LUMSDON: Mary Scott Lumsdon (May) passed away peacefully at the Battlefords Union Hospital on August 30, 2012 at the age of 92 years. May is predeceased by her husband Bill and leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons Brian (Janet), Terry (Patti), Bill (Katherine), and Rob (Heather); grandchildren Chris, Andy, Scott, Gil, Jeff, Brennan, Keely, and Sasha; and five great-grandchildren. Mary Scott Ritchie (May) was born on September 22, 1919 in Helensburgh, Sctotland. She grew up in Sunnyside Cottage near the mouth of the River Clyde. After leaving school May worked as an office manager for the London Northeastern Railroad. Like many other young Scottish women the onset of WWII impacted May's employment situation. She found herself traveling 15 miles to work in the Singers munitions factory in Clydebank. The war brought many Canadian soldiers to Helensburgh and at a local dance May met a handsome gent from the prairies named William James Lumsdon. After a whirlwind two week courtship, May and Bill were married in Edinburgh on August 14, 1943. Their honeymoon however was short lived as Bill shipped out to Sicily a few days later and wouldn't return to claim his Scottish bride for another three years. Now a Scottish war bride, May boarded the Acquitania and left her beloved Scotland in 1946 arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax on March 26th. She moved into a house built by her husband Bill at 1211-97th Street in North Battleford - a home she would reside in for her entire life. May was briefly employed at Craig's Department Store but her focus changed when the first of her four sons was born in 1947. She now recognized that her primary job would be that of mother and homemaker. May became affectionately known to her boys as Ma and was as fine a mother as anyone could wish for. She put family first and loved Bill and the boys unconditionally. She taught them kindness, generosity, cheerfulness, and encouraged them to find joy in the simple things in life. May made a wonderful life for herself in North Battleford. A social minded lady, May found great fellowship at the Third Avenue United Church. For over 20 years she was the superintendent of the Sunday School program there. She and Bill loved music and enjoyed many fun times at the local dance clubs. She developed a great circle of friends with whom she attended bingos at the K of C, Legion, or Kinsmen halls. May's greatest passion apart from her family was reading. She loved her books and described the North Battleford Public Library as a treasure. Ma was a real character. She had a terrific sense of humour. The boys and their friends were used to being referred to as "wee monkeys." If one mentioned Ma's advancing age and passing away she would respond with " And you could get hit by a truck tomorrow!" Probably one of the luckiest people on the planet, Ma won everything from a side of beef to $50,000 on a scratch and win. She was superstitious particularly regarding her beloved Roughriders. She will likely have her Rider socks on up in Heaven - that is, if it's a wee bit chilly! May was loved by many. Her children and grandchildren loved her. She had many loving friends. But the greatest love of her life was Bill. It is a comforting thought to think of May and Willie united once again - the Canadian soldier and his Scottish bride. As Ma said herself, "I've had a good life!" We agree Ma! Thanks for teaching us how to love and enjoy life! A private family service was held on Monday, September 3, 2012. If friends so desire, donations in May's memory may be made to the Third Avenue United Church Building Fund. Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Thiessen of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home. 445-2418.
