Tribute

Mary Milino – December 5, 1925 – October 25, 2019

After a life, thoroughly well lived, Mary passed peacefully at Cairnsmore Place in Duncan BC.

Born in St. John’s Newfoundland to Mary and Robert Sutherby, Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband Pat in 2014, with whom she was married for over 70 years.  Predeceased by her siblings, Mary was the last of the 11 Sutherby children.

Mary will be lovingly remembered and missed by her surviving family:

her children:

David (Neneng), Dianna (Herb), Patricia, Suzanne (Michael),

Rocky (Rocio), Tina (Pierre), Anna (Dennis), Maria (John)

grandchildren:

Jacqueline, Monique, Marty, Pat (Janelle), John (Sarah), Michael (Eric), Robert, Aaron (Ondra), Suzanne, Rocky Jr., Pat, Jacob, Madeline, Oscar, Lewis, David (Amara) and Owen

great grandchildren:

Jarrod (Aurora), Haley, Stephanie, Apple, Hazel, Jack, Angus, Makaela and Taya

great-great grandchildren:

Zydyn and Harper

Brother-in-law Jack Milino as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Obviously, her family was Mary’s greatest treasure and achievement.

Growing up in St. John’s as part of a large Catholic family, Mary had a happy childhood with her many siblings and close cousins.  She was a good student and after completing her education at Presentation Convent School, she went on to business school.  She began work as a secretary at Neal Brothers, an import/export business where her father was in management.  During the second world war, she met a sailor named Pat who became the love of Mary’s life.  In spite of her Mother’s disapproval, they married and immediately began their family.

In 1945, just after the birth of her second child, Mary immigrated to Canada from Newfoundland, a British Colony at the time.  This was a long and arduous journey for 19-year-old Mary, which she made alone with a toddler and a newborn.  She travelled by plane, train and other conveyances, to be together again with Pat who had been discharged from the Navy to his home in Bowness, Alberta. Eventually the family made their way to the west coast and settled in Duncan, their home for over 60 years.

Mary’s full-time career for much of her life was raising her children. No easy task with a 20 years age difference between the oldest and youngest, who just happened to be twins.  Mary’s strong faith made her unstoppable and resilient. She taught herself to cook and sew “if you can read you can learn” echoed in the ears of her children. Always stylish, in 1972 she and daughter Dianna opened Avanti Fashions, a ladies clothing store which they ran for 10 years.  Mary visited her beloved Newfoundland many times.  She enjoyed travelling and encouraged Pat to travel, seeing much of Canada, the USA and parts of Europe together.  Mary had many hobbies over the years including bowling, fishing, painting and she was an avid golfer.   Her volunteer work began by helping with the children’s activities and school trips and later included the Catholic Women’s League, IODE, Cowichan Golf Club Board and Sr. Women’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Loved and always in our hearts

She leaves us rich memories

The Milino Family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those who helped care for Mary in these last few years. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Sanders and the staff at Cairnsmore Place

A service will be celebrated at St. Edward’s Catholic Church on Sunday, November 3^rd, 2019 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society of BC, Heart and Stroke Society or the charity of your choice are appreciated.