PACE, Mary

PACE

Mary Florence (Soop)

July 28, 1927 – November 12, 2020

MARY PACE, AAPOYAAKII (Fair Woman) passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on November 12, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

She will be missed dearly by her children: Deborah, Harley, Celia, Tina, Barbara, Tim, and Ann (Snyder); her 13 grandchildren: Tanya (Patrick), Taco, Ellie (Tyler), Brad, Kyle, Misty, Craig, Brandon, Shayna, Timara, Jamie, Kaci, Logan; her 15 great-grandchildren: Chloe, Ryan, Tanis, Jack, Matt, Emerson, Kamyrien, Echo, Bitto, Kade, Thunder, Talsyn, Shia, Valerie, Silver; and her 3 great-great-grandchildren: Paisley, Cambrie and Juniper. Mary is also survived by her sister Mabel (Richard) Fox. She is predeceased by her husband Wallace Pace; her beloved sons: Richard Gregory and Darryle Ryan; her parents: Koopis Dick and Noosi Beth Soop; her brothers: Louis, Francis, Tommy, Clarence, Arthur and Eddie Soop; her sisters: Dorris Soop, Margaret Many Fingers, Gwen Healy, Beatrice Goodstriker, and Jean Healy; her granddaughter: Jalisa; and, her great-grandsons: Xavier, Josiah, and Kesley.

Mary grew up on the Blood Indian Reserve in the Bullhorn district and attended St. Paul’s Residential School until the age of sixteen. When she left school she moved to Winnipeg to work as a housekeeper. She went with her friends Mary Singer, Marjorie Many Fingers, Alvine Brave Rock, and her sister, Jean Healy. Mom had fond memories of her experiences in Winnipeg. When she returned home three years later she met her husband Wallace Pace and settled in the North End where they farmed and ranched, and raised their nine children.

When her children were all in school, Mary began working and was employed by the Federal Government for over 25 years working for the St. Mary’s Indian Residential School and the Blood Indian Hospital as a Dietician. Mom received a national recognition award for her years of service with the federal government.

After her retirement, Mary began her own small business and was very active in the community. She catered for various events and was famous for her apple pies. Throughout her life, mom volunteered her time to the Anglican Church and along with her sisters was a member of the Anglican Church Women, raising money to maintain the St. Paul’s Church.

Mom loved family gatherings, picnics and special occasions. She had a special bond with her children and grandchildren and was proud of all their personal and educational accomplishments. She received an honorary degree from the Utah State University, recognizing her support towards post-secondary achievement.

Mom’s place “Grandma’s House”, was the gathering place for all occasions and she loved having family over. She was well respected in the community. In the fall of 2019 she was honoured by the Saipoyii School as a long standing elder in the community. She had many friends and was welcoming to all her nieces, nephews and all that came to visit.

She loved to travel with her sisters, daughters and grandchildren. Mom was able to see Israel, Greece, Hawaii, England, Jerusalem, Florida, California and New York, In 1999, Mary went with her daughter, Debbie and good friend, Flora (Shade) Zaharia to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

When Mary moved to her home in Moses Lake, she took great pride to ensure her home was taken care of. Mom was an avid gardener and loved spending time in her yard, planting poplars around her home. Every summer, she always had flowers.

She made her cursillo in 1984 and maintained her spiritual devotion all her life. Mom was a gentle but strong mother. She valued God, family and hard work and instilled that in her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Low for his outstanding care of Mother and the outpouring of support from her many friends and family.

A Family Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, November 19th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. A Viewing will be held on Friday, November 20th starting at 10:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am.

(Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number will be allowed into the service at a time.)

To WATCH the service Online or to send condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca