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Mary G. Dalen was born on December 18, 1937 to Emma and Josiah Bright of Cedarvale B.C. She passed away December 15, 2016 at Mills Memorial Hospital after a short illness, leaving behind her husband Halvor of 50 years and her son, Lyle.

Mary was laid to rest at the Meanskinisht cemetery in Cedarvale, beside her parents and brothers and sisters.

Mary was a very active person having a number of

diplomas in computer programming in Basic in

addition to her high school education and training as a legal

assistant and secretary.

Very active in politics, Mary was involved in forestry and fishery issues as well as in protecting the environment, all aspects that went well with her love of the outdoors, hiking, fishing, traveling and gardening.

She was one of the founders and directors of the Meanskinisht Village Historical

Association and one of the trapline holders of the Josiah Bright & Company trapline.

She met Halvor in Prince Rupert and they were married there in 1966, staying there for years before moving back to Cedarvale in the late 1980s.

Mary was a descendant of the original inhabitants of Gitlusec/Meanskinisht Village now known as Cedarvale, B.C. She learned the history that was handed down from previous generations and was a true Gitxsan.

Mary loved the outdoors – she would walk many times to the Seven Sisters

Mountains where she felt free and could run, jump and have fun. The mountain called her and said, “I am your friend. You come anytime and you and I will have lots of fun together.” And Mary said, “I am your friend too, I will step lightly so

I won't break anything.”

Today Mary is facing the mountain. The mountain will keep her safe and the

mountain will be there forever and Mary will also be there forever as they will touch each other.

“I am very thankful for being chosen to be Mary's wedded husband for 50 years,” says Halvor.

“We are not going to forget all the things you have taught us ,and we are not going to forget all the things you did for us,” added Halvor along with Lyle.

“We are going to keep you in our hearts every day.”

Halvor Dalen, Lyle Dalen and brother Wilfred Bright



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