MARA DZIDRA OLGA PACEY

(née Kaneps) Surrounded by loved ones, Mara Pacey passed away peacefully at the age of 82, in the early hours of October 6, 2025, at Toronto Western Hospital. Loving wife and soulmate of Geoffrey, together they brought three incredible children into this world. Devoted and caring mother of Christine, Suzanne (Jason), and Eric (Tristin), she was a deeply loving grandmother to her precious grandchildren, Emily, Kaitlin, Lauren, Charlie, and Every, and step-granddaughter Daelen, who she would go above and beyond for. Born January 30, 1943, in Riga, Latvia, to the late Nina (née Tifentals) and Janis Kaneps, Mara and her family fled to Sweden shortly after her birth, where they lived for several years before settling in Toronto, Canada. Mara earned her nursing degree from Toronto General, later completing her BSC at the University of Ottawa, where she met Geoffrey. She went on to have a successful and fulfilling career as a cardiac nurse, leaving a lasting impact on countless patients. As the family matriarch, colloquially known as "GG Bear," for her love of the bears she watched from her and Geoffrey's cabin in Bella Coola every summer, and for the gummy bears she always kept in her purse, Mara embodied warmth, generosity, and resilience. Steadfast mother and later grandmother, who never missed a birthday, sporting event, or graduation, she was a constant rock and role model for her family. Mara took great joy in spoiling both her grandchildren and her cherished "granddogs," she was adored by all her furry friends. Mara's spirit, strength, determination, stubbornness, and endless unconditional love never wavered. Her memory lives on through her family, who embody the same love she gave them and will carry her in their hearts for forever. Honouring Mara's wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a later date. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams at Toronto Western Hospital, and the incredible staff at Kensington Gardens, for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the UHN Foundation (https://uhnfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/). Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.