April 6, 1924-August 23, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Edith Mary Ellen Anderson (nee Millar). The world is now missing an incredible and generous person. She passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2025, at 101. She was born April 6, 1924, in Leatherhead, Surrey, England to Walter and Edith Millar. From an early age she became the family chatterbox, a trait she demonstrated her entire life and was kind enough to pass down to the next generations. She always had a story or two to share about her wonderful childhood from her early days at dance class, time spent with her favourite uncle at his candy store and especially precious moments with her father listening to the wireless. Dance class led her to the opportunity to dance in celebration parades for both King George V and King George VI. As was the common practice at the time, she left home to begin service as a cook’s helper on a large estate. Cooking became a passion which led her to enrolling in the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. The outbreak of WWII changed her plans and altered the path her life would take. Just shy of her 18th birthday, her brother Wallie tired of hearing her plans to enlist, took her to Guilford to enroll in the British Air force where she became a W.A.A.F.. She was stationed all over the East coast of England where she was able to put her passion to work, cooking for the airman and officers. She always said the hardest part of the work was knowing that a lot of the men leaving the base would never return. She met our father in England while he was stationed there. He was given her family’s name by a friend he met in Halifax before being shipped overseas. Mom, not impressed with Canadians, was hesitant about meeting one. Her kind nature made her feel sorry for him and agreed to the meeting. They met, fell in love and married on March 13, 1945. As a War Bride, she left her beloved England to start her new life in Canada aboard the RMS Aquitania and arrived in Port Arthur May 23, 1946. She is the last surviving member of the group of women arriving in Thunder Bay that day. Mary and John settled on Oliver Road and began their life together. Not knowing anyone, she soon made friends with the older couple Else and Wilfred Gray, who lived next door. She joined “Daughters of England” where she met many lifelong friends. When they moved to the current address in 1954, Mom and Dad became lifelong friends with Jeanne and Ray Renauld. From 1964-1970 Mary and John ran a small plant nursery from their home on Oliver Road. A hobby that kept them busy, but they always had time for family and trips to Dairy Queen. Everyone including Gypsy, was treated to an ice cream treat. When her son in law started up Petals & Pots, she became a helpful addition to his staff. A job she loved as it gave her an opportunity to meet and talk to people. Customers came in just to be helped by the friendly English lady. Mary and John had 49 years together before John passed away in 1994. Mary is survived by her daughters Carolyn Anderson, Judith (Gordon) Bradshaw, Christine Parker and her son David (Ren) Anderson. She is also survived by granddaughters Amy (Scott) Cashaback, Katherine (Ben) Shaw, Emily (Jay) Picard, Amanda (Corey) Anderson, Darien (Eric) Anderson, Melissa and Sara Kowalchuk, 14 Great Grandchildren (12 in Canada and 2 in Scotland), nieces and nephews in England and Spain. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and “Chum” John Anderson, parents Walter and Edith Millar, brother and sister-in-law Wallie and Janie Millar, daughter Susan Kowalchuk, sons in law Ron Parker and Dave Kowalchuk, granddaughter Michelle Parker and grandson Daniel Brooks and beloved nephew Lorne Campbell. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. Visitation for friends will be held for 1 hour prior to service time. The interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In honour of Mary, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Society, St George’s Anglican Church or another charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Those wishing to view the services online may do so through the Sargent & Son Facebook page.
