It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Margaret Mattila (née Henderson), who died peacefully on May 28, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on November 20, 1940, in Kingston, Ontario, Mary was the eldest daughter of James Richardson Henderson and Helen Margaret Henderson (née Young). She grew up on a dairy farm near Lake Ontario, where her parents raised award winning Holstein‑Friesian cattle and a beautiful family (Mary, Heather, Jo Anne, Helen, and Jim) grounded in learning, service, and community.

She is survived by her children Tom Mattila, Peggy Mattila-Bains (Sandeep), Suzanne Reid (Evan), and Jack Mattila (Krisy), and by her grandchildren Brooklyn (Bodin), Angus, Jack (Kaibree), Oliver, Sam, Edie, and Zack (Breanna). Mary was predeceased by her son Jonathan, and by her husband of 60 years, Howard, who died on Christmas Day, 2024.

Her early education began in a one‑room schoolhouse with a pot‑belly stove and outdoor outhouses and culminated at Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute. As a young girl, she was actively involved in 4‑H, participating in Calf Club, Homemakers’ Club, and Garden Club.  These early interests and experiences reflected a lifelong curiosity, creativity, and love of practical learning.

Mary earned a degree in Home Economics from the University of Guelph and remained closely connected to her Macdonald Institute classmates throughout her life. While at Guelph, she met Howard, who was completing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics. Introduced by mutual friends, the MacArthurs, they bonded over conversation and a game of bridge. They married in Kingston on July 4, 1964, before settling in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Her professional life began as a Home Economist in Ontario before she and Howard returned west to build their life and raise a family.  Over the years, she worked with the Extension Division of the College of Agriculture, the North Battleford Public Library, the Battlefords Handcraft Festival, and Northwest Regional College, where she served as a Program Coordinator until her retirement in 2004.

Deeply committed to community, she supported and judged 4‑H events and agricultural fairs, was active with the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada, and was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, where she sang in the choir and served on Vestry. Her faith, love of music, and commitment to service were constant throughout her life. In 2011, she and Howard were honoured as joint recipients of the Battleford’s Rotary Club Integrity Award in recognition of their professional and community service.

Creativity was woven into everyday life.  A gifted artist and craftsperson, she was a longtime member of the Battlefords Art Club, and a prolific reader who raised her children in a home filled with books. She loved cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and preserving – sharing these gifts generously with family and friends.

Mary and Howard shared a love of the outdoors and of travel. From gardening and canoeing to camping trips and journeys across Canada, throughout the United States and many other countries, they created a lifetime of shared memories with family and friends. Life on the acreage near Prongua offered endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits and time together.

As Howard’s health declined, Mary cared for him with steady devotion. Together, they moved to Caleb Village and later to Harwood Manor, where they formed new friendships and remained grateful for the kindness and care they received.

More than anything, Mary loved her family. She was a quiet force; steady, creative, thoughtful, and deeply present. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Mary’s life was one of care, creativity, and connection. Her legacy lives on in her family, her community, and in the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in North Battleford, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Saturday, June 20th at 2:00pm, with Reverend Trevor Malyon officiating.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Battlefords or the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, Trevor Watts, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2026-06-01
• Location : Battleford, SK