MARY MARGARET OLIVER (SPARLING) (ZUBEK)

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Mrs. Zubek was the best math teacher who drew the best out of her students. She was my math teacher in grades 11 and 12 (home room teacher for 12) at Miles Mac. One of my memories is how she could smell out the culprit who was chewing juicy-fruit gum! I bumped into her decades after I had left high school and she still remembered me. Her legacy as a teacher of young people and memories evoked is to be cherished. My condolences to her family and friends. Linda Mayor - class of 1967. - Posted by: Linda Mayor (Student - class of 1967) on: Jan 11, 2025

• Mary Zubec (and later Mary Oliver) was an outstanding teacher and communicator who made mathematics seem simple. I was fortunate to have been her student at Miles Macdonell High School for two years and some years later her student in a Bible study class at Holy Redeemer Parish. She was a beautiful person who was a giving, caring, and cheerful who brought sunshine to those who knew her. She was a role model of decency who lived her Christian faith. Steve Washen - Posted by: Steve Washen (Teacher - Student) on: Mar 07, 2021

• Mrs Zubek was, bar none, the best teacher I ever had. She had a great sense of humor, an understanding of each student's strengths and weaknesses and was unequaled as a math teacher. I still remember my last conversation with her at the end of grade 12. If other teachers in Manitoba were as talented our province would lead the nation in every scholastic category. I am honored to have have known her. - Posted by: Robin Graham (Former student) on: Dec 08, 2019

• Mary was my Home room and Math teacher, also taught my cousins and brother and was Principal at Angus McKay for my niece and son. Would often see Mary and her husband George at the library and coffee shop. Thanks for all you shared Mary,R.I.P. - Posted by: Marlene Forgie and family (Former student) on: Mar 21, 2019

• Mrs Oliver was my homeroom teacher & Math teacher in Miles Mac. She was an amazing teacher & she had her no nonsense way about her that I truly respect. She loved to teach & those who were lucky to have been taught by Mary will always remember what a great lady she was! My sincerest Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Karen Gladu (Tidquist) (Former student ) on: Mar 17, 2019

• She was a lovely and humble person. She was calling me at home when she could not find someone to serve the mass. She always said sorry to bother you. But I never said no to her because I know how dedicated she was to our parish Holy Redeemer and how she cared about our parish. May God receive her in His Kingdom! - Posted by: Jean-Pierre Musafiri (Eucharist minister) on: Feb 26, 2019

• My kids were fortunate enough to have Mrs. Oliver as their school principal. She was such a gem! She taught them so many lessons, the best one was the importance of attending school. Mary had a policy that was if you were taking a holiday, and missing school, you would ask her for permission to be away. In turn she would ask that you draw a picture or write a report about your adventures. The kids loved this! Mary would reward them with a little toy, or stickers for their hard work. Just recently we came upon one of Mary's bug pins (she was well know for her bejeweled bug pins), and a little note from Mary. We still treasure it! We could go on and on about all the wonderful memories Mary has left us with during her time at Angus. Thank you Mary for your kind and caring ways. The Kropla Family - Posted by: Deb Kropla (parent ) on: Feb 23, 2019

• Hard to believe Mrs. Zubek was only about thirty-five years old when she was my math teacher at Miles Mac back in 70/71. As others have mentioned she was demanding, fun and fair. I think we all realized how smart she was but she really had a very good way of teaching math to those of us who weren’t quite as sharp as she. One of my favourite teachers from those many years ago in East Kildonan. She made a lasting and important impact on me and obviously many others. I think that’s a pretty good legacy. Condolences to her family and thank you to her for the positive contribution she made to so many lives. - Posted by: Greg Sawatzky (Long ago student) on: Feb 23, 2019

• As a past student I remember Mary very fondly. Yes she was strict but always a lot of fun, extremely friendly & always caring & helpful. I even remembered 1 year I went out for Halloween & lo & behold, guess who’s house I accidentally found & blessed with lots of extra goodies to enjoy. To her family you were also really blessed in life just by having her as 1 of your loved ones. Always keep her in your thoughts, prayers & memories. - Posted by: Bonnie Irwin (Past student ) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Mary Sparling and I were raised in Somerset, MB. When I saw her name in the obituaries I quickly checked the photograph and knew right away that this attractive woman was the Mary I used to know. Although she was 13 years older then me I always admired her. She was always well-dressed and very classy. When she moved to Winnipeg we would only see her when she came to visit her parents. I am happy to read in the comments how well she did and what a great teacher she became plus a vice-principal and a principal. Always knew she would do well. I'm sure her daughter and other family members were proud of her. Condolences to all of you. - Posted by: Lorraine (Pittet) Henderson (We were both raised in a small town called Somerset, MB) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Such a wonderful person and inspiring teacher during my years there approx 1962. Many of us students reminisce about her when we periodically gather. - Posted by: Dave K (Student) on: Feb 22, 2019

