Obituary of Kathryn Patricia (Patty) Maurice

KATHRYN PATRICIA (PATTY) MAURICE

July 23, 1926 - April 15, 2022

Our loving Mum passed away in exactly the manner that she wanted, in her 95th year, surrounded by her family. Laughing and sharing stories, she said her goodbyes to everyone on her list, not in pain and completely at peace. She leaves behind four wonderful daughters: Linda Watson, Sandra Libby, Dawna Mitchell (Bob) and Andrea MacKenzie (Scott). She loved her grandchildren very much, and each may think they were her favorite, with good reason. The eldest, Joselyn Burgess (Ken), was her angel who was there for her always and helped her immensely through her last weeks. Justin Libby, Troy Curr, Tracy Curr (Gerritt Zwall), Alexa MacKenzie (Jamie Gagno) and Dylan MacKenzie will remember their Nana as a feisty, strong, opinionated and humorous lady who never forgot a birthday and was so proud of the people they each have become. Patty was GG to Luke and Jack Burgess, making sure there was always chips and ice cream for their visits with her.

Mum was an incredibly intelligent woman, having graduated from Malvern Collegiate in the Secretarial Program. She was a legal secretary for most of her professional life and always retained her sense of justice, organization, composition and fairness.

While at Malvern, she met her bosom buddy, Peggy Coombe (MacKay), and the two were inseparable as they scouted out movie stars in Toronto, persuading them for their autographs.

It was while working at M.O. Inglis Law Firm at Queen and Bay Streets that she met our father, Alex Maurice. Patty's mother was instrumental in their future union, as she believed he was the right man for her daughter. They were married in 1948, and began building their family with Linda’s birth in 1950. Alex's job at BF Goodrich would introduce them to their life-long friends Don and Eileen Post, sharing many sad and happy events in their lives along the way.

Later in life Mum took off solo on a series of adventures, visiting many countries all over the world. Her passion for opera, and in particular Placido Domingo, took her to New York many times to see live performances.

Patty was an ardent activist in her Markham senior's community, serving as president for eight years with her tenant's association. She began a newsletter for the building so people would feel included. She helped form the Drama Club with local thespian Tony Murphy, organized speakers for the current events meetings, petitioned for a bus service for seniors to the hospital and a safe pickup point at the grocery store. She was a daily reader of the Toronto Star and incredibly politically astute and up-to-date on the world's news.

She also fostered many wonderful friendships that forged a great network of support for her over the years, a gift to her family who didn't live close by. She was recently predeceased by her great friend, Myrtle McCalmont, whom we all loved. Trena and David Finnegan have been amazing in their dedication. Joan, Stephanie and John Andrew Wilson were her loving second family whom we will be forever grateful to. She also had great support from Dr. Michael Nowak, Dr. Dennis Wong, and Matthew, Michelle and the team at Guardian Drugs.

The family would like to thank the incredible group of physicians and nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital. You helped us navigate the last week with our mom/nana with compassion, grace, support and genuine care. In particular, Dr. Abdel-Malek, Dr. Dai, Dr. Jeong, Dr. Yermak and social workers Brand and Robin gave us the strength to abide by Mum's wishes and see her leave this world completely in control, content with her life, and ready to meet her God. She lived it to the fullest, and she leaves us with the memory of one hell of a woman. God speed.

A private service will be held.  Donations to L’Arche Daybreak, Richmond Hill or Doctors Without Borders would be appreciated.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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