Mary “Marielle” Ellen Armstrong

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mary “Marielle” Ellen Armstrong at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto on April 25 2025 at 6:49pm. During her final hours Mary was visited by her best friend of fifty years, Mary Cannings and cared for by her niece/ inherited daughter, Shalane Armstrong, who held her hand during her final moments. Mary, who had survived two battles with breast cancer in 2000 and 2015, was recently diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the lungs in April 2025 and fought valiantly until her final battle with her nemesis ended this weekend. Mary’s final words were about the love and comfort she found in her family.

Mary (Born Christina Rutter), was adopted and loved by the Armstrong family. She is survived by her loving nieces: Brittany Kennedy nee Armstrong (Curtys), and Shalane Armstrong (Andrew) and her great nephew Gunnar Jameson Kennedy, as well as her beloved cousins and extended family.

Marielle is predeceased by Her parents: Anne and Frank Armstrong as well as her brothers: David Edward Armstrong and William Franklin “Bill” Armstrong. She is also predeceased by birth mother: Margaret Marie Morgan (nee Rutter) and biological sister Cindy Ellen Morgan.

Mary lived her entire life in the service of others. She once received a commendation from the police (51 Division) for her help in connection with a Toronto stabbing of a female victim on June 14 1985. Her assistance led to the arrest of the perpetrator, who was also wanted for seven counts of sexual assault with a weapon, and armed robbery. She was a member of MENSA, The Friends of the Merril Collection-Toronto and a volunteer at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre. She volunteered extensively for the NDP political party. She worked for many years for the Royal Bank of Canada until her retirement. She also lovingly cared for the children of her brother from his death in 2008 until her own. Mary will also be remembered by many for her love of reading, theatre, cats, history and her devastating wit.

Mary will be deeply missed by family, friends, her community and her cat. Her family takes comfort in her legacy of strength, duty and compassion as well as the detailed family history records she kept and the example she has set.

No funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, Mary and family would ask that you make donations in her name to:

The Friends of the Merril Collection

℅ The Lillian H. Smith Branch

Toronto Public Library

239 College Street, 3rd Floor

Toronto ON M5T 

1R5friendsofmerril@gmail.com

It was Mary’s final wish that her friends celebrate and remember her life in a way that best comforts them.

“Mind how you go”

GNU Mary Amstrong

Mary Armstrong Memorial Reading List:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12htM-R_8JlUbjoIElqEBQMomOEhP54XVGhE1uISPIqg/edit?tab=t.0