Mary Flora Sterling

Mary Flora Sterling (Hodge) passed away peacefully at The Glebe Centre in Ottawa on April 12, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born on August 30, 1936, Mary was a trailblazer for women in the nursing profession. Her career began when she became a Registered Nurse in her early twenties. Mary’s commitment to her profession was exemplified when, after years of dedicated service in frontline healthcare, she completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Dalhousie University in Halifax in 1988, at the age of 52. Mary was known for her tenacity and dedication and she regularly worked night shifts to support her studies, consistently achieving academic success and making the Dean’s List during her time in university.

Mary took on numerous leadership roles throughout her nursing career. She became an Operating Room Head Nurse at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax during a time when it was not easy for women to assert themselves in the medical field. As Head Nurse, she made significant contributions to various esteemed institutions including the Psychiatric Hospital in Montreal, Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, El Mashari Hospital in Riyadh, Mouwasat Hospital in Damman, Saudi Arabia, and the Qikiqtani Hospital in Iqaluit, NU.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary enjoyed a rich personal life. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to travel the world solo and fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Machu Picchu, the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, and many other international locations. She was an avid reader, a passionate balcony gardener, and a Sudoku enthusiast. A quest to obtain her Irish passport sparked an interest in her family tree and she dedicated countless hours to a significant genealogy project that will be appreciated by her family for years to come.

Mary/Nanny will be lovingly remembered by her children Rod (Janet), Cheryl (Jeff), and Jeff (Alison); her grandchildren, Dillon, Matthew, and Mia; her great-grandchildren Oliver and Ruairi; and her brothers Danny and Russell. She was predeceased by her brother Wells, husband Bruce, and favorite furry friend Finnigan.

Mary’s ashes will be scattered during a small service with her immediate family in Ottawa on May 11, 2025. In honor of her legacy, contributions can be made to the Ontario Alzheimer's Society.