Mary WALSH

1925 - 2021

MARY EDNA WALSH (nee NEELANDS) Mary Edna Walsh (nee Neelands) passed away peacefully at her treasured home in Lawrence Park, Toronto on December 11, 2021 at the age of 96. She was interred at a family service in Mount Pleasant Cemetery next to the love of her life, the Honorable Mr. Justice George Tucker Walsh (deceased 2017). Mary was born in Guelph, Ontario in 1925 to Clarence (Pete) and Helen (nee McMurtry) Neelands. In 1933, her family moved to Forest Hill. Mary met her future husband George in high school. They married in 1949 at Timothy Eaton Church and had a devoted and loving partnership for 67 years. While Mary's first job was working as a librarian at the University of Toronto, her intense interest in interior design, architecture and art led her to plan and build a French-Provincial-style home in Lawrence Park. She attended to each detail of the design, building and furnishing of the house where she and George lived for over 50 years. She had a story for every treasure in her house, some acquired during their many trips around the world. She loved to host Christmas dinners, anniversaries or impromptu friends and family gatherings in her elegant living and dining rooms. Mary was a gifted, accomplished hostess and put amazing thought and attention to the smallest detail. Mary was especially proud of the volunteer work she did in refurbishing Campbell House, one of the oldest surviving houses from the Town of York. Mary researched and commissioned the historical furnishings and layout on behalf of the Advocates Society to ensure they reflected the Georgian era. Campbell House remains in use today and is open to the public. Mary was independent, pragmatic and possessed a sharp wit and warm smile. She had an incredible memory and was a knowledgeable family historian. Mary could regale you with every detail of a holiday taken 40 years before or apply insight to current events. She drove until she was 95 and, of course, always dressed fashionably! George and Mary had lifelong friends with whom they travelled near and far. They spent winters skiing in Europe, walked beaches in Australia, and had drinks on the Thames - and so many other wonderful adventures together. Mary was a lifelong member of the Granite Club. She enjoyed figure skating as a teen, curling with George and was a formidable bridge player. She is survived and fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews. A donation may be made to a Charity of Your Choice.