December 31, 1929 - April 8, 2019
Mary was born December 31, 1929 in the community of Walkerburn Manitoba, 4 miles from the Saskatchewan border and Duck Mountain Provincial Park. She grew up without her mother with her older Sister Ella and younger Brother Archie. Mary found out years later that her mother had remarried and had 10 children. She lived through the depression, married Frank Lucier 1946 and had six children (5 boys and 1 girl). She moved to Williams Lake in 1975 with 3 of her children in school, as her oldest 2 sons were already situated here. This began a new chapter in her life, met her partner Bill Balestra, travelled lots together until his passing in 2009. She was a great lover of flowers (even interviewed by Mike McCardle of BCTV), her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, were all a huge part of her life.
She had many friends in Williams Lake and was the Matriarch of our Metis families/movement here, involved in almost all of the Metis functions, made incredible perogies and bannoc for all, even teaching grandchildren to cook. A lot of her "coffee friends" joined us all for our many Metis and family dinners. Holiday celebrations were always full of lots of food, music and stories.
Spring was a very important time of the year for her - flower shopping and new gardens to plant. In lieu of flowers, please plant something in memory of her.
Family left to miss her are: Arnold (Gail), Wayne (Linda), Marlene (Bob), Brian (Shirley), Glen (Lori), many grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sister Ella and Brother Archie, and the LeForte family. Predeceased by: husband Frank, son David, parents Archie Branconnier & Marie Zastre.
Celebration of Life - Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the United Church (basement) Huckvale Place at 3 pm for drop in and a potluck dinner at 5:30.