.
Mary and her husband, Bernard J Gorrow, enjoyed 58 years of sharing professional academic goals and thriving in the outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping throughout the US and western Canada. They loved the west: living in Nebraska, Arkansas, Idaho, South Dakota and then moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and retired in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada. Bernard died in 1999.
Mary was proud to be a registered nurse and always thanked her mother for her support and motivation. Mary graduated from Gouverneur, New York High School at age 16. She began her nursing career at the House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Watertown, New York at a time when married students were not generally accepted, graduating in 1945. She excelled, and earned her BS from Carroll College in Helena, Montana and her MS from the University of Utah. She was employed at a number of VA hospitals, specialized in psychiatric nursing, and was a faculty member at several schools of nursing.
Mary is survived by her brother John Wranesh (Barbara) in Michigan and sister-in-law Jane Wranesh of Hailesboro, New York. Through the years she had a close relationship with her nieces, Nancy (Bob) Atwood, Astoria, Oregon and Mary Lou (John) Cook, Clinton, New York. She always enjoyed hearing from her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Frances Wranesh, brothers Joe (Georgie) and Mike Wranesh, and sister Lena (Dud) Clayton.
A Celebration of Life was held on July 5th at Halliday House in Parksville, British Columbia. The family would like to thank the staff at Halliday House, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada for their care and caring. Ern and Brad Russell and family were important to her in her later years, and long time neighbor Yvette Edgar was a special friend.