Mary Ann Carmen Deshaw (nee Grodzicki) passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. on April 25 after a long battle with COPD. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years Bill, daughter Michelle (Mark), son Mark (Nicola), brother Michael (Deborah), grandchildren Jack, Holly, Leta, Gabriel, Quinn, Ava and nephew Martin. Mary Ann is predeceased by her daughter Corinne Carmen Deshaw (Ted), her brother Charles and her parents Charles and Louisa Grodzicki.
She was born Anna Maria in Manila, Philippines. After surviving World War II, her family immigrated to Canada in the 1950’s, via ship to San Francisco and a train ride North to Vancouver. Fluently speaking English, Spanish, and some Tagalog, she became a proud Canadian citizen in 1961. Mary Ann graduated from Kitsilano high school and worked for BC Tel after graduation. She met her husband Bill at the age of 19 and as was customary in those days, was let go from her position when her first child was born in 1963. She moved to Victoria in 1968, and was an active member of St Patrick’s Catholic church, making life-long friends by joining the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and feverishly taking up tennis. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing Mahjong, and her home served as ground zero for family gatherings. She was the organizer, caretaker and the backbone of the family, doing all those special and invisible things that moms do while raising their kids and being the glue that holds a family together. Love, Chatelaine’s macaroni casseroles, jelly salads and family dinners! She will be missed.
Due to COVID regulations, the family has decided to have a private service at this time, with a maximum of only seven family in attendance. The service will be available virtually on You-tube. They would also like to say Thank You for all the love and support over the last little while.
In lieu of flowers Mary Ann’s family would prefer a donation made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul which seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are poor, in need, or living with disabilities.
I wish to extend to her bereaved family, my deepest condolences.
Anna Maria is my second cousin. My late father, Emilio Villeta was the cousin of her dad, Carlos.Grodzicki Villeta.
Eternal rest grant unto her, o lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen
Here is the link for MaryAnn’s funeral service: Highlight, right click, then click on Go to this address-
https://youtu.be/p1_cidpCbjI
We were able to spend time with Mary Ann during several family occasions. Always a lovely lady and fun to be around. We will look back on those memories fondly. She will be missed. Condolences to family and friends close to her.
Love James Annette Morgan and Phoenix.
Mark and I are very sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. Our condolences to you Bill and your family.
Thinking of you at this time,
Mark(Whitehead) and Anne
We are so sorry for your loss. Mary Ann was so lovely and we know the family will miss her so much. Healing thoughts to you all. Love Christine (Ted’s sis) and Brian
Rest in Peace My Dear Friend Wonderful pleasure that you were in my life. Our condolences to the rest of the family.I will sure miss you LOVE Barbara and Rick xoxo
I was very sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing.She was such a lovely lady. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to you all at this sad time.
Take care of each other
xx Patty (Ted’s sis)
Rest in Peace mom/nana. Your suffering is finally over. We will miss you.
Much Love,
Michelle & Gabriel
So sorry to see such a lovely lady go. She will always be warmly remembered. Mary Ann was my mother-in-law, my condolences to the rest of the family.