Mary McPhail (nee Kujawa) was born in 1920 at Luck, Poland. Because of Stalin's unrelenting persecution, Mary's father persuaded his family and friends to leave White Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1928 and settled on a farm in the St. Walburg area. Mary's parents were serious about her education. There were no school buses so Mary had to walk four miles to school. An excellent student, she soon mastered English and excelled in her studies. After graduation, one of her teachers suggested that because Mary was exceptionally bright and accomplished, she should study to become a doctor. In fact, this teacher was so confident that Mary would have a successful career in medicine, he loaned her father $500 to send her to university.
In 1937, Mary began her studies at the University of Saskatchewan where she earned an undergraduate degree in science. She completed her medical training in Winnipeg while serving with the Canadian Army. In her last year of medical school, Mary contracted tuberculosis and had no choice but to enter the sanatorium in Winnipeg, Man. An astute surgeon friend persuaded her to have a kidney removed, a procedure that saved her life. Mary acknowledged on occasion that she was a fighter because, at a young age, she had to fight to save her life. Remarkably, Mary did not forget her goal of becoming a doctor. It was a testament to her determination and resolve that, despite confronting a potentially deadly disease and losing a kidney, Mary wrote her final written exams at the sanatorium, and her final oral exam in a wheelchair.
During the post-war years, the social norms made it difficult for a female doctor to get a job. Mary was unable to find employment so she returned to St. Walburg to assist Dr. Finlayson, a friend of the family and a role model from her childhood. Then came a breakthrough, a great opportunity. Mary joined a successful medical practice in Wilkie. She was hired despite being a woman. No doubt her gender was overlooked because of her competence as a physician.
In 1947, when Mary joined the medical practice in Wilkie, she met Howdy, a handsome, adventurous, and decorated Second World War pilot, on a blind date. Given their strong and similar extroverted personalities, and a desire to experience all that life had to offer, it is not surprising that they fell for each other. They married in 1949 and moved to North Battleford in 1951. Shortly thereafter, Mary took an extended leave from her profession to raise her children, teaching them to read, write and play the piano before they started school. In 1960, she set up a family practice in her basement. She had the distinction of being the first female doctor in North Battleford.
Later, she specialized in anesthesiology so she spent her mornings in the operating room. But she made a point of working afternoons in her office at home so she could be close to her children. Mary served the medical needs of three generations of Battleford and area residents, and took great satisfaction in the knowledge that in all her years as an anesthesiologist, she never lost a patient. Mary continued to practice well into her 80s. During her practice and after retirement, her patients and former patients have expressed their gratitude for her practical advice and care.
Mary's priorities and main responsibilities were her family and her medical practice, but she still found time to fully involve herself in volunteerism and community service. She served on the board of education for 24 years. Mary was intent on doing everything she could to improve children's education in North Battleford. She believed music was fundamental to students' success and spent long hours researching to find the best music programs for North Battleford students. In addition, for decades, Mary was a loyal member of the University Women's Club. She hosted club meetings in her home and supported its initiatives and work. She also served three terms on city council and was highly respected for her common sense approach to solving problems. Mary expressed her opinions candidly and freely, and pointed out that common sense was a commodity conspicuously absent from public bureaucracies and governance structures. In addition to her love for, and belief in the value of music, she was passionate about art, which she believed had the potential to enrich the lives of everyone. Mary was directly involved in the acquisition of the former St. Thomas College chapel and creating the Chapel Gallery. She attended art exhibitions and functions at the gallery until the age of 90.
In addition, Dr. Mary served six years as a citizenship court judge. Since she came to Canada with her family, Mary was, of course, an immigrant. So she felt a certain kinship with newly arrived immigrants and greatly enjoyed welcoming them to our community.
Mary also served on the boards of the Saskatchewan Medical Association and the College of Medicine. In 1999, she was named Family Physician of the Year by the College of Family Physicians.
Mary had many interests, but one was more important than home life. Mary designed the family home which was built on a VLA lot on 11th Avenue. At the time, it was one of the most modern houses in North Battleford - the first house to incorporate the open ranch style. The McPhail home was also the first to have the latest washing machine and dryer. An important part of the furniture was a state-of-the-art hi-fi that allowed Mary to indulge in her love of classical music. Saturday afternoons were special in the McPhail household because the Metropolitan Opera was aired live on CBC Radio. Mary also gardened, canned and pickled. She was a fabulous cook and, she sewed, knitted, crocheted and copied dresses she saw in her beloved Vogue magazine. And Mary was famous for her hats.
Mary also had a vibrant and engaging social life. She loved occasions and gatherings with music and art. She loved elegant parties and high fashion. And, Mary also loved a good argument.
Mary's culture was also of great importance to her. When the family emigrated to Canada, her father brought many books with him - the great works of literature - all written in Russian. He read aloud from these books to his family every evening. Mary continued this tradition, reading aloud every evening, with Howdy taking turns. She was widely read in English, but also continued to read great Russian literature in her native language.
Mary and Howdy were citizens of the world. They travelled widely, collecting art and artifacts, and learning about different cultures. It was a small thing for them to fly to Winnipeg to see the Bolshoi Ballet, or to New York to take in a Dylan Thomas play. In their later years, they also spent time at their residence in London, England and Lanzarote, Spain.
Mary was a woman of great talent and energy. It is difficult to consider how one woman could experience and accomplish so much. Mary's work ethic was unmatched, as was her selfless desire to serve her husband and children, her patients and her community. On the occasion of our city's centennial, we stand in admiration of, and give a heartfelt thank you, to an extraordinary citizen - Dr. Mary McPhail.
