On behalf of the Department of Physical Therapy, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Mary, a former faculty member whose legacy in physical therapy will continue to inspire generations to come. Mary was a true forward thinker —pushing boundaries in clinical practice and education. Mary’s visionary work not only advanced the profession but also transformed how care is delivered and taught.

As a mentor, colleague, and leader, Mary was known for her generosity, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to the physical therapy profession. Mary’s contributions set a foundation for much of the progress we see today in our field. We are grateful for the profound mark Mary left on our department, our profession, and on all those fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her.

Our thoughts are with Mary’s family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. May Mary’s memory continue to be a source of strength and inspiration.

Warmly,
Sara Guilcher, Interim Chair and Graduate Chair 
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Toronto

Dear Thérèse, Christine, Yvonne, Evette, and Mary Ella, 

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Our family has many fond memories of our dear "Aunt" Mary and "Uncle" Bud and the entire Sauriol family from our days at Lake Simcoe. What I remember most about your mother was her infectious laughter, her joy, and her energetic embrace of life. A courageous, compassionate and loving person, she made those around her better people, and the world a better place.

My best wishes to you all at this difficult time.

Gregory Higgins
Ottawa

My heart goes out to all of Mary’s family.

Mary was a giant in physiotherapy.  She was a role model to hundreds of physiotherapist.  Mary’s infectious laugh and ever present smile were her hallmark.  She was a patient teacher, mentor and guiding light for so many of us in private practice.  As a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto Mary never hesitated to share ideas and ensure we were looking forward to educate our future physiotherapists to be the best that they can be.

Mary will be missed by us all yet her influence lives on through how she has shaped us as physiotherapist and the profession overall.

Sharon Switzer-McIntyre

Our thoughts and prayers for the family on the loss of a great lady.

Mary Sauriol was a force to be reckoned with. She  is remembered by physical therapists as establishing the first private physical therapy  practice in Toronto and Ontario.  Her astute understanding of delivering exceptional  physical therapy outside the hospital in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons, using a business model in the private sector changed the course of physical therapy delivery. As a faculty member of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of  Toronto she developed the first course in Business Management, later acknowledged by her colleagues who created the Mary Sauriol Business Practice Prize  for graduating students who developed a thorough understanding of “Best Business Practices”.  Mary never missed a faculty meeting  or an opportunity to provide wise council to students or colleagues. We were blessed to have her as a member of our Department…… may she rest in peace. …….
Past Chair Department of Physical Therapy

Dear Christine and Jacques, I saw the obituary in the Globe and Mail today and wanted to express my sincere condolences to you both and your family. Loosing a mother and grandmother means missing a part of yourself and a break in the continuity of your family. 
I wish you all the best in these difficult days and I hope to be in touch with you sometime this summer. 
Evita Sanders

Mary was my mentor and a great teacher. She  was so encouraging and helpful - I loved her whole hearted contagious laughter.  She was an extra ordinary lady who  exemplified compassion and  quest for life long learning. She  has touched my life and deeply saddens my heart  as she moves on to join stars in the sky! I think she truely lived and thrived in all areas of her life. Please accept my deepest   
Condolences. RIP🙏🏽💕

Dear Thérèse, Christine, Evette, Yvonne, Mary Ella and family, 

I’m so saddened to hear about the loss of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Your mother hired me when I first came out of physiotherapy school. She was always so supportive and inspiring. I have very fond memories working at Physiotherapy Associates.  I remember she would use the term “courage” frequently. To say she was ahead of her time was an understatement. She truly changed the landscape for physiotherapists in Ontario. I’m sharing a picture of the Physiotherapy Associates gang who came to celebrate her 80th birthday. May the loving memories of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother carry you through this difficult time. I will remember Mary through her amazing smile and infectious laugh and for her incredible contributions to the physiotherapy profession.
Take care,
Sharon

Our thoughts are with the Sauriol family at this time.
Hugs, Ellen and Dennis Patterson and Family

Oh Yvonne, what a powerful obituary. It paints a portrait of an extraordinary woman who lived such a full and meaningful life - ahead of her time, indeed. I loved the comment from one of your family friends about her laugh…which will forever live on through you, Yvonne. 

Please know that we are thinking of you and sending our love and deepest condolences.

My condolences to the family. My Aunt Mary was an amazing person. Awesome Aunt, loving woman and always gave loving hugs. As a young girl I would bring pictures which she would put on her fridge to show everyone. She shared lots of stories of my father and how much time he would spend at her house playing with her girls. I am glad I had the chance to come see her at the cottage and spending time talking with her and Yvonne. It was the most magical couple of hours I have had with family. I didn’t want to say bye. I will miss my Aunt Mary very much.

My sincerest condolences to the Sauriol sisters and the extended family. I remember going to your house as a kid and hearing the peels of laughter coming from your parents' room as they watched the Carol Burnett show.  Your mom had the best laugh ever! And, it makes me smile to this day.  She lives in our hearts.

Dear Thérèse, Christine, Evette, Yvonne & Mel,
I’m so sorry for your loss.    Thinking about your Mom has brought back so many wonderful memories that our families shared at the lake.  I remember the time that I broke my collar bone and she was there for me.    Again, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, she was such a wonderful person.

Anne Marie, Chuck, Robert & Andew

A life well lived;  a great example of an independent woman professional, ahead of her time.  What a blessing she was in our lives.  From the time I met her, on Bud's arm visiting my mom and dad in Welland, and being introduced to us much younger children, to  contact with her and all of you, when I planned that 90th birthday celebration for my mom, to knowing her in a professional capacity when her business was across from the office I was working in, to meeting you all again, through zoom.
 
Thanks so much for letting me know she has gone to her final rest, and thank you all for caring for her so well all through and at the end of her life.

Wonderful memories of Auntie Mary and family. What a great life! Nos condoleances.
Dan & Joanne Rogers

OBITUARY

Mary Nolan Sauriol

August 20, 1929 – April 5, 2025

Paul O'Connor Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services