Timeless Tales by Mag
By Mag Berry
My story began in Toronto, where I earned a degree in Interior Design and spent over a decade designing hospitality spaces. Photography was my creative hobby.
We moved our family to Edmonton in 1996 to start our own business. At this point, I was a stay-at-home mom, a decision I will never regret. I decided to return to university, and got my second degree in Education, and spent the next 10 years teaching Grade 3.
I can honestly say that each of these stages was perfect for the season of life that I was in.
As I prepared to retire from teaching in 2017, I felt a pull back to photography, and I immersed myself in workshops with some of Canada’s most respected photographers.
In 2022, one of my photographs was selected in a U.S. competition. The gallery curator said to me, “If you haven’t started a portrait photography business yet, you should.”
Wow! I launched my business soon after, focusing initially on branding. I was successful, but something was missing.
Where Photography Became a Calling
What I was missing became clear when I returned to what I have always loved most: listening to people’s stories, especially the ones of seniors.
As a child, I spent time living in the Dominican Republic, where seniors are deeply respected. I sat and listened for hours as they told stories of their lives. Storytelling became a part of my life, and listening to them made me feel good. I learned to respect and value what seniors said.
From that realization, Timeless Tales by Mag was born: a legacy portrait series honouring seniors over 80.
My approach to this work is rooted in connection. I visit each senior three to four times in their home, and we share coffee and conversation. I ask questions and listen.
These visits are about trust, and only when I feel that they like, know and trust me, do I bring up the topic of the photoshoot.
A Life Lived — Margaret Shone
Margaret’s story unfolds much the same way. At 83, she is obsessed with tennis. But this passion didn’t arrive overnight.
In her own words: Tennis and Me.
Here I am, 83-years-old and obsessed with tennis.
How did this come about? Where did it all begin?
For most of my life, tennis has been a mere snippet. But there is a continuing thread of connection.
1955 to 1960: Growing up in Calgary. My introduction to tennis began in my teenage years. My best friend’s backyard was situated on the hill directly above the Calgary Tennis Club. We would grab our tennis racquets and balls, hop down her backyard steps, cross the lane, slide down the remainder of the hill, and we were there. A good backboard to practice on. Six shale courts to play on when not in use by members. Summers only. No formal lessons, but friendly Club members gave tips on how to play. I wasn’t hugely enticed then, and I wasn’t very good. However, together with other young players, we tried our best and had a lot of fun.
1960 to 1965: University days in Saskatoon. No tennis.
1965 to 1969: University days in Toronto. During two summers, I taught English to new Canadians in a school set up for this purpose. Fortune led me to form friendships with young teaching colleagues who played tennis, knew where to find courts, and were looking for other players. As in the teenage years, none of us was particularly talented, but we happily swatted balls to the best of our abilities, laughing giddily over our imperfect shots and thoroughly enjoying our frivolous pastime.
1969 to 1972: Early days of marriage and professional employment, first in Calgary, later in Edmonton. No tennis.
1973 to 1974: I was now living in Edmonton and employed by the Alberta Law Reform Institute at the University of Alberta. A colleague with tennis experience expressed interest in playing. The Garneau Tennis Club was just four blocks away. I took some group tennis classes and, with my colleague, developed a routine of playing tennis over the lunch hour during the summer months. This lasted for two summers.
1975 to 2005: Family and career days. Thirty years. No tennis. On occasion, however, I watched professional tennis matches on TV, especially the annual Wimbledon tournament.
2005 to present: Retirement. The luxury of time. How would I fill it? Somehow, the idea of tennis squirrelled its way into my head. The University’s Saville Community Sports Centre offered tennis opportunities, year-round, indoors and outdoors. It came with coaches and group lesson opportunities. I took out a membership and signed up for lessons. I met others at my level of play. The obsession began to settle in. I was challenged and wanted to get better. I acquired a coach. I played more often. I attended summer camps for more instruction. The obsession took over. After twenty years of uninterrupted play, I still strive to improve my technique and my game. Progression has come from continuing determination and a sequence of slow, steady gains. Most pleasing of all, and amazing to me at this time of life, is that my body is holding up.
Kudos to the Saville Community Sports Centre, a top-notch facility with a warm, accommodating staff, terrific coaches and a wide range of interesting, friendly members. Tennis offers unexpected benefits. You can play well into your senior years; it’s great for maintaining physical fitness and opens social opportunities.
Watching Margaret speak about tennis, you see it immediately: she is happy. Her story is about lifelong learning, persistence, curiosity, and the power of showing up, again and again.
I said to Margaret, ”Margaret, it’s wonderful to see you always smiling. You genuinely look so happy at 83.” She replied, “What’s there to be sad about? I get to play as much tennis as I want, I’m healthy, and I get to live my life the way I choose. I have wonderful friends and a great community.”
Honouring Lives Well Lived
At the first visit, many seniors ask me why I care about their story or why I would want to photograph them. By the second or third visit, they begin to realize their life matters.
Margaret is no exception.
By the time she stepped in front of my camera, she was all in, felt honoured and had fun!
Timeless Tales by Mag is often commissioned by children and families who want to honour the seniors they cherish, to preserve their stories with intention and respect. The experience is calm, reflecting my core values of impact, kindness, and connection.
Redefining Success After 55
This third career has become the most fulfilling chapter of my life.
In a culture that often overlooks aging, my work offers a different perspective— one that celebrates wisdom and resilience.
Seniors like Margaret Shone remind us that life does not diminish with age — it deepens. And through Timeless Tales by Mag, these lives are not only remembered, but honoured.
Magdalena Barry, Photographer
Learn more or get in touch:
• Instagram: @mag_barry_photography
• LinkedIn: magbarryphotography
• 780-913-6560
