DIDRICHSEN
(nee) McDermott
Mary Cecilia
Mary Cecilia "Mac" Didrichsen passed away in Stettler on September 11, 2009. Mac was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland; the eldest of three children. After her schooling, Mac moved to Guildford, England where she studied nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She then worked at the Christie Institute in Manchester, England, a hospital which treats cancer patients. After her time in England, Mac moved to Canada along with her lifelong friend and fellow nurse Johanna (Josie) Pochylko, also from Ireland. Mac's first nursing position was in Carmangay, Alberta. After a brief period working at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, Mac and Josie moved on to Stettler. It was in these early nursing days that Mac earned her nickname of Mac (short for Nurse McDermott). Mac worked as a nurse at the Stettler Hospital for about 25 years. It was at the Stettler Hospital that Mac met and married a fine orderly from Denmark named Finn Didrichsen. "Mac & Finn" were married in 1959 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Although Mac was not as gregarious as her husband Finn, she was every bit as funny and able to tell a good story. Mac maintained a lifelong love for Ireland and England. She was an avid reader and was particularly interested in history and royalty. Mac will be remembered for her compassionate nature, her quiet strength and her humour. She quietly accepted her final illness without complaint. She was mentally sharp as a tack to the end. Mac is survived by her husband Finn, her son Peter, her daughter & son-in-law Sara and Neil Humphreys, her daughter Nora, and her grandson Andrew. Mac is also survived by her niece Suzy and her husband Steve of England; her sister-in-law Joyce of England; her stepsister Isa of Northern Ireland; her sisters-in-law Lilian, Grete and Inge of Denmark, and Inge of Spain along with numerous nieces and nephews in Denmark and a host of friends. Mac was predeceased by her parents William and Sara, her brother Tommy, her sister Nora, her brother-in-law Ib and her stepmother Lizzie (who lived to be 100). Mac was also predeceased by her Aunt Susan, who raised her from a young age. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Christ-King Catholic Church in Stettler, Alberta on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Arlan Parenteau officiating. Reception and fellowship will follow at the Christ-King Parish Hall with the CWL catering the luncheon. As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be made to Operation Eyesight or to the charity of your choice in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 193, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 who were entrusted with all of the care and arrangements. 403.742.3315. Condolences can be e-mailed to brennen@telusplanet.net.