February 7, 1952 - February 17, 2025
Mary Helan Jeraj passed away peacefully in February 17, 2025 at the age of 73 years. She will be sadly missed by her loving spouse, Mike Dragani, many close friends and family who loved her dearly.
Mary is survived by her sisters; Helen (Jim) Craig of Mississauga, Ontario, Maida Jeraj of Balm Beach, Ontario, her brother; Frank (Rachel) Jeraj of Burlington, Ontario as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents; Frank andMillie Jeraj and her sister; Ann Jeraj.
Mary was born on February 7, 1952 and raised in Burlington, Ontario. After graduating high school in 1971, she attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1976 with a BSc and a BEd. She moved to Revelstoke in 1976 to begin her career in the local elementary school system. She became a proud member of the B.C.Teachers Federation and the RevelstokeTeachers Association.Mary took 1 year off from teaching in 1981/1982 to travel with friends to the South Pacific, visiting Hawaii, Fiji and spending much time in New Zealand and Australia. After her return home to Revelstoke, she resumed teaching in the elementary school system here. She loved being a positive influence on an entire generation of Revelstoke children until her retirement in 2008.
Mary met Mike when he joined her fun league volleyball team in 1982. The attraction was immediate and they spent the rest of her life in a loving
relationship. In her younger years, Mary was an avid hiker in the summer and skier in the winter, taking full advantage of the mountains and the province that she loved. She continued to walk daily on the green belt trails and loved to be camping and enjoying the lakes and forests North and South of here. Mary and Mike travelled together to experience many places, including Europe, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, South East Asia, China and Japan.
Mary was an avid reader and member of the library. She was an amazing cook and could wow her friends with the meals she prepared. Mary loved her garden and always had a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables and flowers each fall. She was a wonderful pet mama and shared her life with
many lucky dogs and cats over the years.
No formal service will be held as per her wishes, but please spend some time reminiscing about her with your friends.
If you wish to donate anything in her memory, her favourite causes were all local, including Community Connections, the Revelstoke Humane Society, the Revelstoke Women's Shelter, among others or the charity of your choice.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.bowersfuneralservice.com