Former Mayor Mary Sjostrom, who passed away suddenly last week, was remembered fondly at last (Oct 21) night’s Quesnel City Council meeting.
Mayor Ron Paull read a prepared statement.
“Quesnel City Council and staff mourn the sudden passing of Mary Sjostrom, former City of Quesnel Councillor, Mayor and most recently Electoral Area “A” Director of the Cariboo Regional District.
Mary is fondly and gratefully remembered for her passionate and caring service to her community, through her nursing career, and through many years of community service, which further blossomed as she won continuous terms of electoral local government service, including as director and president of both the North Central Local Government Association and the Union of BC Municipalities. Most recently, Mary advocated for much-needed street lighting on Maple Drive and supported funding efforts for the planned replacement of the Red Bluff Fire Hall.
Mary’s commitment to community service was truly an inspiration. Her volunteer service included the 2000 BC Winter Games in Quesnel, which left a $50,000 legacy that helped establish the Quesnel Community Foundation, of which Mary served as a very involved director and president. The Foundation now boasts a legacy fund of more than six million dollars. Mary’s legacy of community service also benefited Communities in Bloom, West Fraser Centre, Chamber of Commerce, Palliative Care, Sunrise Rotary Club, Shiraoi Twinning Society, Relay for Life, and her service on the Board of Governors of the College of New Caledonia and BC Passenger Transportation Board. Mary was also the long-time owner of her very popular Mary’s Gift Shop.
Mary’s passionate care for the people of the greater Quesnel community will be long remembered and appreciated. On behalf of Quesnel City Council and staff, we share our deepest condolences to Mary’s family and loved ones. Details regarding a public memorial event for Mary will be shared when available. In observance of the family’s wishes, we ask that their privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”
Several other Councillors also remembered her at the meeting, including a very emotional Laurey-Anne Roodenburg.
She noted that it was Mary that encouraged her to get involved in politics and was a mentor to her.
“It’s been a bit of a gut punch for me, and I wake up in the morning and I go no, no, she’s not gone. As a colleague of mine in Rotary said I can’t imagine a Quesnel without Mary.”
Sjostrom passed away suddenly last week.
All flags in the city will be flown at half-mast in honour of her.