• I am very sorry to hear of the passing of one of the great teachers I knew as a student. She was my Grade 12 teacher for Mathematics at Miles Macdonell Collegiate and left a mark on me for the way she challenged me to be better. She was also the longtime coach of the “Reach for the Top” team and I got to know her much better during the years I was a member of that team. She will be missed by many. - Posted by: Rick Dondo (Former student) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Dear Liz, I was very sorry to hear the news of your mother's death. It was always good to talk with her whenever I visited Litz Place and to catch up on what was happening in both of your lives. Susan - Posted by: Susan Huebert (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Mrs. Oliver was my Principal in High School, then my children’s Principal in Elementary. She was very fair, strict and very kind with a good sense of humour. Very attentive to her students and was very well liked. She will be missed. Our condolences to her family. Toby and Mary Lynn Desmarais - Posted by: Mary Lynn Desmarais (Student ) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Mary was and is a woman of strong faith. She also had a great sense of humor and collected good jokes to share with others. - Posted by: John F. Perry (Pastor) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Mary was responsible for my being hired by the River East Transcona School Division as a teacher. My first teaching position was at Angus McKay School where she was the administrator. Mary was a lovely lady who was very much respected by her staff and students. My deepest condolences to her family and friends at this time! She will be dearly missed! - Posted by: Jamie Dowhan (Colleague/Friend) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Sad news. Mary was was my staff advisor in high school. Wonderful, kind, caring woman with a good sense of humour (a necessity when dealing with me). My condolences to her family. - Posted by: Dave Ferguson (Former student) on: Feb 22, 2019

• Mary Zubek and Liz played a much-appreciated and welcome role in the life of our family soon after they moved into our neighbourhood. Just this summer we had some good conversations and reminiscences. Our warmest thoughts and prayers to the family. - Posted by: Dorothy and Susan Huebert (Friend and neighbour) on: Feb 21, 2019

• We loved to see Mary greeting us at Holy Redeemer Parish. She always wished us well. She is a beautiful addition to our heavens and may she Rest In Peace. Our condolences are extended to her family. Fred & Jan Butler, Palm Desert - Posted by: Fred & Jan Butler (Friends) on: Feb 21, 2019

• Mary was friendly and compassionate with a heart for serving others. Many fond memories - Posted by: Peter (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2019

• This beautiful photo of Mary is how I remember her. She aged very well. I remember her white mustang she'd drive to school in. She usually drive down our street as part of her route to school. One morning she even offered me a ride which was so kind if her. I had Mary as my teacher in math and boy did I ever need her help! It was her mission to teach and more importantly her students learn. She gave me an opportunity to learn so I could regain my confidence to succeed. I was comfortable with her and I was sincerely thankful and realized later in life how much I admire her. I join the rest who will miss her. My condolences to Mary's family and friends. ♥️Jill Palmer nee McWhinney and The McWhinney family. - Posted by: Jill Palmer nee McWhinney and McWhinney family (Former students) on: Feb 21, 2019

• I knew Mary best during her years as vice principal at Miles Mac, where I worked as the science department lab tech and teacher assistant. Mary possessed a charismatic spirit with unshakable convictions, and a cracker jack sense of humour. Her ability to teach flourished both in and outside the classroom, and I am ever grateful to have know Mary. Sincere condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Lynne Strome (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2019

• Rest in peace dear Mary. Enjoyed our time together playing bridge. - Posted by: Ray and Roz (Friends ) on: Feb 21, 2019

• I enjoyed Mary as a teacher and then later as a colleague. She was terrific at both and testament to the fact that demanding teachers are the best. As a colleague she was strong and friendly as well. I will always remember the trips we took together; so many smiles and laughs. Thanks for being such an influential part of my life. - Posted by: Shirley Dudeck (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2019

• My condolences to friends and family members. Mrs. Zubek was my math teacher at Miles Mac & she opened my eyes to the mysteries of algebra & geometry. I have always remembered her. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Pat Hardy (Former student) on: Feb 21, 2019