Mary Anne Christine Yates

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Mary Anne will forever be remembered for her bright smile, which would light up any room she'd enter, as well as her infectious laughter.

On July 8th, 2026, Mary Anne Christine Yates (née Hiscock) passed away at the age of 82. Her last moments were spent in her home, looking out at Langford Lake with family by her side.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Ross (Kathy), and Marcie; grandchildren: Terryn (Trevor), Denise (Jeff), Jake, Lanie, and Noah; siblings: Leigh (John), Janet, and Donald (Lise); as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Mary Anne was born at Royal Jubilee Hospital in 1943 as the firstborn of her parents, Stanley and Marion. Her childhood was not an easy one, losing her mother at only four years old, which caused her to briefly be separated from her father and sister. After they reunited, he went on to remarry, having another two children with his second wife. Throughout this, she began to view her grandmother, Margaret, as her saving grace. When Mary Anne later became a grandmother herself, it was her mission to fill that same role in her grandchildren's life — a mission she soundly accomplished.

Raised in the Happy Valley area, Mary Anne graduated from Belmont Secondary School, before going on to attend hairdressing school. She spent the next 40+ years at different hair salons, including one she owned with her best friend. More than 20 of those years also involved her doing custodial work for Sooke School District 62, before health issues led to her retirement. Even while simultaneously working two full time jobs, Mary Anne would still find time to maintain her hobbies, such as gardening and knitting; as well as volunteering with special needs adults, spending time with her friends (which included hosting themed dinner parties!), and being an amazing mother and grandmother.

Mary Anne will forever be remembered for her bright smile, which would light up any room she'd enter, as well as her infectious laughter. She was a big believer in the philosophy "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all", and "kill them with kindness". Even as her health steadily declined over the years, Mary Anne never complained, taking each new diagnosis in stride. Her doctors can attest to her indomitable spirt and her ability to overcome any challenge put in her path — a feat her family has affectionately begun referring to as a result of her "stubborn Hiscock blood".

At Mary Anne's request, no funeral service will be held. Instead, a celebration of life will take place at 2:00pm, on Saturday, July 25th, at 2833 Lake End Rd, Langford, BC, V9B 2W2. In the meantime, if you ever need a sign that Mary Anne is still with you, just look for a hummingbird!

The family would like to thank the nurses and counsellors from Victoria Hospice for the care they showed Mary Anne throughout this experience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8.

To Mary Anne: you are now free of the pain. Spread your wings and fly with the angels. Until we meet again, we love you and we miss you.

Bye for now.