Mary Yvonne Grekul

Mary, Yvonne Grekul (nee Stoley), 87, of Vancouver, BC, via Nanaimo, BC and Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Kori (Jonathan), Tim (Shandell), and James, and her cherished grandchildren Haley and Kiara, who loved their “Nana” deeply.

Born in Camrose, Alberta, Yvonne was the eldest of four children of Chester and Delphine Stoley. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, brothers John and Phil Stoley, and sister Jane Secord.

Hardworking and resilient, Yvonne was blessed with the ability to quickly turn strangers into friends, whether she was riding the ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver, shopping, or taking a walk in the neighbourhood. Fiercely independent, Yvonne was always determined to make her own way through hard work and her palpable force of will. A valued employee of CIBC for 25 years, she was extremely well liked by customers and colleagues alike, receiving special awards and accolades from her bank branch (Varsity, Calgary, AB) and CIBC head office.

Upon her retirement Yvonne enjoyed travelling, with several trips to Hawaii, Cuba, and Europe, as well as many cruises throughout the Caribbean and to Panama, and Alaska. Yvonne’s devotion to her grandchildren led to a move from Calgary to Nanaimo, where she was only a ferry ride away and could enjoy her patio garden all year round. In Nanaimo she found warmth and fun in her many friends, enjoying coastal life and the odd trip to the casino, where she was by all accounts, unusually lucky.

Yvonne’s lifelong love and affinity for music was evident to all. Christmas at her childhood farm was filled with family, singing, and her piano renditions of all the best songs of the season. Her musical ear allowed her to play anything and harmonize with anyone. An avid sports fan, she never missed a Calgary Flames or Blue Jays game, issuing strict instructions to family and friends not to disturb her during game time.

Yvonne was filled with love for her family and friends, and she will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, nurses, and staff at Casa Mia, her final home. Their kindness and compassion knew no bounds, and it was a great comfort to her family to know how well she was cared for in her final years.

The family will gather privately to remember Yvonne.