Obituary of Maureen Lytle Perry
Maureen Lytle Perry (McGrath) died peacefully in her home at age 90, surrounded by her children and her beloved caregiver, on January 16th, 2023 after a long illness.
Maureen, or Nana to her 5 adoring grandchildren, was cherished for her generosity and kindness together with her ability to see and nurture the best in people.
She was born in Toronto to Mary and D’Arcy McGrath, more than a decade younger than her four siblings Harry, Molly, Ted, and Noonie. After her mother died when she was 8, Maureen lived with her sisters and at boarding school until she started working and living on her own at 16. The antics of boarding school and living independently as a teenager were legendary stories to her grandchildren, who proudly boasted that Nana was a “rebel”. Maureen married William Henry (Bill) Perry in 1952. She found love and belonging with Bill and his family, becoming especially close to Bill’s mother Millie.
Being a mother was Maureen’s calling and she delighted in creating a warm and loving home for her children Scott, Bruce and Jill. She was the favourite parent on school trips, never missed a baseball game or music recital, put notes and treats in school lunches and sent much-anticipated care packages. She and Bill had a vibrant social life, delighting in dinner parties, family celebrations, bridge games, time at their Haliburton cottage, and travel to Long Boat Key and Hawaii. In the late 1970s Maureen went back to work and met a group of energetic, kind, and accomplished women who became some of her closest friends for the rest of her life.
Maureen met the challenges of tragedy in her middle years, when she and Bill lost their eldest son Scott in a car accident and then, not long after, Bill lost his long and courageous fight against cancer. After this difficult time, Maureen had an adventurous 20 years travelling around the world and doting on her 5 beloved grandchildren. She was happiest surrounded by family, sharing a meal or enjoying a catch-up over a cup of tea or better yet a glass of pinot grigio! She chose to spend her last decade at The Dunfield Retirement Residence in Toronto, finding there friends, activities, and care for her changing needs.
Her warmth and her ability to provide constant, unquestioning love and support are missed by her son Bruce, his wife Janice and their children Nicole, Jeanelle and Brian and her daughter Jill, her husband David and their children Anni and Sophie. The family sends love and deep thanks to Maureen’s beloved caregiver Pinky Knight who helped to keep her feeling loved, comfortable and safe through her struggle with vascular dementia in her final years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
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