Mary Keller

The orchestra is playing, Mom is wearing her best swing dress and dance shoes and she’s swirling around the most beautiful ballroom in Heaven. On the afternoon of September 28, 2021 we lost an icon; our family will never be the same without her smile, her wit, her artistic talent and her strength. Mary was born in Swan Plain, Saskatchewan to Sophia and Mike Tataryn. One of five children (John, Nick, Olga & Leona) born and raised during the Great Depression. She is the first of her siblings to pass. They are a resilient group, the Tataryn family. Mary survived not only the depression but many more hardships over her 96 years. Mary lost her husband Ted in 1984, her eldest son Roy in 1999, her eldest daughter Terry in 2006 and her youngest son Ken in 2012. She lost the second love of her life and ultimate dance partner Samuel Townson in 2018. Left behind to mourn her, but mostly to celebrate her amazing life, are her son John Keller (Helen) and her daughter Tracy Scocchia (Eraldo), her beloved grand daughters Sheri Scocchia (John), Samantha Gianotti (Adam), Alicia Scocchia (Christian), and grandsons Ryan Keller (Ali), Trevor Keller, Lucas Scocchia (Elizabeth) and Curtis Keller as well as 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grand-daughter.

There were hard times but Mary lived her life for so many of the good times. Mary enjoyed fashion and sewing and worked part time jobs through the years at Reitman’s and Fanny’s Fabrics and used to joke that her paychecks went back to the companies that employed her. She loved to travel and Ted and Mary traveled to Alaska and Florida and took many road trips to Western Canada to visit family. Later in life, Sam and Mary traveled the globe together, and when they were ready to slow down they wintered in Texas for 12 years. Mary lived to dance, to paint, to refinish furniture, to shop (and always kept the sale tag in the pocket of her purchase so she could show you the bargain she found when you’d compliment her fashionable look)! She loved to spend time with her family; she hosted big family dinners but especially loved to host brunch in her small home where we’d all squeeze in and enjoy the loud family gatherings she used to affectionally refer to as ‘the zoo’.

In March of 2018 Mary suffered a life-changing stroke that proved to be her toughest battle. In need of constant professional nursing care she found a home at Pioneer Ridge; Home for the Aged, where she eventually passed away under the specialized care of the incredible team on Plaza 3. Our thanks and our never ending gratitude go to the entire team at Pioneer Ridge but especially Dr. Ross Johnson, Sheila Hansen, Marju, Jo-Ann, Chris, Karen, Vince, Paul, Darcie, Rosa, Mirella, Bonnie, Val and Lori who made her smile, kept her engaged and most importantly preserved her dignity.

Mary Keller was a tough old bird. She was a very strong lady and she lived life to the fullest until she couldn’t. Although we’re grieving, anyone who knew her would tell you the last 3 years since her stroke were not living – they were simply enduring. Given the choice she would have chosen the day much sooner than it came. We love you and we’ll miss you like crazy but we know you’re up there living your best life again and dancing up a storm.

Mary suffered from dementia and we hope that in lieu of flowers you’ll consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society in her memory. A celebration of Mary Keller’s life will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. Those wishing to attend the service may do so by registering on Mary’s page at www.sargentandson.com or by calling the funeral home at 345-5351. Those who are unable to attend the services in person may watch online on the Sargent and Son Facebook page. The inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.

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