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Mary Gardiner
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Mary Gardiner

Mary E. Gardiner

Mary E. Gardiner obituary

Mary Gardiner Obituary

MARY E. GARDINER (nee RUTHERFORD) Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at St. Michael's Hospital on Saturday, January 30, 2010 following a courageous battle. Beloved wife of John. Much loved mother of Catherine and Robert. Proud and loving 'Nana' of Nathan. Dear sister of Jane. Caring aunt of Paul, Lynn, Ian and Karen. Composer, pianist, educator, Mary Gardiner, B.A. Honours (Music), A.R.C.T. (Piano Performance) has composed for piano (including a piano concerto), string orchestra, voice, choir, chamber and vocal ensembles. Her music has been described as 'rich in ideas', 'well-crafted' and 'honest without contrivance'. It has been published, recorded, broadcasted and performed across Canada and internationally. A Founding member and former Chair of the Association of Canadian Women Composers, Mary was also active for many years as President of the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects. (ACNMP's Contemporary Showcase, a festival of music by Canadian composers for students is now a national festival.) When she stepped down from the Presidency, a scholarship was established in her name. Mary also served on the Council of the Ontario Region of the CMC, several as Chair. As an educator, she first taught Music and English in secondary school before launching her own private piano studio, during which time, she conducted a church choir and studied Composition with Samuel Dolin. She presented workshops on Canadian music to teachers throughout Ontario and adjudicated at music festivals. In recognition of her exceptional commitment to Canadian music as a 'builder of bridges between composers and teachers and students', the CMC and the Canadian League of Composers presented her with the 2003 Friends of Canadian Music Award. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane subway, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Musical Memorial Celebration to be held at a later date. If desired, charitable donations may be made to the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects, 20 St. Joseph St., Toronto, ON M4Y 1J9, c/o Mary Gardiner Scholarship, or St. Michael's Hospital - Palliative Care.

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Published by Toronto Star on Feb. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gardiner

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6 Entries

Allan Lake

June 18, 2025

I knew you at Skymark Condos Toronto--a wonderful lady.

Carol Ann Weaver

February 5, 2010

The loss of Mary Gardiner is a deep personal loss -- she has been a mentor, den-mother to us Canadian women composers, supporter, friend, and warm, loving human being who has always given from the heart. And she always kept the twinkle in her eye. I cannot count the ways she has, personally, mattered to me. But I'm just one person. She's mattered on this same powerful, grand, important, and formative way to so very many of us here in Canada. We will all miss you. A world without you will be less complex, less wonderful, less beautiful, less musical. But we'll try to find the music, the beauty, the wonder, the complexities, and we'll always remember you dearly.
– Carol Ann Weaver

Clare Stewart

February 3, 2010

I was very sorry to hear of Mary's death. The world has lost a wonderful person and a gifted composer.

February 2, 2010

Dear John and family, I am spending my winter months in Florida, as usual, but just wanted to send my thoughts to you, in these difficult days. After spending time with you both at Allison's wedding, it is hard to believe what has happened. Perhaps it is well, that we cannot look into the future. Take care of yourself. Down the road your memories will sustain you. Love, Marion Bond

February 2, 2010

Mary adjudicated several times at our annual Awards Festival in Newmarket. She also adjudicated our recitals for Canadian Composers. She always gave encouraging and helpful suggestions to the students. Mary did so much for music in Canada. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered. Mary Jane MacPherson

Judy and Don Hyslop

February 2, 2010

Mary was a wonderful neighbour who also enjoyed dogs over the years. We will trully miss her friendly disposition.

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