In memory of
Edna Lois Hay
February 14, 1933 - February 13, 2026
On February 13, 2026, just hours short of her 93rd birthday, Edna Lois Hay (McDiarmid) passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital in Toronto.
Born in Carleton Place, Ontario, to John and Lillian McDiarmid, Edna grew up alongside her beloved older brother, Dr. Ian McDiarmid. She earned her BA in mathematics from Queen’s University and began her career teaching high school math in Listowel, Ontario. It was there that she met the love of her life, Peter Hay.
Edna and Peter shared nearly 69 years of marriage — a true partnership built on devotion, laughter, and deep respect. Soon after marrying, they settled in Don Mills, where they raised their two children, Jenny and Donny, and over the years welcomed four much-loved dogs into their home.
Edna was an inspiring and dedicated mathematics teacher at Georges Vanier Secondary School, a career she cherished. She and Peter modeled a life-long, loving marriage for their children. She was also a kind and generous mother-in-law to Milan Popadich and Kelly Lyons.
Longtime members of the Donalda Club, Edna and Peter enjoyed many happy years playing tennis and bridge with friends. In retirement, they embraced adventure wholeheartedly, travelling the world together on nearly 50 cruises and visiting every continent except Antarctica. In 2005, one of their voyages aboard the Seaborne Spirit even included an unexpected encounter when their ship had to evade pirates in the Gulf of Aden — a story that became part of their remarkable travel legacy.
Edna was intelligent, gracious, and unfailingly kind. She had impeccable penmanship, a deep appreciation for proper grammar, and a love of crossword puzzles. She delighted in entertaining — setting a beautiful table, dressing with elegance, and welcoming guests with warmth, wit, and lively conversation.
While she was proud of her children, Edna took particular joy in her grandchildren: Andrew Hay (Helen Kim), Kristina Popadich, Hazel Hay, Amanda Popadich, and Jessica Popadich. She treasured hearing about their adventures and was delighted by pictures and videos of her great-granddaughter, Jane Hay.
A devoted animal lover, Edna collected all things sheep, enjoyed the company of many creatures over the years, and dearly loved her grand-dog and grand-cats.
A family celebration of Edna’s life will take place when her globe-travelling grandchildren are able to gather in Toronto.
In her memory, pet a dog or a cat, say something kind about someone, admire a picture of a sheep, work on a crossword puzzle with someone you love, or make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Born in Carleton Place, Ontario, to John and Lillian McDiarmid, Edna grew up alongside her beloved older brother, Dr. Ian McDiarmid. She earned her BA in mathematics from Queen’s University and began her career teaching high school math in Listowel, Ontario. It was there that she met the love of her life, Peter Hay.
Edna and Peter shared nearly 69 years of marriage — a true partnership built on devotion, laughter, and deep respect. Soon after marrying, they settled in Don Mills, where they raised their two children, Jenny and Donny, and over the years welcomed four much-loved dogs into their home.
Edna was an inspiring and dedicated mathematics teacher at Georges Vanier Secondary School, a career she cherished. She and Peter modeled a life-long, loving marriage for their children. She was also a kind and generous mother-in-law to Milan Popadich and Kelly Lyons.
Longtime members of the Donalda Club, Edna and Peter enjoyed many happy years playing tennis and bridge with friends. In retirement, they embraced adventure wholeheartedly, travelling the world together on nearly 50 cruises and visiting every continent except Antarctica. In 2005, one of their voyages aboard the Seaborne Spirit even included an unexpected encounter when their ship had to evade pirates in the Gulf of Aden — a story that became part of their remarkable travel legacy.
Edna was intelligent, gracious, and unfailingly kind. She had impeccable penmanship, a deep appreciation for proper grammar, and a love of crossword puzzles. She delighted in entertaining — setting a beautiful table, dressing with elegance, and welcoming guests with warmth, wit, and lively conversation.
While she was proud of her children, Edna took particular joy in her grandchildren: Andrew Hay (Helen Kim), Kristina Popadich, Hazel Hay, Amanda Popadich, and Jessica Popadich. She treasured hearing about their adventures and was delighted by pictures and videos of her great-granddaughter, Jane Hay.
A devoted animal lover, Edna collected all things sheep, enjoyed the company of many creatures over the years, and dearly loved her grand-dog and grand-cats.
A family celebration of Edna’s life will take place when her globe-travelling grandchildren are able to gather in Toronto.
In her memory, pet a dog or a cat, say something kind about someone, admire a picture of a sheep, work on a crossword puzzle with someone you love, or make a donation to a charity of your choice.