Mary Hostland

With deepest sadness, we would like to announce that Mary Hostland passed away peacefully in Calgary on February 21st.

Mary’s father, Michael (Mike) Schnirer and his brother immigrated to Canada in 1927 in search of homestead opportunities. The Dominion Lands Act of 1872 enabled migrants to take ownership of a quarter section of land (160 acres) for a $10 administrative fee provided they clear over 40 acres and build a structure on the property within three years. Mike initially worked for Canadian National (CN) Railways before applying for a homestead in McLeod Valley (northeast of Edson, Alberta). In 1929 he was joined by his wife, Elizabeth, and young son Michael (20 months old at the time). They cleared land for a farm and built a house where Mary was born on March 15, 1930. Mary’s younger brother John was born six years later.

Operating an isolated farm and raising a family in the harsh Alberta climate during the great depression had many hardships, to be sure. Their limited command of English presented additional challenges, especially in the early days. Mary had to move from the farm and rent a room in Edson in order to attend high school. After graduating, she worked as a secretary for CN in Edmonton, where she met her future husband, Lloyd Hostland (also a CN employee). Mary and Lloyd were married in Edson, Alberta in June 1957 and had four children over the ensuing ten years. Lloyd worked as a civil engineer on numerous railway construction projects, which brought the family to cities and towns throughout western Canada (ranging from Prince Rupert to Winnipeg). As a devoted wife, she stood steadfastly beside Lloyd, supporting his career which entailed moving every few years and frequent business travel. As a devoted mother she exhibited exemplary strength in raising four children under these challenging conditions.

Mary nurtured many enduring friendships over the years. She always looked forward to weekly meetings with her TOPS colleagues. A keen curler in her early years; an avid curling fan in her later years; she was sure to closely follow the Scotties and the Brier.

She adored her grandchildren, with an exceptional fondness for babies. Her faith in the Catholic Church provided a solid foundation for her strength and provided her with comfort throughout her life. Though her presence will be profoundly missed, her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have been part of her life. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of a woman who gave so much and asked for so little.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, brother Mike and sister-in-law, Margaret. She is survived by her brother, John (Janet); sister-in-laws – Janet (John), Dot (Roy) and Marg; four children – Ken (Julie), Doug (Sue), Shirley (Jim) and Rob; and numerous nephews and nieces. She leaves a legacy of 14 grandchildren – Sara, Emily, Breanne, Brooke, Stephanie, Ben, Curtis, Connor, Bradie, Marie-Ellen, Dylan, Gavin, Aiden and Heather; and seven great-grandchildren – Nolan, Emma, Logan, Poppy, Hudson, Dawson, Frankie.