Mary Constance Hanley Lissy Colbert passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at the age of 93. Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, she grew up in Victoria with 9 siblings. Her early years shaped her commitment to compassion, community, and service.
As a young woman, Mary joined the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart in California, where she discovered her lifelong passion for teaching and art. Her first teaching position in Victoria was at Sacred Heart Elementary. After leaving the order in 1970, she continued teaching in California before returning to Canada. She devoted 24 years to the Greater Victoria school district, teaching at Vic West Elementary, Pearkes Centre, Oaklands Elementary, Richmond Elementary, and Blanshard Elementary.
Her retirement years were filled with gardening, artwork, exercise class, and treasured time with family and friends.
Mary was predeceased by her many Hanley siblings and their spouses, as well as by her first husband, Walter Lissy, and her second husband, Pat Colbert, with whom she shared some of her happiest years. She is survived by her sister Margaret, sister in law Beverly, and beloved nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her best friend Judy and her friends at the Seniors Centre.
Mary will be remembered for her gentle strength, love of family, and generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and the countless students whose lives were enriched by her presence.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00am.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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6 Responses
Mrs. Lissy was my first grade teacher at Blanshard Elementary in the early 90s and she had a profound impact on my life. It wasn’t the safest area at the time, and she reached out to her friend who was the Principal at another school in a better part of the city, and I was able to transfer. I suspect I wasn’t the only one she did this for.
My parents stayed in touch and I saw her a few more times through my childhood, the last being when she surprised me by bringing in the cake at my 11th birthday party.
She has always been that favourite teacher I think back about from time to time. I came across this page by chance after thinking I should look her up. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was truly a special person, and she means a lot to me.
Much Love and Heartfelt Condolences to Margaret and family of Mary Colbert.
Mary was so loved by all of us at the Centre. Our days were incomplete without a hug from Mary, she was always ready with open arms, a smile and a cheery word for everyone to lift our spirits and smile back!..
I am sharing the following with you which describes how I feel about our much loved Mary and how I will remember her.
Some people enter our lives and quickly go,
Some people move our souls to dance they awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon,
They stay in our lives for a while, but leave footprints on our heart and our lives are never,
ever the same.
Mary you will be sadly missed, but will always be lovingly remembered by your friends in Exercise Class
I got to know Mary at the Seniors Centre where we attended the aerobics class. She used to always greet me, hold my hand and tell me “it is so nice to see you”. and I knew she meant it. I loved her demeanour and sweetness, and will miss her so much. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a real treasure and will always remember her.
My Auntie Mary! What a full life she had. It was a wonderful life with her when I was growing up. Her art always amazed me and in what she would produce. Her kindness, generosity and love for the gardens is what I always admire about my Aunt. May she now be with her siblings and rest in eternal peace. Love you Auntie Mary. Thanks for all you did to make our lives richer in knowing you❤️
Sweet Mary I miss your sweet smile and happy greeting at CS senior centre exercise class and send big hugs to your whole family. You will always be my inspiration. Lorraine and Carl
My heartfelt sympathy to Mary’s lovely family. I taught with Mary at Blanchard School and
was inspired by her art-based teaching practice and the love and dedication she shared with students and the community.