EMILY JEAN MCLAUGHLIN

(September 26, 1955 – December 14, 2025) Emily, beloved mother of Jasper Allderdice; mother-in-law of Sherry Hussain; sister of Mundy and Hugh (Roger); ex-wife of Jacob Allderdice; and cousin, aunt, and friend to many, passed away peacefully, on a sunny morning, with her son, daughter-in-law, and sister by her side. Growing up in Don Mills, Ontario, with her sister and brother, Emily's long, lean physique led her to be a star runner on the track and field team at Greenland Road Public School. The family then moved to downtown Toronto, and Emily attended high school at Oakwood, and then Jarvis Collegiate. There, she developed an interest in fine arts, which would lead her to the arts program at Central Technical School and beyond. Ever curious, Emily discovered the spiritual teachings of Prem Rawat in 1974. Prem's message of inner peace and self-knowledge resonated deeply with Emily, and she was active in supporting his work throughout her life, attending, and volunteering at, many events in North America, Europe and Australia. In 1993, as part of a small group of volunteers, Emily helped to bring Prem's Peace Education Program to Toronto correctional facilities. Throughout this time, Emily's interest in art had not subsided, and she matriculated at the Nova Scotia School of Art and Design (NSCAD) in 1986. Studying fine art and art history, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1989. Emily's paintings and drawings, recognized by an instructor as sophisticated, complex, and remarkable, are treasured by those privileged to possess them. During her time at NSCAD, Emily met Jacob Allderdice. Married in 1992, their son, Jasper, was born in Toronto in 1994. Emily returned to school in the early 2000s, graduating from Seneca College's Library & Information Technician program, and then worked at the Public Library in Aurora, Ontario, until the end of 2010. At the library, Emily was well served by her love of reading and educating. After retiring, Emily travelled extensively, continued to make art, read widely, took up pottery, cultivated her many friendships, collected antique furniture and artwork, and spent time creating beautiful spaces at her home in Toronto and beloved cottage on Stony Lake, where she enjoyed hosting friends and family. Emily was generous with her time and energy, had a wonderful sense of humour, and was unafraid of speaking her mind. In 2013, Emily was instrumental in bringing the Peace Education Program to the Vanier Center for Women in Milton. After the program was in place, Emily would drive to Milton every Tuesday to lead two workshops, picking up other volunteers on the way. Her compassion and gentle approach made a difference to the participants, and she appreciated most hearing their responses to the material. After seven years of volunteering, Emily was recognized for her work when she received a letter of commendation from Vanier's Superintendent. Emily will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be scheduled for 2026.