Obituary of Mary Lou Montgomery

Mary Louise Ceselja (Bergsveinson) Montgomery of Saskatoon passed away at her home on October 4, 2016. Mary Lou was predeceased by John, her beloved husband of 66 years, who died five years ago. Mary Lou is survived by her loving family, daughters Lorna and Janet, and son Jeff (Judy), five grandchildren: Kris Mermigas (Mary Jane Ferraro), Scott (Lisa), Maja (Aaron McGill), Adrian (Travis Taylor), and Natasha (fiance Brad Metzler), and eight great grandchildren: Lorelle and Julia; Freyja, Brennen and Tikken; Magnus; and Isaac and Elliot. She is also survived by her sister, Peggy Joy (Les Weir), and brother, Walter (Judy) Bergsveinson, and sisters-in-law, Jean Beasley and Irene (Tony Fischer), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was born January 18, 1925 in Wynyard where she lived with her parents, Chris and Olga. Her grandparents Brandur and Marie Swinburnson, lived on the farm out of town, and the family visited the farm in winter by horse drawn sleigh. Later, Brandur and Marie moved just down the street from Chris and Olga. After high school Mary Lou moved to Saskatoon where she trained and worked as an x-ray technician at the TB Sanatorium. There she met John. When he was home on leave from the Navy in August 1945, they were married on what turned out to be VJ day. Mary Lou and John made the city they loved their home for the rest of their lives. Mary Lou was a dedicated wife and a loving mother, a great seamstress, cook and housekeeper. She supported John in his career and provided a nurturing environment for her children. She was involved as a community supporter, at the neighbourhood school and church in Grosvenor Park. She was an active member of Kinettes and K-Ettes, and the UCW. Mary Lou had numerous interests, and a great many friends. She had a great memory, which made her a great bridge player and her afternoon bridge and the mixed bridge nights were highlights. She read extensively. She played the piano and the organ daily. Mary Lou was a fantastic hostess and always had lovely meals and baking on hand, including Icelandic treats. She made her home a welcoming place to all. Relatives from both sides of the family would regularly visit, as well as many people she and John had met over the years, including school friends, business associates, and Rotary friends from around the world. Mary Lou had a soft spot in her heart for those in need, took many under her wing, and provided support and love to all. Mary Lou and John spent many winters in Palm Springs. They travelled extensively throughout Canada and the US, as well as Iceland, Australia, Africa and Europe, working on Mary Lou’s high school list of where she wanted to travel. She did it all except Panama and Akra. After 47 years on Copland Crescent, Mary Lou and John moved to the Bridgewater and enjoyed the panoramic view up and down stream. Even though she was limited in her mobility for the last five years, Mary Lou kept tabs on the activity in the city from her den overlooking the bridges. Janet's constant attention to Mary Lou's well-being and organization of the day to day needs made it possible for her to stay at home in comfort until the end. We owe Mary Lou’s caregivers, who were true companions all day, every day, an enormous debt of gratitude. Without their help, the quality of life Mary Lou enjoyed would not have been possible. Thank you to Holly, Darlene, Charlotte, Sarah, Marge and Rose, and Linda, Marlene and Valerie. Mary Lou loved people, she loved to make people comfortable and happy, and she loved her family. And we loved her. Her enthusiasm, understanding and joy in the happiness of others will carry on.