Landstrom, Mary (nee Lillian Mary Sparrow)

Mary passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Manotick, Ontario with her son, daughter and other close members of her family by her side. Born September 20, 1937, she was in her 88th year.

Dear mother to Cheryl (Jon Young) and Commander (RCN) Erik (Beth) and beloved Nana to Alli and FarMor to William, Mary's memory is also cherished by her sister Helen (Gerald) and all her nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased in 2018 by her husband of 53 years and companion of 60 years, Arvid Eric Landstrom. She was also predeceased by her parents Charles and Lillian (Gillett), brother Arthur (Sue), and sisters Ethel and Francis. 

A city girl, born and raised in the Riverdale neighborhood of Toronto, Mary moved with her young family to a country home north of Lakefield in 1975 and later retired to Trenton before finally moving to Manotick after Arvid's passing. Mary loved the outdoors and enjoyed nothing more than time spent by the water, particularly at Barrow Bay on the Bruce Peninsula. Creative, thoughtful and generous, Mary's quick wit and self-deprecating sense of humour always brought a smile to those around her. She had sharp observation skills paired with a very logical mind, which kept everyone on their toes. She cherished the wonderful friends she made along the way, especially her fabulous neighbors in Trenton and her many dear friends at Manotick Place.

Smart, determined and fiercely independent, Mary was a trail blazer. Carrying badge number PW29 Mary proudly served as one of the first female uniformed officers on the Toronto Metropolitan Police from 1957 - 1965. She would have continued and gone far in the Police, but due to the policy at the time she was required to leave the force when she married Arvid, a fellow officer.  Mary continued to serve her community through work with St. Barnabas Anglican Church, the Ontario Department of Social and Family Services, Veterans Affairs, the Court Alternatives diversion program for young offenders and the Family Extension Program which provided respite care for disabled children and their families. She also welcomed numerous foster children into her home. 

Thanks to Barb and the entire Manotick Place Retirement Home staff who made Mary feel so welcome over the past three years. Thanks also to the many dedicated medical professionals who supported her, particularly in the final few months, including the incredible PSWs, palliative care nurses, and doctors. 

She passed as she lived, in control and with a twinkle in her eye and joke on her lips.

Mary will be interred at St. John's Norway cemetery in Toronto with her husband, but at her request there will be no funeral. For those wishing to honor her memory, Mary suggested a donation to Cornerstone Housing for Women. https://cornerstonewomen.ca/