June 16, 1939 – June 23, 2025
With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Mary Patricia Elizabeth Catling on June 23, 2025, at the F. J. Davey Home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, at the age of 86.
Mary Patricia Elizabeth (née Swanson) Catling was born on June 16, 1939. Mary was the beloved daughter of the late William Edward Swanson and Linnea Ingeborg “Leona” (née Lindstedt). She was one of seven siblings. Mary was predeceased by her siblings: William Erik Swanson, Margaret Lillian Swanson, Marjory Susan (née Swanson) Gorman/L’Heureux, James William Swanson, and Robert George Swanson. She is survived by her youngest brother, John Edward Swanson.
Mary will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and enduring love of flowers—especially geraniums, which she proudly cultivated in every shade. A lifelong gardener, she is thought to have inherited her green thumb from her mother, who adored African violets. Mary was also a woman of quiet resilience and deep compassion, qualities that defined her relationships and her way of life.
Mary was first married at St, John The Evangelist (Anglican) Church on November 29, 1958, to the late Donald Arthur Lewis. Though the marriage ended in divorce in 1970, it brought forth three cherished daughters.
Sylvia Patricia Theresa (née Lewis) was born in 1960. She later married Bruce Frederick Sherwood, and together they welcomed a daughter, Megan Patricia Ann Sherwood. In 1962, the family was blessed with the birth of Shirley May Donna (née Lewis), who has predeceased her mother. Shirley was first married to Steven David Long and later to William James Burleigh. She was a devoted mother to four children: Steven Robert Long, David William Arthur Long, Christopher Albert James Burleigh, and Sabrina Marie Burleigh. Completing the trio of sisters, Carol Linda Lee (née Lewis) was born in 1966. She was previously married to James David Gloster.
On November 26, 1977, Mary married John William Edwin Catling, who predeceased her. Through this union, she welcomed Edwin’s three children from previous marriages into her heart and life. The late Wayne Edwin Catling who married to the late Seija Annikki (née Malkki) and their two daughters Anita Louise (née Catling) Lefebvre and Marilyn Ann (née Catling) Robinson. Debra Ann (née Catling) Kilcup/Forbes and the late Kevin Michael Catling
Mary found lasting companionship later in life through two meaningful relationships—with the late Douglas Howard Harper and the late Samuel Allan "Gov" Smith. Though she never remarried, these bonds enriched her later years.
In her final years, Mary lived with Alzheimer’s disease, a journey made more difficult by sundowning syndrome, a condition that often accompanies later stages of dementia. Her strength through these challenges remains a testament to her character.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Birch Lane, Second Floor, at the F. J. Davey Home for their dedicated care and compassion.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her large extended family — including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private burial will follow at a later date, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Edwin Catling, in Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).