HICKS, Mary Ann

HICKS, MARY ANN (nee GODDEN) After a life filled with love, laughter and adventure, our dear Mom passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 86, in Toronto. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Mary Ann was born in Toronto, the youngest of three children of Frank and Emma Godden. Mary Ann married her beloved husband, Doug in 1960 and settled with him in Toronto. They were happily married for 64 years. Mary Ann was predeceased by Doug, her parents, her sister, Claire Freek (brother-in-law Clarence Freek), and her brother, Ewart Godden. Together, Mary Ann and Doug raised their four children, Kathy (Ted Mills), Andrew (Ellen Christie), Laura (Jeff Simpkins) and Brenda (Tim Mullen). Mary Ann was a spirited and adored Nana, to Tory (Adam), Emily (Ethan), Erin, Annie (Julian), Jamie (Jordyn), JD (Samantha), Trevor, Dane and Will. She delighted in being “GG” to Cooper, Emmett, “Little” Annie, Joseph (Joey) and Jane. Auntie Mary Ann will be fondly remembered by her special nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was a proud graduate of Toronto East General Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1959. After raising their four children, Mary Ann returned to nursing and enjoyed many years working with seniors in a retirement residence. Mary Ann filled her retirement years with, extensive travel with Doug and friends, summers at Tall Trees on Cameron Lake, curling, walking, tennis, bridge, and she was a fierce Scrabble master. Most importantly, Mary Ann relished time with her family. She was always happiest when we were all together. A Celebration of Life has been planned for Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Don Mills, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North York General Hospital.

LYNN, Margaret (Marg)

Margaret Ester Belfry was born 3 October 1933 at home in Uxbridge, Ontario, the daughter of Mary Marguerite Hillis and Norman Ambrose Belfry. On her way home from school each day she stopped at the library to take out another book. When she had read all the children’s and teens’ books, the librarian suggested that she read Portrait of a Marriage by Pearl S. Buck. Thus was born Marg’s joy in reading and in writing.

In her last year of high school her father was transferred to Walkerton, Ontario, where Marg did not much enjoy her last months of school. From there she went to Toronto Normal School and became the well-loved teacher of young children, whom she loved in return.

While a young teacher at Secord School in East York, she and co-teacher Althea Collins wrote the Young Canada Reading Series, published by Thomas Nelson and Sons. They were the first primary readers in Canada to include children of colour and children with disabilities in their stories.

In 1959 she asked for and was granted leave to teach with the Department of National Defence (DND), at the DND school In Longuyon, France, where she taught the children of the personnel at 1 Fighter Wing of the RCAF under NATO, based in Marville. At the officers’ mess on the base she met William (Bill) Lynn, a pilot flying F86 Sabre day fighters in the defence of Europe in the Cold War. They became a couple and were married 17 December 1960, the end of the first phase of Marg’s teaching career. Daughter Heather Anne was born in the base hospital 30 May 1961.

In 1963 Bill was transferred to Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in Quebec, where he had joined the RCAF in 1952 as a cadet. Son Brian was born there 12 February 1964. In 1965 Bill left the RCAF and went to work as an engineer with Foxboro Canada in Ville Lasalle. They bought a bungalow on Lemmers Avenue in Lachine, where they lived for the next 47 years.

When both children were in school, Marg went back to teaching as a supply teacher at Meadowbrook school around the corner where Heather and Brian went. There she found that she needed a university degree to teach permanently in Quebec. She therefore studied for her BA at Sir George Williams (later Concordia) University. Her studies included history of art, for which she and daughter Heather had a shared love.

In her first permanent job at Meadowbrook in Lachine she was bumped by another teacher and declined to accept a position at a school far away. She then saw an ad for a teacher at Selwyn House boys’ school in Westmount, and taught there from 1980 to 1996, when she retired because “the eyes in the back of my head were no longer working”.

In retirement she took up Toll painting and became quite proficient until the fumes caused her to give it up. Then she began to write an anecdotal history of her family, which was published in 2007 as “The Story Chair”. In 2012 they sold the house and moved to an apartment on Wynford Heights Crescent in Toronto. There Marg started and ran the Book Club, until Alzheimer’s disease put the kibosh to that.

