Mary Lenore Stockdale

Mary Lenore Stockdale was a dedicated family member. Her parents were Charlotte (Cunningham) and Roland Stockdale. They came from Peterborough and were married in Toronto in 1912. Lenore was born on September 29, 1917 at 112 Roselawn Avenue in the house that her father built. She had one sister, M. Aileen, who was married to Robert M. Powell.

Her two nephews and their wives, Robert (Dale), Gaetanne, Bruce and Pam were near and dear to her. She cherished Melissa, Melanie, Michelle, Roxanne, Robert and her Godchild, Amanda, as if they were her own grandchildren.

Lenore taught for 36 years as a primary school teacher. She attended ‘normal’ school (teacher’s college) which is now Ryerson, in 1939. She began her career at SS #4 Cherry Valley in a one-room school house just south of the village. Cherry Valley is located about 10 miles south of Picton in Prince Edward County, Athol Township. She taught there from 1940 – 1942.

She taught for one year at Cookstown and then Maurice Cody Public School, North Toronto in 1943 and later graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She then joined the University Women’s Club where she was an avid bridge player.

She had a keen interest in painting and was a member of the Forest Hill Art School, the Willowdale group of artists and attended Northern Secondary portrait classes.

For many years, she was an active parishioner of St. Clement’s Anglican Church and sang in the Choir. She was also a sorority sister of Beta Sigma Phi for over 60 years and received her Diamond Recognition from her Beta Omicron Master Chapter.

In 1976, she completed her career teaching English to new Canadians in north Toronto schools.

Lenore’s wish was fulfilled as she passed away peacefully with her family by her side in the house where she was born on Sunday, November 21, 2010. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.