Marie Bisgaard, beloved wife of the late Hans Kristian Bisgaard (April 11, 1923 - April 25, 1991), passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Maple Health Centre less than three weeks after turning 99. Marie was born on March 25th, 1927, in Aalestrup, Denmark to Emanuel and Karen (née Jakobsen) Olesen. The second youngest of ten children, she was predeceased by her siblings: Ejnar, Anna, Jakob, Aksel, Ida, Karl, Johannes, Alfred, and Gerda.

Marie was a dedicated wife to Hans and devoted mother to Grethe, June (Ron Tellier) and Erik (Kathleen Shaw). She was a proud Grandma to Paul, Catherine, James and Emma as well as Great-grandma to Mackenzie, Bret, Logan and Sawyer. She will be dearly missed. Marie also leaves to mourn her sister-in-law Else Lauridsen and many relatives in Canada, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

Marie and Hans married on September 17, 1947. They decided to emigrate to Canada with their first daughter. In July 1951, Marie, Hans and 2½ year old Grethe settled in North York. The family grew with the addition of June and Erik and a new home in Thornhill. Hans’ training in nursery work and special skill at propogating roses and fruit trees would later become a thriving and well-reputed business: Bisgaard’s Nurseries. Marie spent many happy years in Thornhill and cared for Hans after his diagnoses of MS. She was involved in many church activities at the Danish Lutheran Church and took pride in maintaining a beautiful home and helping others do the same.

Courageously accepting the changes and challenges in her life, Marie learned to drive at the age of 60 and did so until she was 90! Losing her loving husband so young, she was not deterred and continued to live a full and active life. She lived in Thornhill in the home she and Hans had purchased in 1954, and then she moved in with her son, Erik and his family in 2010. Many happy years were spent with friends and family, doing daily crossword puzzles, exercising, taking care of her yard and plants, playing a good game of cards and continuing to be active with the Danish Lutheran Church. Marie was known for her wonderful cooking, delicious desserts and traditional Danish dishes.

Marie’s strong values and admirable resilience helped her through the many shifts in her life, including when her health required that she tranisition to a long-term care home. The family is grateful to the staff at Maple Health Centre where Marie was a resident for the last two years.

Marie was proud of her Danish heritage and always invited friends and family to participate in the traditions and activities at the Danish Lutheran Church. Hans had taken up wood carving when he was wheelchair bound and had begun carving a special plaque for the Danish Lutheran Church. The church is presently raising money to replace the large stained glass window. For this reason, the family would like to invite friends and family to donate to the church, in lieu of flowers, in Marie’s name. 

Donations may be made to: https://www.danishchurchtoronto.ca/contact-us/pay
Please include the following message with your donation: In memory of Marie Bisgaard for the new window fund.

The funeral will be held at the Danish Lutheran Church, on Friday, May 1, 2026 followed by a traditional Danish smørrebrød in the church hall. Visitation will begin in the church at 10:30, with the service at 11:00 followed by the luncheon. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. Please contact the family for the link.

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