Marg loved to travel. In 1957 she and three other teachers flew to London and rented a car for a month’s tour through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France, returning for a bus tour of England and Scotland. While stationed in France she and new teacher friends visited Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Trier, Munich, and took a guided tour of Israel and Egypt. After she married, the young family toured through the eastern USA and Canada in a small travel trailer inherited from her parents. In 1976 the family drove from Montreal to Victoria and back, with a tent for accommodation. In 1978 they took a month driving tour of Europe. After Marg retired she became the travel agent for Bill and herself and they visited most countries in Europe, the far East and South America (via a cruise around the continent and to Antarctica). In Africa they visited only Morocco, on a day trip from Gibraltar, and Tunisia. Someone asked Marg why Tunisia and she said, “Because we haven’t been there”.

Marg’s love of travel was enhanced by her history of art background, and she often sought places she had studied, bringing home scarves (of which she had hundreds) and jewellery for herself and her friends and family. She and Heather were each known to pickup special finds, in different cities and different times, only to discover they had purchased the same item!

In April 2019 Marg was diagnosed with “Dementia, probably caused by Alzheimer’s”. As her ability to read and write, paint, socialize, etc. etc. disappeared, Marg’s lifestyle became less than idyllic, although she exhibited her wonderful smile in her 90th birthday photo in 2023, above. In August 2023 a CT scan showed a “probably malignant” growth in her right kidney. One day in early September 2024 she was unable to get out of bed and she spent the rest of her days in a hospital bed in the bedroom at home. When Bill took her breakfast at 8:30 AM 1 April 2025, she had slipped silently away.

Predeceased by her parents, her brother Ron and his wife Lillian.

Marg leaves behind her husband of over 64 years William (Bill) Lynn, daughter Heather Anne (John Hubbell), granddaughter Raya, (Will Usher), great-grandchildren by marriage Lucy and Thomas, grandson Jason (Sarah Szymanski), great-granddaughter Harper, son Brian (ex Janet Fryer and Iris Häussler), grandsons Julian and Benedict, nieces Colleen, Joanne and Wanda and families, sisters-in-law Eva Belfry and Sue Foot, nieces Erin and Angie and their families, her dear Chatterama friends, and many friends from through the years.

Many thanks to Care Coordinator Elaina, who responded to our every need as if we were her only client; to the palliative care doctors who responded immediately when needed; to Nurse Sasha and off-time replacement Samy who came to treat Marg’s bed sores; every second day initially and every day recently; to PSW Clarisa of Circle of Care, who cared for Marg for the last three years of her life, initially to help her shower twice a week and more recently every mid-day to change her, do exercises and sometimes feed her; to the many PSWs from Stay Home Forever who cared for Marg mornings and evenings; and to Ontario Health at Home, who funded all these aids in addition to a hospital bed and medical air mattress.

POUTIAINEN, Rev. Henry

POUTIAINEN, REV. HENRY ALLAN September 14, 1956 – March 15, 2025 Henry passed peacefully, with family by his side on March 15, 2025, at Scarborough General Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of 40 years; his children, Carolyn and Alex (Kassie); and his grandpups, Milka and Jodie. Henry has gone to rest with his parents, Viljo and Kirsti. Henry will be remembered as a loving husband and father. While he had a varied career ranging from medical services to information technology, his faith was his lifelong passion. After completing his Master of Divinity, he was ordained as a United Church Minister in 2012. He was honoured to minister at the former St. Paul’s Lakeshore, Chapel in the Park, and Thornhill United Churches. Henry enjoyed spending time with family and friends; golfing; reading; and relaxing at the family cottage that had been built by his parents. We wish to thank the staff at Scarborough Birchmount and General Hospitals, particularly Dr. Howard Clasky, for their compassionate care. The family is also grateful for neurologist, Dr. Lance Majl’s dedicated care for Henry during his journey with Parkinson Disease. A memorial service will take place at Thornhill United Church on March 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The service will be livestreamed on Zoom and a recording will be available; further details are on the Kane-Jerrett website: bit.ly/4hwi5k4 In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Henry’s memory to Parkinson Canada or Thornhill United Church.

MCFARLANE, George

McFARLANE, GEORGE GORDON – January 10th, 1929 – March 14th, 2025. George passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 14th at Spencer House in Orillia, Ontario at the age of 96. George, an only child, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Saskatchewan, Montreal, and Perth. George was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Terry (nee Adalane Theresa Prowse); his parents, George Earl and Matilda Elizabeth (nee Becker); and his youngest son, John (Karen).

