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Posted: August 21, 2024

Obituary of Mary GIULIANO

Mary GIULIANO

Mary Giuliano, a beloved figure in the Fernie community, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on May 3, 1945, In Italy and coming to Canada when she was seven, Mary dedicated her life to serving others and making a positive impact on her community.

Mary’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Fernie. She served as Mayor for two terms, as well as a city councillor, where her leadership and vision helped shape the city’s future. Woven into that vision and leadership was a deep appreciation for the history of the town, and for the people who influenced what it had become. Her commitment to health and social causes was also unwavering, and she was a passionate advocate for the well-being of all residents.

Beyond her public service, Mary was a cherished contributor to Fernie.com, where she shared her insights, profiles on Fernie residents and experiences with the community. Her contributions extended beyond politics; she was a steadfast supporter of numerous social causes that aimed to improve the quality of life for everyone in Fernie.

She served on the Fernie Library Board for nine years, was a member of the Kinettes/Kinsmen Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Legion, PAC, Fernie Kids Club, and the Fernie Derrick Society. She helped organize several demonstrations to maintain health care services in the local hospital.  She also organized a highway traffic stop to bring national media attention to keeping the hospital’s operating room open and advocated for changes to home support services.  She was instrumental in successful acquisition of a dialysis unit at the Sparwood Health Center, ensuring that the Elk Valley clients no longer had to travel to Fort Macleod or Trail for treatment several times a week.

Mary even had her own volunteer TV show and was known as the Oprah of the Valley!  She hosted many of her guests from her kitchen table and you can still watch those videos on YouTube. She wrote for the Fernie Free Press and to say she was busy is an understatement. She loved her life and life loved her back.

Mary’s deep faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and her commitment to the Holy Family Catholic Church in Fernie was unwavering. She was a devoted parishioner who found great comfort and strength in her spiritual community. Her involvement in the church extended beyond regular attendance; Mary actively participated in numerous church activities and initiatives, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to fellow parishioners.

As a long-standing member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), Mary played a significant role in supporting the church’s mission and outreach programs. She helped organize events, participated in fundraising efforts, and worked tirelessly to ensure the church remained a vital part of the community. Her dedication to the Holy Family Catholic Church was evident in her lifelong service, where she found joy in giving back to her faith community.

Mary’s faith was not just a private matter but a public testament to her values. She embodied the principles of kindness, compassion, and service, which she carried into all aspects of her life. Her belief in the importance of family, community, and social justice was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, guiding her actions and decisions, both in her public service and personal life.

In times of challenge and celebration, Mary’s faith provided her with a sense of purpose and direction. Her contributions to the Holy Family Catholic Church and the wider community will be remembered as part of her legacy of love, faith, and service.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Nick, along with four grown children Giuliana (Paulo Sr and Paulo Jr) Pina (Stacey, Zack and his wife Sam, Olivia) Nick (Brandon and Hunter) Peter (Judi), who continue to carry forward her spirit of love,  faith, kindness, service, and dedication. She is predeceased by her parents, Pietro and Josephine Aiello, her stepmother Francesca Aiello, and brother-in-law Mike Scarpelli..

Mary Giuliano will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially her siblings Rose (Larry) Joe (Lynn) and Rita, all their families, and all the extended relations. Her legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire the community she loved so deeply.

Your legacy is every life you touch.  – Maya Angelou

She touched many lives. Even in the hospital she wanted us to give gifts to the Doctors and nurses and her room mates. She is a very special soul.

Mary – who we lovingly called wife, mom and nanna, will be missed in epic proportions.

We are so proud of her and the legacy she has left behind.

We thank the teams at Kelowna General Hospital and at Elk Valley Hospital for their care.

In memory and in honour of Mary, you are invited to wear pink and yellow, or any other bright colour.


Services

Funeral Mass

Saturday
August 31, 2024

11:00 AM
Holy Family Catholic Church
521 4th Ave.
Fernie, BC V0B 1M0


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