May 19, 1951 - June 11, 2025
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Edward and Katherine McAvoy, and raised alongside her older siblings Judy, Nancy, and John. Mary was shaped by strong values, deep cultural roots, and a profound sense of responsibility.
After earning her nursing degree, Mary began a lifelong journey of service—first in Fort Smith, NWT, and later in Whitehorse, Yukon, where she lived for over 30 years. Known affectionately as "ChemoMary," she was the territory's first chemotherapy nurse, offering skillful, heartfelt care. She helped countless Yukoners through some of their most difficult moments, and her impact on the territory's cancer care community cannot be overstated.
Mary raised her children—Sheila, Talitha, and Matt—with fierce love and embraced her stepchildren Cindy-Anne, Wendy, William, Christine, John, and Karen with the same devotion. Her love was constant, her wisdom quiet but powerful, and her presence a steady comfort.
Mary's love of music, theatre, baking, and gardening reflected her joy in life's simple pleasures. With her partner, Michael Purves, she later moved to Victoria, BC, where she continued her work in cancer care and built new connections rooted in kindness and humility. Her capacity for connection never waned. Her kindness was not performative; it was who she was.
Her philanthropy was quiet but impactful, driven not by recognition but by a deep belief in doing what's right. She gave freely, loved deeply, and lived with grace.
Mary's legacy lives on in every act of kindness, every tradition passed down, and every life she touched. We honour her not only with sorrow, but with gratitude—for her life, her love, and the enduring light she leaves behind.
Mary will be deeply missed by her partner Michael Purves and all her children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to honor Mary by making a donation to the Hospice at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria who took such good care of Mary, or to the Yukon Hospital Foundation in honour of her many years of service to the hospital.