THEDA MARY DEACON

Born July 19, 1935, and died February 26, 2026, peacefully and with family at her side. Eldest child of Laura (Waring) and Henry Devitt; loving sister to her twin brother, Laurie, and younger brothers, Tom and Terry Devitt. Devoted wife for nearly 60 years to the late Tom Deacon, who many called the best fed man in Canada. Proud, loving mother to Gillian (Grant Gordon) and Jake (Sara) Deacon. Caring grandmother and provider of countless homemade treats to Reggie, Harper and Miles Gordon, and Foster and Pippa Deacon. Theda's patient, caring nature led her to study early childhood education. During her years in the kindergarten classroom at Rose Avenue Public school in Toronto, she taught with her oft-repeated guiding principle: "This is my way, show me yours. The way is not." Theda left her teaching career behind when she had children of her own, dedicating all her patience and nurturing to raising Gill and Jake. Theda's greatest joy was family. She developed a love of cooking, a passion she shared generously, and for which she became legendary. Both in and out of the kitchen, Theda's gestures were without fanfare, never seeking the spotlight. She shone in the reflected glow of people she loved. Whether she fed you a gourmet meal, baked a Lucky Day cake in your honour, or welcomed you into her home with kindness and spectacular comfort, anyone who spent time with Theda was warmed by her caring touch. Lifelong summer friends on the Ottawa River remember Theda for her unflagging hospitality, her game participation in annual water shenanigans, and for the sound of her famous laugh, climbing up and down the octave. An active and award-winning member of the Toronto Garden Club, Theda was a patient gardener, who knew that constant, quiet care leads to glorious bloom - a practice she applied in the garden and beyond. Her steadfast support of her family was the wind beneath all of our wings. In her final years at Belmont House retirement home, Theda found a new community of dear friends as well as a new outlet for her creativity and caring. No sooner had she taken up knitting than she became a prolific contributor to the international aid NGO HPIC, knitting hundreds of "Izzy" dolls to be sent to children in war-torn regions, including many of her own original designs. Her Canadian mountie doll has travelled the world as a showpiece of creativity to bolster support for HPIC's work. Theda found meaningful purpose in those hours of knitting; she relished the opportunity to help children much less fortunate than her own. Theda was a humble, regal beauty; a gentle presence who radiated kindness. If you wish to make a donation in her honour, the family suggests either Belmont House, with heartfelt thanks for its wonderful staff and their dedicated care of Theda, especially in her final months; or the Garden Club of Toronto, where she spent many hours learning, teaching and turning heads with her floral arrangements. To honour Theda any time, cook a delicious meal for someone you love. And be sure to put some flowers on the table. Service to be held Thursday, March 12th, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Clement's Church, 70 St. Clements Avenue, with a reception after the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed on YouTube.