06/05/2026
It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Mary Zebian.
For those who knew her, she was a legend in her own right. From her very early days in Collingwood Corner, NS, to moving to Hantsport when she married my father, pretty much her entire life was spent selling clothing. And let me tell you, she was the best at it.
She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She never wanted anyone to leave empty-handed and was always throwing more clothes at people and sending bags home for them to try. I can still hear her calling people "money bags." It always made me laugh.
Even today, I hear stories from people who went to see Mike and Mary because they needed a suit, a jacket, or something special. My parents would often say, "Don't worry about paying now. Take it and pay us when you can." That's just who they were. They built stores throughout the Valley over the years and helped so many people along the way. Their kindness was just as important to them as the business itself.
Many people know Mom struggled over the last few years and that her health was deteriorating, but her spirit never left her. She was determined to come with me to Phinneys every day, and it was amazing to see how happy she was there. No matter what she was dealing with, her smile could still light up a room. I kept her coming with me for as long as I could. I hope she knows I tried my best.
I spent the last 10 days by her side and didn't want to leave her. I didn't even go to work, and anyone who knows me knows that's not something I do. But there was nowhere else I wanted or needed to be. My heart needed to be with her.
One of the greatest gifts Mom gave me was her work ethic. She taught me to work hard, to show up, and to keep going even when things got tough. Anytime I told her I was exhausted, she would always say, "Work won't hurt you." I can hear her saying it now. As simple as those words were, they became part of who I am.
Her entire family was with her, and I am so thankful for that. We were all there together, loving her until the very end.
I can't put into words the kind of mother she was. She did everything for her family and somehow always found time to help everyone else too. She was strong, generous, stubborn when she needed to be, and full of love.
There won't be a day that goes by that I won't think about my parents and wish they were still here with me. Losing Mom feels like losing a piece of myself. But I am so incredibly blessed and grateful that I got to call them Mom and Dad for as long as I did.
Right now, I am physically and emotionally exhausted. But more than anything, I am thankful. Thankful for every lesson, every laugh, every conversation, and every moment we shared.
I love you, Mom. I already miss you more than words can say.
Andrew