Obituary of Mary Ruth Machan

Mary Ruth Machan, daughter of the late Fredrick Charles Bentley and Gladys Ruth Bentley was born in Toronto, Ontario and passed away on June 21, 2023 at the Valley Hospice in Kentville, Nova Scotia surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mary Ruth is survived by her husband Glen Machan and five children: Charles Machan (spouse Tangerene, children: Bentley, Jay, Jimmy, Mickey & Serenity), Daniel Bencini (spouse Susan, children: Odin & Cooper), Matthew Machan, Emily Miller (children: Brooklyn & Jackson), Ainslie [Sarah] Machan (spouse Skylar), and brother Robert Bentley (spouse Carla, children: Christopher & Jennifer). Mary Ruth attended Westin Baptist Church with her family where; at an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ. In her childhood she attended Cornelius Parkway Elementary and later graduated from Nelson A. Boylan High School in Toronto. She continued her education, graduating from the University of Calgary in 1985 with a Bachelor of Commerce. Mary Ruth worked in a variety of different careers, but always shone brightest while working with others. One of her favorite positions was at Acadia University, while working at the W.O.N.G. International Center with the international and refugee students. She welcomed all students with open arms and created a safe and inviting space they could call home during their time in Canada. Being a mom to any who needed it and sharing family traditions was her passion. Mary Ruth did this with excitement and enthusiasm, by hosting many potluck dinners (25+ students) at her family home for Thanksgiving, Halloween, Chinese New Year, etc. She organized outings like apple picking, exploring the local corn maze, skating parties, and campfires. Mary Ruth found her life’s joy by creating a loving community wherever she went. During her time working at Acadia University, Mary Ruth along side her daughter and Ann Young started the Acadia Axe-Elles Synchronized skating team in 2011, which continues to compete nationally to this day. Her hard work, early morning music playing and dedication to the team, was crucial in the creation and continuation of the team. A celebration of life was held for Mary Ruth on August 5, at 1:00pm at the Bow Valley Church in Cochrane, Alberta. Pastor Paulo Fogaca was officiating. The celebration of life for Mary Ruth can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlhZIuxYaXQ or search “August 5, 2023 Mary Ruth Machan” on google.