It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mary Elizabeth Stager.
Mary joined her beloved husband of more than 60 years, Paul Stager, on his first heavenly birthday, July 14, 2026. She is survived by her daughters, Christine (Adam) and Gillian, and by her much-loved grandchildren, Charlie and Heather. Mary was predeceased by her brother-in-law David and her niece Andrea and is survived by her sister-in-law Beverly and her niece Martha.
The cherished daughter of Jessie and Harry Gassard, Mary was born in Toronto, Ontario, on February 14, 1943. After completing her undergraduate degree at Victoria College, University of Toronto, she travelled to New Jersey to pursue her master’s degree at Rutgers University. Following graduation, Mary began her career at Educational Testing Services before returning to Toronto to work at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, where she continued until her retirement.
Mary found deep fulfillment in her work. She deeply enjoyed her years as an educational researcher, and her special passion for urban school improvement was recognized with the establishment of an OISE scholarship in her name. As she moved into university administration, she enjoyed collaborating with friends and colleagues to solve problems—from the day-to-day to larger projects such as institutional mergers. Her intelligence and grace helped create calm, inclusive spaces for thoughtful and innovative problem solving.
Mary built a full and happy life in Toronto, enjoying all the city had to offer, and especially treasuring her time reading and learning with friends and her book club. She always had a long list of wonderful things she had just read and a list of things she could hardly wait to read. In retirement, her interest in genealogy inspired new adventures and formed new friendships.
Mary’s love of the outdoors was shaped by her time at Camp Tanamakoon in Algonquin Park and at Jasper Park Lodge. She loved to canoe and hike in Ontario, and later she and Paul began annual hiking trips to their beloved Lake O’Hara Lodge in the Canadian Rockies. Her smiles in photos from those trips are beaming with her joy in sharing outdoor adventures with Paul.
Mary’s greatest joy was the time she spent with her family. She loved playing with her grandchildren for hours—getting delightfully lost in games that later became conversations about philosophy, science, books, and travel. Her sense of humour was always present, and making her laugh was a wonderful gift.
The family is deeply grateful to the team at the Movement Disorders Clinic at LHSC. Dr. Jog and his team showed remarkable kindness and care as Mary navigated Parkinson’s disease. The family also expresses sincere thanks to the many friends and staff at Windermere on the Mount Retirement Home, who helped Mary feel welcomed and supported in her new home.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no formal celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests donations be made to Parkinson Canada or to a charity of your choice.