George was a devoted and loving father to George (Lee-Anne), Leanne (Len), John (Karen), and foster sons, Daryl (Tracey), and Gary (Vee). George was a proud and adoring ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren Jamie, Emily, William, Austin, Lyndsay, Carly, Molly, Tommy, Tausha, Evan, Jessica, Breanne, Logan, Aiden, and Svara–as well as their partners–and great-grandchildren Elliotte, Colton, Sawyer and Riley.

George completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, while serving as a proud member of the Canadian Forces Naval Reserves. George went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.

In 1954, although George and Terry had only known each other a few months, George sent Terry a romantic proposal via telegram, while she was aboard a ship en route to Europe with her sister, Lois and best friend, Bea. The two were married in Regina, Saskatchewan on October 9th, 1954. George and Terry raised their family in Agincourt, Ontario, while George engaged in a lengthy career with the Ontario government, including pioneering the development of probation services in Ontario and serving on the Ontario Parole Board. George went on to enjoy 36 wonderful years of retirement, which included extensive local, national, and international travels with his wife, Terry and their family.

George was very connected to his community, including many years of cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs; curling; playing the fiddle and guitar; and being a long time member of St. John’s United Church (Scarborough) and its choir.  During the summer months, George enjoyed reading, swimming, skiing, boating, canoeing, and sailing at the family cottage in Parry Sound; attending Otter Lake United Church; and participating in many local musical gatherings. George loved being surrounded by friends and family. George was dedicated, passionate, and compassionate in all endeavors he pursued–in unison with his beloved wife, Terry. He will be greatly missed.

The family extends their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Leacock Retirement Lodge, Atrium Retirement Residence, and Spencer House–all in Orillia–for their amazing care and kindness over the past four years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Covenant House Toronto, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association.

KING, Robbie

KING, ROBERTA “ROBBIE” Robbie passed away peacefully, at The Houses of Providence on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 93 years. Robbie will be reunited with her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob), who passed away in 2012. Robbie will be missed by her children, John (Deanna), Cathie (Wilf), and David (Naoko); her grandchildren, Michael (Suzanne), Alyson (Amy), Bobby and Andrew; her great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Benjamin. Robbie was predeceased by her sisters, Brenda Whalen and Doris Wilson. As a chartered member of Jubilee United Church (formerly Donminster United Church), Robbie was actively involved in the United Church Women’s Group, and occasionally played the piano at Sunday services. She also volunteered for over 45 years at Thompson House. Robbie enjoyed baking, Sunday night dinners with family, spending time with family and friends at the cottage on Kahshe Lake, and vacationing with Bob in Florida. We would like to thank all of the staff at The Houses of Providence who have cared for her for over 5 years. If you wish, donations may be made to St Michaels Foundation (Please add: For Houses of Providence in a notes section). A Celebration of Life will be held at Jubilee United Church on Saturday, April 5th. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., with reception to follow.

AUSTIN, Janice

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Janice Lavinia Austin, who left us on February 19, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Janice was born in Skye Glen, Nova Scotia on September 10, 1948. She will be reunited with her parents the late Hugh and Edna (nee Champion) Austin, as well as her 2 brothers Hedley and Paul Austin.

Janice will be fondly remembered by her sister Diana (Linus), Patricia (Gerald), Ella (Terry) and brothers Kenneth (the late Linda), John (Judy), Laurie (Petra). She will be missed by many nieces and nephews who loved their aunt.

Janice worked at Bell Canada as a Assistant Director-Micrographics for 27 years. She was also a dedicated member of the Jubliee United Church in Don Mills, Toronto. She was a passionate gardener and avid Blue Jays fan. She loved to collect bobbleheads when she attended Blue Jay games at the Rogers Centre.

Although Janice lived in Toronto for most of her life, she loved many trips to Skye Glen, Cape Breton to visit her parents and family. During her visits she loved spending time outside in the garden and by the river trout fishing. She was known to arrive back in Toronto with many jams and berries in her bag.

Janice will be forever missed by family and friends here in Toronto.

Visitation will be held on Sunday February 23, 2025 from 11:00 A.M – 2:00 P.M at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave E (between Pharmacy & Warden) Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital.

