Obituary of Mary Joanne McCallum

Mary Joanne McCallum was born in Eston, Saskatchewan on October 22, 1939 to Arthur and Emilie Pearson.  She passed away peacefully with family near her on June 9, 2021 at Circle Drive Special Care Home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

With her family, Mary lived on the Eston area farm until they moved to Saskatoon in 1948.  Upon graduation from Bedford Road Collegiate, she went to the University of Saskatchewan and received a Bachelor Degree in Social Work.  Mary chose to pursue more education and went on to earn her Masters Degree at the University of Ottawa.  During this time she had the opportunity to do clinical work in New York.  Throughout her young adulthood, Mary spent time traveling overseas and returned to Saskatchewan to work for Social Services Saskatchewan, Department of Northern Affairs and the Saskatoon Board of Education. 

On June 6, 1970 Mary and Donald McCallum were married and began building a log cabin on Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan.  Using local trees, stones and hard labour, they made this cabin a reality.  Don and Mary had a true love for the North and being outdoors.   They spent many summers going on canoe trips as well as hosting family and friends at the cabin.  Being at the cabin was Mary’s favourite place to be in the world.  She was lucky to continue going with her grandchildren until the Covid-19 pandemic did not allow her to do so. 

Prior to Don’s retirement, Mary was busy raising her two young sons in La Ronge.  Once Craig started school they moved back to Saskatoon and lived in the Varsity View area.  It was here that they rented out part of their home to many university students.  Over the years Mary enjoyed reading, collecting artwork, curling, meeting friends for breakfast and gardening.  The home had a massive yard and she had a green thumb.  Due to a stroke, Mary moved into the care home and sold her property; however, not before many of her established perennials were shared with family and friends to continue growing.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Donald in 1996; parents, Arthur and Emilie; and sister, Linda.  She will be remembered by her sons, Craig (Hayley) McCallum and Glen McCallum; Grandchildren, Caje, Lexi and Brexton McCallum; Siblings, Glen Pearson and Marjorie Williams; Donald’s children, Ross, Gary, Debbie, Jeanet, Diane and their families; As well as, many nieces and nephews.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery located at 210 Wess Rd, Saskatoon, SK.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Circle Drive Special Care Home that provided Mary exceptional care and companionship during her time there, especially during these last few weeks.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle Drive Special Care Home, 3055 Preston Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.