At Belmont House in Toronto, Ontario on October 28, 2016 in her 94th year. Born in the Village of Kriukai, Lithuania on April 9, 1923 to Marijona (nee Sinkeviciute) and Jonas Arstikaitis. Predeceased by her husband Juozas Uleckas, and siblings Alfonsas, Jonas, Gabrine, and Albina. Survived by her daughter Jurate, son Gintaras (Irene Armstrong) and grandchildren Jonas, Kristina, and Simone.
Maria graduated from Ausra Gymnasium for Girls. She began her medical studies at the University of Vytautas the Great in Lithuania and completed her M.D. at the University of Innsbruck, Austria in 1947. After graduation, she moved to Paris, France where she worked for a short time at the St. Louis Hospital, Serology Section. Then she immigrated to Canada and interned at the Ottawa Civic Hospital followed by residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Toronto, where she later became an assistant professor. Maria was on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children and enjoyed a successful career that spanned almost five decades. Maria’s love for paediatric ophthalmology was matched by her love for Lithuania and she worked tirelessly in support of Lithuanian independence. In 1991, she received an Award of Merit from the City of Toronto for her professional work and community service. Maria was a sports enthusiast into her 80s and particularly loved skiing, swimming and long walks. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Belmont House who provided excellent care to Maria.
Maria’s funeral will take place on Saturday November 19, 2016 at 10 am at the Church of the Resurrection, 1 Resurrection Road, followed by interment at St. John’s Lithuanian Cemetery. If desired, a donation to the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at The Hospital for Sick Children (416 813-5320) www.sickkidsfoundation.com or in aid of The Franciscan High School in Kretinga, Lithuania (care of the Franciscan Fathers, Church of the Resurrection, 1 Resurrection Road, Toronto, On. M9A 5G1) in her honour would be appreciated.