Mary TONG

1934 - 2021

MARY TONG (née Pryce) April 3, 1934 - September 5, 2021 "Your absence has gone through me like a thread through a needle. Everything I do is stitched with its colour." W. S. Merwin Mary Tong, nature lover, gardener, and collector of antiques, died on Sunday, September 5th, at her home at the Teddington Retirement Residence, Toronto, with family by her side. Much loved, she will be missed by many, including her three children, Deborah Danis (David Decker); Andrea Tong; and Stephen Pryce (Mark Meister); her wonderful sister, Wendy Parry; and her extended family in Canada, England, and Australia. Mary, one of five children, was born in Hereford, England on April 3, 1934, to Winnifred and William Pryce. In the rolling hills of the Shropshire countryside, Mary developed her love of the natural world in all its beauty. She first immigrated to Canada in the late 1950s and was a fiercely proud Canadian, but she always carried England in her heart. Mary, with an eye for form and colour and an amazing knowledge of fine china, porcelain and crystal, was a buyer and salesperson for William Ashley China for close to 30 years. She formed long and close relationships with her clients and staff, remaining friends with many throughout her retirement years. Mary spent her later years travelling, hiking the Bruce Trail, vacationing in the Bruce Peninsula, and simply enjoying life. As she said, "I've had a good life." A special note of appreciation to the staff of the Teddington Retirement Residence and to Mum's caregivers, Jacqueline, Margie, Gelli and Dame for their outstanding care and support. A private service will be held to celebrate Mary's life at St. Timothy's Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Canadian Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.