Mary Elizabeth Jenks

Mary Elizabeth Jenks, born in Niagara Falls, New York and raised on the Canadian side of the Falls, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on June 3, 2025 with her beloved daughters, Lori and Stephanie, by her side. Mary was a cherished member of the Salmon Arm community for over forty years.

Trained as a nurse at St. Thomas Elgin in Ontario, Mary is perhaps best known for her work at the Okanagan Regional Library for more than 20 years. She was an avid reader, loved people, and had an unquenchable curiosity, as well as a small rebellious streak, which made the library a perfect fit. She would always make allowances for those who came up against rules she didn’t agree with and don’t think she didn’t notice what books you were reading!

Having lived in South Africa for four years before moving to Salmon Arm in 1979, Mary continued on many more travel adventures with her dear friends upon retirement. She returned to Africa a number of times and boasted of a zip-lining excursion with her son. She also explored many South American and European countries, South Asia, Hawaii, England and even returned to her ancestors’ origin of Northern Ireland.

Despite her hatred of anything math related, Mary often found herself in charge of money serving as treasurer of the Salmon Arm Sockeyes Swim club back in the ’80’s and was a founding member of the Shuswap Women’s Investment Club. She was an avid movie goer who rarely missed a Saturday evening with the Shuswap Film Society.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Lori Jenks (Olivia Tetrault), Stephanie Oslund (Jonathan, Jayden and Brady), Claire Crossland (Keith, Cody, Josh, Jeremy, Kaitlin, and Kayla), twin brother John McCutcheon (Jackie, Michele, and Jennifer), as well as her beloved border terrier Ernie. Her ex-husband John’s family were also treasured siblings, Susan, Cathy, Debbie and Peter. She is predeceased by her beloved son Brian, and parents Ruth (Cherrie) and Mervyn McCutcheon. She leaves behind many dear friends who will miss her immensely.

A celebration service will be held to honour Mary's life and legacy at Meikles Social Art House, 148 Lakeshore Drive N.E., Salmon Arm, BC on August 10 at 1pm. Please RSVP or send a write up to be read to sjoslund@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shuswap Film Society, SPCA or an animal charity of your choice in Mary's memory.