Mary Christine SPARLING

MARY CHRISTINE SPARLING The family of Mary Christine Sparling are saddened to announce her death on March 16, 2011. Mary was born in Collingwood, Ontario (1928) to Alexander and Catharine (MacDonald) Malcolm. She attended school there and went on to Queen's University (Arts `49). Returning to Collingwood she married her sweetheart, Wint, a jazz musician, sailor and draftsman. In the 1960s with their children Margie and John, they moved to Quebec City, and later St. Andrews NB. In 1968 they settled happily in Halifax NS on Jubilee Road, gardening, sailing and racing Finally, and entertaining their many friends. It was then that Mary went on to start her real career, having been a supply teacher for many years. A term as Curator of Education at the NS Museum combined with degrees B.Ed. (St. Mary's) and M.A. (Dalhousie) led to the position of Art Gallery Director at Mount Saint Vincent University for 21 years. A member of numerous advisory boards representing arts and culture, Mary received many awards during her lifetime, including Honorary Degrees from NSCAD (1994) and MSVU (2004). These recognized her ability and persistence in mentoring emerging artists, and bringing black, native and women's issues to the forefront. She constantly provided opportunities, recommendations and support to emerging artists in every medium. An avid supporter of the NDP she ran for office in , Halifax-Citadel in 1993. A firm believer in the importance of small business in Nova Scotia, she was part owner of Venture Hydraulic Ltd. Mary was predeceased by her husband Wint (1984), her step-mother Gladys, her sister Isabelle Phippen (2001), and very dear friend Shelagh Mackenzie (2006). She is survived by her daughter Margie (Ron) Dafoe, Chester NS, and her son John (Carolyn) Sparling, Halifax. Mary's pride and joy were her grandchildren. She was 'Ponka' to Graham (Danielle Copp) Dafoe, Vancouver BC, and Meredith (Ryan Davies) Dafoe, Dowling ON; and 'Grandma' to Allison Sparling (Luke Hardiman), Halifax NS and William Sparling, Halifax NS. In each of them, she left a lasting legacy, be it love of reading, gardening, politics, and much more. Mary is also survived by Isabelle's children, Nancy (Greg) Kennedy, Cathy Phippen, Mary (Robbie) MacDonald, and Malcolm Phippen. Mary's many good friends in Ontario from her Queen's days, neighbours, friends and colleagues from across the country and beyond will be saddened by her loss. The family would like to especially thank Wendy Campbell, Dawn McNutt, Dorothy Jackson and Mary Spurr for their continuing love and support over the past several years. To Dr. Greg Archibald, who was there for us in the early days, we thank you! Our heartfelt appreciation to the many Parkstone staff, for whom care is more than just a job, for loving Mom. A celebration service and reception will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room, Rosaria Student Centre at MSVU. Vases will be provided for those wishing to bring a single natural or crafted flower. Online remembrances may be posted or emailed at www.marysparling.blogspot.com. Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Talent Tr ust, PO Box 575, Halifax, NS B3J 2R7 www.nstalenttrust.ns.ca, an organization that embodies Mary`s vision.