Obituaries

January 29, 1941 – October 15, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mary Zilpha Hemmingway (Gibson). Born January 29, 1941- October 15, 2022.

Mary was born in Vermilion, Alberta in January of 1941 to Frank and Margaret Gibson. She was the oldest of 4 children and spent the first 18 years of her life helping out on the Gibson farm. She graduated from Vermilion High School. She then attended the University of Alberta and received her teaching degree. Mary was married to the love of her life Ron Hemmingway. Mary and Ron soon welcomed their first child, Angela, into their family. Their second child, Ray, was born while they lived in Drayton Valley. Mary was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Mary taught school in Vermilion, Drayton Valley, Wainwright and Grande Prairie. She retired from teaching in 1996. After retirement Mary and Ron continued to pursue their desires to travel the world. Together they traveled to every continent in the world making many happy memories with friends and families. In 2000 they moved off the acreage into the city and continued to travel spending winters in Arizona.

Mary was an avid sports fan supporting her children and grandchildren in any sport they played. Her favorite teams to watch were the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Blue Jays and Edmonton Eskimos. She also played softball, curled, the odd game of golf and crosscountry skiing. In later years she enjoyed floor curling and carpet bowling.

Mary was well known for her baking and cooking. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and many other crafts.

Mary volunteered for numerous clubs and community events. She was a member of the Preston 4 H Club, Lions Club of Grande Prairie, volunteered for the Canada Winter Games, Men’s Softball Championships and was the craft coordinator for the Alberta Senior games.

Mary was predeceased by her Mother and Father (Frank and Margaret Gibson).

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 61 years Ron Hemmingway, her children Angela (Jim) Baron, and Ray(Roxanne) Hemmingway, grandchildren Adam Baron, Allen Baron, Kelsie Baron, Tarryn Hemmingway (partner Dorian Massier ),Tasmine Hemmingway (partner Jordan Williams), Zack Hemmingway, one great grandchild Tate Massier. She will always be remembered by her sisters Isabelle (Gary) Moses, Ruth (Nick)Westman and brother Ernest(Judy) Gibson, her brothers-in-law Bob(Betty) Hemmingway, Glen(Lorainne) Hemmingway, Roddy Westman and sister-in-law Lynn(Clint) Landals and her numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary had many wonderful friends that will miss her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Avenue Grande Prairie.

In lieu of flowers, donations on her behalf can be made to the charity of your choice. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bearcreekfuneral.com