Mateljan, Mary Zulema (nee Foster)

Mary passed away peacefully early in the morning of October 16, 2024, just days after her 90th birthday. She is survived by her children Rick (Jeanette Wareham), Maria and Brian (Lana), her grandchildren Aaron and Natalie Mateljan and her sister Alice Foster. She is pre-deceased by her husband Richard Mateljan; her brothers Courtney Jr., Leslie and Joseph Foster and two siblings who died in infancy. She is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Mary was born in Toronto in 1934 to Courtney Foster of Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Mary Ellen Leslie of Mexico City, Mexico. Mary and Richard married in 1957 and enjoyed 57 years together, raising their family in Mississauga and Oakville as well as at their family cottage at Harp Lake, Muskoka. Mary was a smart, charming lady who made and kept friends easily. She was very proud of her career as a legal secretary. Mary had a special love for animals and she was active in many animal charities and activities, especially horsemanship. She lived in happiness and excellent health until the final year of her life. Cremation has taken place, but the family would like to invite all who knew Mary and her family to a Celebration of her Life that is planned for summer, 2025. Details will be provided closer to the event. The family would like to thank the many health care providers who provided comfort to Mary in her time of need, especially to Drs. Daniel Yokom, Rehana Dosani and the staff of Unit 1-B at Credit Valley Hospital and to the staff and volunteers at Ian Anderson House in Oakville, who were angels on earth for Mary and our family in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Ian Anderson House to let them continue helping families in our community.