October 29, 1930 - August 1, 2021
In loving memory ~ We are profoundly sad to announce that our beloved mother and grandmother Mary Dardi passed away with her family at her side on August 1, 2021 at Crofton Manor in Vancouver. Mary was born in San Quirino di Pordenone, Friuli, Italy on October 29, 1930. At five years old she sailed to Canada with her mother to join her father in Trail, B.C.
Mary grew up on Austad Lane in West Trail where she made many lifelong friends. Mary married the love of her life Tullio in 1950. She was devoted to raising her family and caring for her parents. She also worked as an administrator of the Trail Times and later took on the leadership of the Trail Community Chest which became the United Way of Trail.
She retired as Executive Director of the United Way in the 1980s. She was dedicated to her community and public service and served as an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Sisters of Colombo and volunteer boards. Mary was highly regarded in her community.
Mary was a strong and reliable matriarch of her family and she kept a beautiful home and garden. She was an exceptional chef and her Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinners and desserts were legendary. Her grandchildren often visited their Nonna and loved her dearly. She will be missed.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Giovanni and Irma Freschi and her husband Tullio.
She is survived by her daughter Dea Jane Dardi (Harry Gray) and her son Rob Dardi (Monica) and cherished grandchildren Aaron Gray and Dea Giuseppina Dardi. Mary is also survived by her brother Bruno Freschi and sister-in-law Dr. Vaune Ainsworth and her nieces and nephews in Vancouver, Chicago, and Atlanta.
Mary's family will hold a private memorial in Vancouver and Mary's ashes will be interred alongside those of her beloved Tullio at the Mountain View Cemetery mausoleum. If anyone wishes to make an expression of sympathy or remembrance, a donation to United Way BC in Mary's name would be greatly appreciated by the family.