Mary and her late husband Tom became part of the Weizmann Canada family early on in its inception and played a leading role in the growth of the philanthropic organization.

I met Mary shortly after I joined the Weizmann Canada team, and I was immediately impressed by her warmth and vitality. I always looked forward to our time together because she provided me with great insight. She was well respected and admired by those who knew her.

Mary was a committed philanthropist and inspired a spirit of giving in her children and grandchildren. She and Tom were trailblazers who lent their support to research on alternative energy and the creation of Weizmann’s Solar Complex. Today, the research continues to flourish through the Sustainability and Energy Research Initiative. In addition, Mary supported neuroscience research in honour of her parents. The lab of Prof. Ilan Lampl bears her name. One of the many special moments Mary created was at the Leading Men Gala, when Weizmann President, Prof. Daniel Zajfman, made a surprise announcement of a major gift, which would bring us well beyond our goal for the event and set a new Canadian record for fundraising events. It was from Mary.

Mary will be dearly missed here in Canada and by her friends in Israel. Mary and Tom’s legacy will flourish through the major projects they supported, the important findings they underwrote, and the way they led others to give for the benefit of others.

On a personal level, I will miss Mary’s enthusiasm, interest and mentorship. She holds a special place in my heart.

— SUSAN STERN