Mavis Gerry, a resident of Grande Prairie, Alberta, formerly a resident of Chetwynd, B.C. passed away on Monday, March 23, 2015 in Grande Prairie, at the age of 92. Mavis was born in Rio Grande, Alberta on July 9, 1922 to James & Irene O'Connell. She was the oldest of seven children. She grew up on the family farm & attended school to grade 9 – the highest level of education offered in Rio Grande at that time. Her first jobs were housekeeping & then at the Rio Grande General Store. On November 23, 1943, Mavis married Walter Gerry. They began their life together with a small farm & in 1944 purchased the Mount Valley General Store, which also became their new home. They had two sons; Albert (Butch) born in 1944 & Delbert was born in 1948. Mavis was a devoted, loving wife & mother. In 1951, after a fire destroyed the Mount Valley Store & home, the family moved to White Rock, B.C. & built a four unit Auto Court (Motel). In 1955 the call of the north brought them to Dawson Creek, B.C. & in 1959 to Chetwynd, B.C. to build what was called Gerry's Cash & Carry, a grocery/general store. In 1968 a larger grocery store was built & the older premises became Gerry's Clothing Store, operated my Mavis. She worked hard, you would always find her working in the store & helping her customers. Mavis & Walter retired in 1977 & later moved to Enderby, B.C. In 1982 Walter passed away. In 2008 Mavis moved to the Heritage Lodge in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Her last move was to Mackenzie Place in Grande Prairie in December 2014 until her passing. Mavis loved helping people. She spent many years as a member of the Chetwynd Hospital Auxiliary, which included serving as President. She worked tirelessly for the Gift Shop making countless baby quilts, slippers, taking the cart to patients, helping with raffles ( even taking a woodworking class so she could build a doll cradle), making doll clothes, baking for bake sales. Working to provide funds for patient care for the Chetwynd General Hospital was a very important endeavor for her. Mavis was a long-time member of the CWL & was particularly active after her retirement when time allowed concentration to be focused on the work of the church. She served on the Enderby executive, attended conventions, made banners for all occasions, was known for her delicious baking for bake sales & events. She babysat for young moms. She cared about anyone in need & did whatever she could to help. Often what she did was done quietly & certainly without any want or need for recognition. Family was so important to her. She took great interest in all her family. Family events & keeping in touch with all the family held a high priority. She loved the Moberly Lake gatherings. She will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved her. A prayer service was held on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Chetwynd, B.C. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, March 27, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Fr. Don O'Reilly officiated, Interment followed in the Lower Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery where Mavis was laid to rest beside her husband, Walter. Mavis is survived by her two Sons; Albert (Darlene), Delbert (Sharon), Grandchildren; Brent (Carrie). Tracy (Rick) Davis, Christine Schoenbach, Colleen (Jarrett) Hughes, Great Grandchildren; Curtis (Amanda), Jake, Ricky, Trey, Trista, Mitchell, Kaylin, Tristin, Cody, Triton, Toby, & Lincoln, Sister; Joan (Lawrence) Martineau, Sisters-in-law; Isabel O'Connell, Arlene O'Connell, Audrey Stewart & numerous nieces & nephews. Mavis was predeceased by her Husband; Walter, Parents; Jim & Irene O'Connell, Brothers; Cornelius, Glen, John, Clayton, Sister; Eileen, Grandson; Steven Gerry, and Great Granddaughter; Emma Rose Schoenbach. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium