It is with deep sadness that Landscape Ontario shares the passing of Palmyra Monica van Maris on Oct. 7, 2026, at the age of 91.
Monica and her late husband Casey founded Parklane Nurseries in 1958, and together they were instrumental in building Landscape Ontario into the association it is today.
Monica became Landscape Ontario’s first female board member, first female treasurer, and in 1987, its first female president. She ran the Integrated Pest Management Symposium for approximately 30 years and she was named an Honorary Life Member — the highest acknowledgment bestowed by the association on an individual.
The Monica van Maris Green Professionals Woman of Influence Award, which she received as its inaugural recipient, carries her name and honours the qualities she showed throughout her career. She is lovingly remembered by her six children, 25 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the van Maris family.
An online obituary and condolences can be found online.
