Sister Marie Stokes (Sister M. St. Mark)
It is with sadness that the Sisters of St. Joseph announce the death of Sister Marie Stokes (Sister St. Mark) on April 3rd, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario.
Sister Marie was born April 25, 1932, in Schreiber, Ontario. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, from her home parish, Our Lady of the Angels, on February 19, 1950.
Sister Marie is predeceased by her parents, Eva Gagnon and Walter Stokes, her sisters Irene, Marion, Colleen and brothers Jack, Wally and Donald. She is survived by her sister Jean Connor, and step sister Shirley Park and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Sister Marie a music teacher, graduated from Western Ontario Conservatory of Music in 1957 and from the University of Calgary in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. Marie pursued studies in Music Therapy and received a Diploma from the Capilano College, Calgary, Alberta in 1983, and was accredited with the Canadian College of Music Therapy in 1992. Marie taught music in North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond BC.
Marie shared her gifts and love of music with students and clients for fifty years as a devoted teacher, supervisor, lecturer and music therapist. Marie’s creative abilities led her to writing poetry in her later years. The inclusion of nature is prominent in her written reflections. She was keenly interested in politics especially provincial issues and proudly supported her brother Jack during his term as MPP and Speaker of the House (1975-1985). An avid sports fan, Marie particularly enjoyed curling, ice skating, the Blue Jays and equestrian competitions.
Sister Marie relocated from Thunder Bay to the motherhouse in 2010. Subsequent years of daily interaction with Motherhouse staff and sisters endeared her to many. It was not uncommon to see Marie coca cola in hand, enjoying conversation with staff or one of her sisters.

The body of Sister Marie will be received at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m. and a prayer vigil will be held in the Holy Family Chapel at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay. May Sister Marie Rest in Peace.