MARY MORRISON

Mary Louise Morrison, nee Parish, died on July 19, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family near and far, just shy of her ninety-third birthday.

Born in Toronto on August 2, 1932, Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband George H. Morrison and by her parents Marwood C. and L. Marion Parish, her brother William J. Parish and sister-in-law Marnie, and her brother- and sister-in-law Mate and Ann Lichtenberg.

She is survived and profoundly missed by her children George, John, Gillian, Katie, son-in-law Peter Elliott and grandchildren Ben, Charlie and Sydney, as well as by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.

From the age of eight, Mary attended Camp Tanamakoon for eight weeks every summer, serving as a CIT her last summer at camp. Camp was a hallmark of her childhood, and she shared her love of summer camp and nature with her children who are forever grateful.

Upon graduating from Lawrence Park Collegiate, Mary entered the Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, qualifying as a registered nurse in 1953. After a brief and adventure-filled stint nursing in London, U.K., she completed a diploma in public health nursing at the University of Toronto in 1956.

Mary, by then an experienced nurse, met George on a ward at TGH when he was a junior resident. A photograph captioned "Pretty Mary Parish" featuring Mary at a dance appeared in the Toronto Star society pages. The photo inspired George to call the nurses' residence and ask Pretty Mary Parish out for a date. His phone call led to an enduring nickname and a loving marriage that lasted nearly 60 years until George died in 2017.

When George and Mary moved to Fort William (now Thunder Bay) in 1958, they both became deeply involved in the local community. Mary served as chair of the board of Confederation College, president of the Lakehead Social Planning Council and president of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation. She was a board member at the Thunder Bay Children's Aid Society, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Lakehead Regional Family Centre. She was also an active volunteer and campaigner for numerous Liberal candidates. In addition to her volunteer work, Mary returned to nursing when her children were grown and served many years as a discharge planner and an occupational health nurse.

George and Mary created a wonderful life for their children in Thunder Bay, with a focus on skiing, summer camp, hockey and travel. Our neighbourhood was an anchor to this life, and within that lovely community, Mary was the kind of neighbour we all want to have. Many of the children who grew up on Silles Court, Mireault Court and Park Row still carry a special place in their heart for Mary. In her last days, we were touched by their love.

Mary was blessed with a lively and diverse community of friends from all walks of life including a circle of very special close friends who were true kindred spirits.

Music was a lifelong passion and Mary observed recently that it transported her to joy. She was an inveterate supporter of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra including serving many years on the board and as a long-time member of the Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus.

Although Mary was a somewhat reluctant skier, a sport George and the family loved, she continued skiing into her sixties. When her grandchildren began to arrive, she gladly hung up her skis in favour of tending to her delightful grandbabies while the adults skied. This was just one way that she fostered deep and joyful bonds with Ben, Charlie and Sydney.

Mary was a woman of elegance, style and grace. She brought a mischevious sense of humour to life that many will remember her for. With care, creative flair and love Mary created a home filled with music, pets, good food and a beautiful garden. She was equally dedicated to nurturing a welcoming neighbourhood and a healthy community. With George, Mary shared an interest in the world around her which lasted to the end.

We are deeply saddened by Mary's passing but equally as grateful for her life and all the love, humour, curiosity and wonder she shared with us.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. K. Mossman and her team, Frances from St. Elizabeth's, the staff at the Waterford, the PSWs at the Waterford and Home Instead (Angela, Arsh, Hamid, Heather, Madison, Nancy, Sam and Tammy), Fanny, and the team at Hospice Simcoe for their support during Mary's final journey.

Cremation has occurred. A celebration of Mary's life is planned for later this fall.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice Simcoe or the Charity of Your Choice.

Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca