Obituary of Mary Helen MacDougall
Mary Helen MacDougall of Red Deer AB passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 27, 2025, at the age of 68 years.
Mary was born on June 21, 1956, in Rymanów, Poland, to Stanislaw Niemczyk and Genewefa Siodor. In August of 1958 she immigrated to Canada. She grew up alongside her sister Anna and brother Andy on a farm near Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Life wasn’t always easy for Mary, but she faced it with grit and a big, kind heart.
Mary carried the heavy sorrow of losing her two children, Kennethy and Cameron Bell, but somehow kept going with quiet strength. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 17 years, Morris Allan MacDougall, who she missed every day after his passing.
Mary found a lot of joy in the family she shared with Morris — her stepdaughters Jennifer & Brad Bahler and Jamie & Colin Fisher — and their kids, Isaac, Abbi, Nate, William, Ben, and Maddie. They lit up her life and gave her so much to be proud of. In a letter she once wrote, Mary said, "I hope things are well with your kids and grandkids — hold them and tell them that you love them all the time." That’s exactly the kind of love she gave.
Mary spent most of her working years in the food service industry. She and Moe spent over 20 years together at Loaves and Fishes and Potter’s Hands, feeding people and building community in small, everyday ways that mattered. She didn’t look for thanks — she just showed up and did the work.
She loved her garden and had a green thumb that could bring anything to life. Whether she was pulling weeds, cooking a meal, or helping a neighbor, Mary’s hands were always busy doing something good for someone else.
Mary didn’t live an easy life, but she lived an honest one. Though her life was full of hardship, Mary lived with dignity, grace, and an open heart. She worked hard, loved hard, and never gave up. She will be remembered for her strength, her simple goodness, and the love she so freely shared.
A memorial service for Mary will be held at the Pioneer Lodge, 4324 – 46 A Ave, Red Deer AB at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
In Mary’s memory, donations can be made to local food charities — a cause that was always close to her heart.
Rest easy, Mary. You are finally home.
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."
Matthew 25:21
Condolences to Mary’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Mary MacDougall” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials
Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944