Obituary of Mary Catherine Tapscott

MARY CATHERINE TAPSCOTT (nee Borisuk) 1922-2016 Peacefully, on Saturday, January 23, surrounded by family at her home in Toronto, from pancreatic cancer. Devoted wife of the late Donald Frederick and beloved mother of Don (Ana Lopes), Dave (1984), Bob (Laura Turner), Bill (Sharon Solomon) and Katharine (Tim McInerney). Dear sister to Llynn Valentine and late siblings Anne Thompson and Ken Borisuk. Cherished by grandchildren Niki (James Leo), Alex (Amy Welsman), Madi, Marissa and Emma. Her parents were Russian/Ukrainian immigrants and her love of education began in a one-room school house near their farm on Plains Road in Burlington. As a girl she was so energetic she would run everywhere she went. Mary made her own way, completing studies at McMaster University and Teacher's College in 1944 by working after school and as "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII at Stelco. She was the centre of her family and a selfless and loving provider. She raised her kids on English literature, English grammar and fresh pies and preservatives from her fruit and vegetable gardens. She went back to teach once the kids were grown and was Head Librarian at O.D.C.V.I. in Orillia, Chair of the Stephen Leacock Foundation and active with University Women's Club. Joyous times were had with friends in Orillia, summers at Fenelon Falls and 60 years of cottage life at YMCA Geneva Park. She co-wrote and produced many a musical play at Copeland Hall. Mary was a humanist, who instilled a strong sense of social justice in her children and grandchildren. She loved social and duplicate bridge for the friendships she made and because it was her nature to make the most of the cards she was dealt. Lucid, wise, well-spoken and profound till her final days. Dearest Mum, Meemama, Mimi, Meeps. Thank you for everything. You will live forever in us. Special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Knox at Princess Margaret Hospital, the Palliative team at Temmy Latner and everyone at CCAC and INTEGRAcare. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday January 29th. A service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday January 30th. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, please donate to the McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at PMH or the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.