McCOMB: Mary Irene, age 81 years, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Mary was born January 8, 1940 in Waskada, Manitoba to George Charles and Lila Jean (nee Gordon) Forster. The oldest of four siblings, she lived with her family on the farm near Waskada and attended Verona school until the family moved to Melita, MB when Mary was in grade 4. After high school, Mary graduated from Normal School and began teaching at South Brandon School. She met Melvin McComb at a community function, and they were married on July 22, 1961. Mary and Melvin resided at the farm NW12-9-20 in Whitehead Municipality, and after Art was born in 1962, she devoted her life to being a mother and farm wife; Earl followed 1965. Mom was actively involved in the farm activities including tending livestock, field work and a large garden, and kept meticulous records for the purebred Red Poll cattle and later Limousine crossbred cattle. After dad passed away, we moved to Brandon where she worked as a heath care aid at International Nursing Home, then Fairview Home, where her strong work ethic was greatly appreciated. Even after retirement, she continued to work casual for several years. Mom was a devoted and encouraging mother to her two boys, and a doting grandma to her grandsons and children and grandchildren of several close friends. Grandma Mary's house was always open for much needed emergency childcare services and dog sitting. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Art (Lori) and grandson Nicklas; son Earl (Wendy) and grandsons Carson and Bryce; niece Cathy McComb (Dave McCashin) and nephew Keith McCashin; brother George (Felicia) Forster; sister Donna (Burt) Lohner and nieces and nephew Sherry, Bryon and Lisa and families; and sister-in-law Sharon Forster and nephew and niece Michael and Tara and families. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin; brother Fred Forster; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Keith and Betty McComb; brothers-in-law David and Lyle McComb; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wilmot and Ellen McComb. Mom was much loved and will be greatly missed. A private graveside service was held at Brandon Cemetery. Thank you to Bette and Jodi for your support to mom when she was sick, and the family’s heartfelt gratitude to the staff on A3 for caring for mom with compassion and dignity. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the BRHC Foundation, Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3, Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 or the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th Street East, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6.