Mary Alice (Sykes) Lederer

She was the beloved spouse of Lorraine for 40 years. Devoted mother of Katrina (Thomas Chambers) and Jessica. Loving sister of Ed Sykes. Predeceased by her parents Edward and Mary Sykes (Brufatto).

Those of you lucky enough to have known her, know she had the most generous heart and soul of anyone. Her bright smile was infectious and she loved to make others feel loved.

Visitations for Mary will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday September 9th from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X1K5. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery for the immediate family after the visitation on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosar-morrison.com for the Lederer family.

Biography:

Mary Alice Lederer (nee Sykes) was born in St. Michael’s Hospital on Queen Street in Toronto on September 13, 1951. Until the time she met her future wife, she never lived more than 6 kilometers from her birthplace. Mary was a Torontonian through and through.

Mary was the daughter of Ed and Mary Sykes and sister of Ed Sykes. Mary’s parents have both passed. Mary attended St. Paul’s elementary school and St. Joseph’s high school in downtown Toronto. As a young adult, she also took courses at Centennial College.

Her work experience included working for Go Transit at Union Station and at Main Street Station. She then became a TTC driver, driving both streetcars and buses. She was one of the first 5 women to be hired by the TTC as drivers. Mary was a staunch union supporter and marched in several Labour Day parades. Later in life, Mary became a Real Estate Broker.

After meeting her future wife, Lorraine, in 1982 Mary settled down and enjoyed hosting parties at their house, mostly Sunday champagne brunches. Mary loved being surrounded by friends and family.

Mary and Lorraine started attending the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCCT) in 1987. Mary served as a deacon at the church in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. This was the perfect role for Mary as she was often the first person to greet newcomers to the church and make them feel welcome, even before she was a deacon.

After seven years together Mary and Lorraine decided it was time to extend their family and in the following two years, they adopted their daughters Katrina and Jessica from South America.

Mary was a totally devoted mother and spouse. Nothing made Mary happier than watching her daughters grow and mature into the wonderful, caring young women they are today. She was in life, and now in heaven, the proudest mom. Her spirit will continue to guide her girls.

Lorraine and Mary were in their 40th year together when Mary suffered a massive stroke on

April 5, 2022. The last gift she gave to her family was an additional 5 months to create more memories through a difficult time. She was still comforting them in her final days and making them laugh.

Mary passed on September 5, 2022 at 1:40 am. She passed on Labour Day which was certainly fitting due to her past union involvement.

Mary will be remembered as a kind, generous soul who would do anything for anyone, at any time. She often put the needs of others ahead of her own.

Anyone who was lucky enough to have known Mary knows what a special person she was.

Rest in peace, sweet Mary. You will continue to be remembered lovingly by your family and

friends throughout their lifetimes.