DANIELS (Kessler), Mary Alice

Mary Daniels enjoyed a remarkably long life, and our family sadly announces her peaceful passing in Edmonton on May 13, 2025, at the age of 99.

Born in Milestone, Saskatchewan, Mary grew up in Assiniboia and moved to Saskatoon where she earned a B.Comm. - Accounting at the University of Saskatchewan in 1946. That same year, she met Chuck Daniels at a basketball game, and they married in Calgary two years later.  After all their five children were born in Calgary, they moved to Brooks, Alberta where she had a full life and a lively household. Mary played a mean game of tennis, and enjoyed square dancing, curling and badminton. The family moved to Edmonton in 1967, and she became the first female Municipal Inspector for Alberta Municipal Affairs. She followed sports with enthusiasm especially tennis, curling, hockey (Oilers), football (Stampeders) and golf. She had a remarkable passion for music and cultural events, reading, photo album creation, genealogy, and their dogs (Hoper and Koa). Mary and Chuck enjoyed annual vacations in Honolulu, Hawaii and Fairmont Hot Springs.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Clara and Walter Kessler, and her siblings Evelyn, John, and Gerald (Shorty). She outlived her husband Chuck, their three youngest children (James, Gerry and Carol), her son-in-law Robert Brayne, and her great-grandson baby Finn. She is survived by her eldest daughter Marla in Edmonton and her eldest son David (Karen) in Calgary. Mary was a proud Grandma to Marla Ann (Derek Martin deceased), Jerad (Rebecca), Kevin (Maite), and Byron, and she cherished her seven great-grandchildren: Hanna, Justin, Devon, Maxam, Riley, Leighton and Stevie. She had a fun-loving connection with her nieces and nephews: Sue, Leah, and Al, Merle and David, Beryl and Jean-Anne.

Mary (Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt Mary) will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew her. May she be remembered for how she celebrated life (and not the sadness of her failing health due to dementia in the past few years).

The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to the wonderful Canterbury staff for their capable and compassionate care during Mary’s residency from 2018 until her passing, and thanks to residents of Canterbury Manor and Canterbury Court for their friendship with her.

Cremation has taken place, and inurnment will be in the family niche at Mount Pleasant Municipal Cemetery, Edmonton. Mary’s life will be honoured with a service planned for a later date in the Chapel at Canterbury Foundation. Details email: maralidan19@gmail.com

In lieu of floral tributes, please consider charitable donations in memory of Mary Daniels:  *Canterbury Foundation, 8403 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5R 4L3  https://canterburyfoundation.com/donate  *Edmonton Community Foundation, 9910 103 St NW, Edmonton AB T5K 2V7  Brayne-Daniels Family Fund    https://ecf.ca/funds/brayne-daniels-family-fund/