Surrounded by her family at her home on Friday, May 1st, Mary Ostrander (nee Norton) died at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

Daughter of the late Walter Norton and Elda (Gorsline), Mary was predeceased by her husband, Leland Ostrander, and her daughter, Val MacDonald (Allan). She was the loving mother of Cindy Ostrander, Julie Brownson (Tim), and Brad Ostrander (Jenn).

She was Nana and trusted friend to Ali, John Henry (Mallory), Maggie, Caillie, Caleb (Jordanna), Weslie, Mitchell (Kailey), Jordan (Lesley), Ben, Christopher (Meghan), and Becca (Mason). She will be fondly missed by her beloved “GGs” Jaxon, Everleigh, Laurenna, Lennox, Mac, Miller, Rhys, Georgia and Hunter.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Doug (Joan), Jack (Anne), and Howard (Pat), brother-in-law Walter Brown and sister-in-law Jackie Norton. She is survived by her sister, Myrla Brown, and her brother, Ron Norton. She was also predeceased by her in-laws, Kenny Ostrander (Hilda), Shirley Lahey (Ed and Jim), and Phyllis Fenemore (Don). Mary is fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

The consummate County farm girl, Mary loved nature (except snakes!) and often drew attention to things like changing leaves or a passing bird, earning her the nickname “Mother Nature”. She had an impeccable sense of direction, and a deep interest in history, so a drive around the County with her was like attending a rapid-fire history lesson. She was an avid snowmobiler and spent many weeks with Leland and friends at the Archway Hunt Club. She enjoyed boating, gardening, and time spent by the lake. She was an avid reader of adventure stories set in the North and loved travel, particularly her trips to the Yukon, Alberta, Alaska and California.

Mary had a spicy spirit. She loved debating current events over what she called “a sip of wine” and faithfully kept up with the news. She was known for her signature holler when the moment called for it- especially at the sight of a snake. While in some ways she was the picture of a 1960s wife, she didn’t hesitate to assert her will- knocking down ceiling tiles with a hockey stick against Leland’s wishes minutes after he left for a hunting trip and once throwing eggs at him for selling her favourite car. Beneath that spirited independence was a deep and lasting devotion to Leland, and she missed him dearly.

She held several part-time jobs over the years (she was famously a very fast tomato picker) and was a long-time, devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved a good visit, classic country music, Westerns, a cup of tea with milk, and a lively card game.

Mary devoted much of her life to raising her children and grandchildren and was a constant presence in their lives. Whether it was caring for a sick child home from school, hosting holidays and Sunday coffee, or simply welcoming a drop-in visitor, her home was always open. Mary was always happy to drive the grandkids wherever they needed to go and rarely missed sporting events, school plays, or anything that mattered to them. She was known to show up unannounced to break the grandkids out of day camp on a sweltering summer day for a swim at the Point- a relief and thrill they still remember. She showed her love through her time, her care, and her unwavering availability.

She was one of a kind, the very heart of her family and the ultimate matriarch. She will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank Mary’s team of doctors, nurses, and PSWs at Belleville General Hospital, and Bayshore Healthcare (especially nurses Madi and Mary Anne) for their exceptional care and support of Mary and her family. A special thank you to Dr. Sarah Le Blanc and Brad Gunn, whose sensitivity and compassion made it possible for Mary to have the peaceful transition she wanted. Cremation has taken place, and in accordance with Mary’s wishes, no public service will be held. If desired, donations to Hospice Prince Edward would be appreciated by Mary’s family.