DOWNING, Donna

DOWNING, DONNA LUCINDA (nee LEGIER) January 6, 1938 – February 17, 2025 Donna Downing passed peacefully at home on February 17, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer. Donna fully committed herself and celebrated her roles as wife, mother and grandmother over her 87 years. After the passing of her husband, Douglas Downing, almost 20 years ago she embarked on a new chapter of adventure and discovery, seeing much of the world alongside her dearest friends. Donna showed us all how to fight for the future, and fought a winning battle against cancer for many years. We invite you to join us for a gathering of friends and family at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E. on February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. for a celebration of her life, followed by a reception. Donna will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Douglas, and near her parents, Harry and Viola LeGier, at Pine Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Mom would love for you to do something nice for someone important in your life, and then treat yourself to a new pair of shoes! Rest in Peace, Mom. Your memory lives on in the hearts of those you touched in your time with us. We love you. Tell Dad we miss you both, and will think of you with every rainbow.

McRORIE, Marie

MCRORIE, MARIE (nee MCGREGOR) The family of Marie McRorie, of Toronto, is sad to announce her passing, on January 16, 2025, at the age of 82. We, Norma, Amanda, and Kali Hutchinson, and Ron and Kio Reid, will honour her life at Gladstone MB Cemetery on June 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. We invite your thoughts at norma.h29@gmail.com.

NIDDRIE, Betty

We are saddened to say after a brief illness our mother Bettinne Meredith Niddrie nee Bonnick passed away on Friday, December 27 peacefully at Baycrest Hospital.

Survived by her son Stephen Meredith and daughters Lynne Mcindoe Meredith, Valerie Niddrie and granddaughter, Corinne Niddrie. Joining her parents, Georgette and Colonel Harold Bonnick, sister Irene Budd and brother John Bonnick, Toronto, Ontario.

A funeral service for Bettine will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes (8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill) beginning at 1:30pm. Following the service there will be a reception on the second level.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant House in Toronto.

LAUCHLAN, Joy

JOY MARIE LAUCHLAN
September 10, 1943 – November 24, 2024
It is with bittersweet hearts that we announce the pass of Joy Marie Lauchlan on November 24, 2024, at the age of 81, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s
Joy, the middle of three children, was raised by her parents, Roy and Hilda Kennedy (NEE Webber) in Bobcaygeon where she developed her love of music & dance, skating, and all things creative. She also had a special love for the outdoors where she often said she was best able to connect with God.
While living and working in Peterborough as a Kindergarten Teacher, she met and fell in love with her husband of almost 60 years, Ian. Although she always said she would never raise city kids, she and Ian raised their three children, Adelle, Mark, and Carolyn, in Toronto.
Joy moved on from teaching to stay at home and raise her children. And how lucky they were! She cheered them on in their activities, encouraged their passions, & shared her love of music & dance with them. There was always music & laughter in the house & her door was always open.
As a family they went on many adventures across the continent, often with a dog in tow. After the children were grown, her and Ian’s adventures continued & took them further from home to places such as Australia, Russia, Iceland, Scotland, & many other exciting locations.
Joy did return to work and found herself working at CIBC alongside a good friend. Together they travelled to many small Ontario towns, having adventures everywhere they went.
In her retirement years, she was blessed with two additional loves of her life, her grandchildren, Kennedy & Declan. They, too, have amazing memories of family trips with her & of playing in the leaves, blowing bubbles, & looking at the moon.
Joy served her community in many ways. Two ways that were extra special to her were making & serving dinner the children’s music program at Forest Grove United Church, & her over 50 years with Girl Guides. In guiding, Joy served as a Leader, District Deputy Commissioner, District Commissioner, Deputy Division Commissioner, Division Treasurer, & Ontario Council Loan’s Advisor.
Joy was predeceased by her parents, Roy & Hilda Kennedy, her brothers, Murray & Jeff, & by many other beloved family members & friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Ian, her children, Adelle, Mark, & Carolyn, & by her grandchildren, Kennedy & Declan.
The family is truly grateful to all of Joy’s caregivers for their amazing love, care, & support, but especially to Viv, Chona, & Cynthia, & to her care team at Integracare & at Bayview Extendi-care.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 13, 2024, from 2-4 & 6-8, followed by a Memorial Service on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1pm at the Highland Funeral Home -Scarborough Chapel, 3280 Sheppard Ave., E., Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be encouraged by donations to the Alzheimer’s Society, Girl Guides of Canada, or Juvenile Diabetes.
We invite those attending the Memorial Service to wear your favourite colour(s) to honour Joy, who loved colour.