Mary Gibeault (Solohub/Short) passed away peacefully in the afternoon of June 13, 2021. She is survived by her five children: Ed (Rose), Shirley, Gary (Brenda), Raymond (Taira) and David (Shauna); grandchildren, Terry Short (Debbie), Laura Beiko, Candice Yarosh (Dustin), Travis Short (Rebecca), Jessie Short (Tomas), Kelsey Short (Rob), Zachary Short (Chauntel), Amanda Short (Gord Pollard) Whitney Short, Alyssa Short and Emily Short and six great-grandchildren; Mary’s four sisters: Annie, Olga, Pauline and Helen and one brother, Bill mourn her passing as do her numerous nephews and nieces.
Mary was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Alcide Short in 1978 and her second husband, Peter Gibeault in 2003, brothers: Joe, John, Mike and her parents Peter and Katarine.
Mary was born on April 21, 1925 in Kiev, Ukraine. She immigrated to Canada with her mother, Katherine and younger brother, John in 1932 to join with father, Peter.
She married Joseph Alcide Short in October 1945 after which they raised five children in Morinville, Alberta.
Mary revelled in her uncanny likeness to Queen Elizabeth II including attending events dressed as the Queen and usually winning 1st prize. Incidentally Mary and the Queen shared the same birthday although Mary was one year the Queen’s elder.
Some of Mary’s favourite mantras include “I love all my children”, “chikai/chikai” and “what do I need that for?”
Mary loved gardening; her perennial green thumb was her pride and joy. The fruits from Mary’s berry trees were treats for many neighbourhood kids in Morinville.
Mary’s family ask anyone who knew her to join us in joyous thoughts of her life and the warmth she brought to so many.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Covenant Health Youville Home in St. Albert and in particular the staff of unit 4.”
Dick & Aline Drew says
Aline & I were saddened to hear of Marys passing . We have very fond memories of being with her and Uncle Peter in Morinville. She had a friendly personality and enjoyed a laugh,
Rita McCrea (Gibeault) says
Your Mother was a beautiful soul and she made my Dad very happy. I still remember the trip they took to visit all of us kids to tell us they wanted to get married.
Mary made the best cabbage rolls and matrimonial cake on the planet. My family and I offer our most sincere sympathies for your loss
Lorraine (Gibeault) Turchansky says
I will keep Mary and her great family in my prayers. I remember her as a gracious lady who made my Uncle Peter very happy. She will be missed by many, but not forgotten.
Francoise and Norm Meunier says
I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing and my sympathies to all the family. Mary babysat Raymond and Rene while I worked and I just loved her — she was so very sweet, kind and a happy lady. I can honestly hear her speaking her mantras –
She played the role of the Queen so well.
You must all have so many memories of Mary — cherish the memories and share them often.
Linda Johansen and family says
We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing. It has been some time since we were able to see her last and we had hoped that we would be able to see her again in the near future. She was a lovelky person and will be greatly missed.
Vivian Rousseau says
My condolences to the family. The Rondeau family would always visit Mary at Heritage when they came fro BC.
Connie Gibeault says
Connie, Len, Joan (Ron’s widow), Lois, Paulette, Cyrene, Rita and Lue Gibeault offer our condolences to the Short family. Mary was an integral and very important part of our family for 20 plus years.