HEPPLER; Mrs. Annie Marion (Mary), 82
Formerly of Thunder Bay, Ontario and Rothesay, New Brunswick passed away peacefully at Ridge Meadows Hospital, Maple Ridge, BC on October 27th, 2015 after a courageous battle against breast cancer. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, in November 2010 after 59 years of marriage. Mary was born December 4th, 1932 in Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay to Maria Wilhelmina (Mina) and Edward Larson growing up in the Jumbo Gardens area. Her mother, fondly known as Granny (Mina) to all, was cared for by her daughter Mary and lived with the family for many years prior to her passing in her 103rd year. Mary was predeceased by her father Edward in 1953 as well an only brother Harold, an infant in 1928. Mary and Lawrence raised their family of four children, living in the Thunder Bay area until 1971 then Rothesay, New Brunswick until Larry retired from Irving Paper. Mary worked for Reitman's for many years prior to their move to the west coast to be closer to family.
Mary is survived by her four children, Bryan Heppler (Vivian) of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Lynda Lange (Dave) of North Vancouver, BC, Murray Heppler (Trish) of Maple Ridge, BC and Joanne Hocevar (Mario) of Maple Ridge, BC; twelve grandchildren; Kristi, Lisa and Cory Lange (Lynda and Dave), Ryan, Alyssa and Kayley Heppler (Bryan and Vivian), Mack and Vanessa (Murray and Trish), Kyle, Craig, Kevin and Casarina (Joanne and Mario). Mary was also blessed with nine great grandchildren Maya and Adam (Kristi and Mike), Eliot and Sadie (Lisa and Wade), Cale (Marianne and Ryan), Ella and Jacob (Alyssa and Steve), Brooklyn, Zackary (Dayna and Cory) who she enjoyed immensely. Mary was a devoted, caring mother who in later years enjoyed travel with Larry and her children on various trips. A highlight of her travels was a recent trip to visit relatives in Sweden for the first time combined with a Baltic Cruise. Always thinking of others, Mary loved to shop for gifts for her family, packing up and sending parcels for every special occasion. Her presence on various family visits across the country over the years was the best gift of all. Mary held family tradition near and dear to her heart. She especially loved time spent at at "the camp" on One Island Lake near Thunder Bay. Her family had fond memories of visiting Mary and Lawrence living by the Bay of Fundy, enjoying lobster feasts and maritime hospitality. Mary was loved by all. Her sweet smile, giggle and mischievous glint in those soft brown eyes will never be forgotten. Her bright mind and wit were always at the ready to make her family and friends smile. Visitation will be at Garden Hill Funeral Home, 11765-224th Street, Maple Ridge BC on Sunday, November 1st at 2:00 pm. Memorial service will be Monday November 2nd at 6pm at Garden Hill. Visitation in Thunder Bay will be at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home, 21 North Court Street on Monday November 9th at 6:00 pm with private family interment Tuesday November 10th at Riverside Cemetery. Donation in memory of Mary gratefully accepted at The Ridge Meadow Foundation, www.rmhfoundation.com or The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in Tribute/Memoriam at cbcf.org or call 1-800-387-9816. The family would like to thank the staff of Ridge Meadows Hospital for their dedicated care and support.