Victoria Skot

It is with profound sadness that the Skot family announces the passing of Victoria Margaret "Tori" Skot on March 4, 2026, in Minesing, Ontario. Born on March 29, 1991, in Sudbury, Canada, Tori's life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Tori is deeply mourned by her parents Vic and Janice (née O'Brien), her siblings Tessa, Alanna, and Bryce, her Aunt Barb and cousin Heather Empey of Sudbury, Aunt Paulette (née O'Brien) and Uncle Cecil Burton of Sudbury, and her honourary grandmother Carolyn Murray of Sudbury. She was predeceased by her grandparents Viktor and Anna Skot of Sudbury and grandmother Terry O'Brien (née McColgan) of Sudbury.

Tori's early years were spent in Sudbury, where she attended Montessori School, St. Theresa's Elementary, and Marymount Academy. A talented athlete, she played AA hockey with the Sudbury Wolves and excelled in soccer with both the Canadians and Panhellenic teams. After moving to Barrie with her family, Tori continued her education at Eastview High School while playing AA hockey with the Barrie Sharks.

An exceptional student, Tori earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Sir Wilfred Laurier University before pursuing her Juris Doctor (JD) at Dalhousie University's Schulich School of Law. Her legal career began at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Toronto under the guidance of Brian Facey in the Competition, Antitrust, and Foreign Investment group. Later, she returned to Barrie to join Barriston LLP under Lisa Roszell's leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tori found immense joy in life's simple yet profound pleasures. She loved traveling the world, exploring remarkable cuisine—both as a passionate cook and an adventurous diner—and cherished every moment spent with family and friends at her beloved "Skottage" near Parry Sound.

Tori faced a courageous battle with brain cancer that ultimately took her far too soon. She passed away on a Wednesday morning surrounded by the love and warmth of her family. Those who knew Tori understand the depth of this loss. Her love was unconditional; she was fiercely loyal and selfless, always putting others first. As the heart of her family, she lifted those around her with unwavering support and affection. Even as her illness progressed, Tori's resilience, humor, and wit shone brightly. Her determination and spirit were a beacon to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Skot family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary team on the 9th floor at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto for their compassionate care. Special thanks are offered to Dr. Julian Spears—Tori's neurosurgeon and "guardian angel on earth"—as well as the intensivists in the TNICU and the medical residents who contributed so richly to her care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tori's memory may be made to the St. Michael's Hospital Division of Neurosurgery Memorial Research Fund or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on what would have been Tori's 35th birthday: Sunday, March 29th, 2026.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Beach Club Restaurant at Friday Harbour
(3740 Sunreef Ave., Innisfil ON) from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with remarks beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear something green—Tori's favorite color—in her honor.

As we remember Tori's remarkable life and enduring legacy, we hold close these words by Rumi:

"I love you neither with my heart nor my mind. My heart might stop; my mind can forget.
I love you with my soul because my soul never stops or forgets."

May Tori's memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.