It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful, loving and caring mother, Geraldine Lorraine McLean (nee Young) who passed away peacefully at home in Thornhill, Ontario on June 9,2021.
Devoted wife of the recently late Edward McLean (Feb. 2021) for 60 years, loving mother to Cindy (Paul Leone), Peter (Carolin Watt) and Michelle McLean. Cherished Grandmother and Poi-Poi to Amanda McLean Leone, and Simon, Owen and Quenton McLean Lavado. Dear sister of the late Gilbert (late Marina), Richard (late Francis), Jan (Lily), Steve (Elsie), Rose (Cal Pon), Robert Stanley (Jan), late Michael, and Susan (Theo Van Eijk).
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by the McLeans, Leones, Youngs, Pons, Van Eijks, Lees and Engs, her many nieces and nephews, old work friends like Roz and Doreen, long time friend Lida Van Dinther, Helga, Gladys, Val, neighbours Ronda & Jay, Debbie & Al, Marni & Jason.
Mom was born to hard working parents, Jan & Esther Young on Mount Pleasant Road operating Young Bros grocery store in the Davisville area, back when 485 was referred to as Hudson-5. Mom used to tell us how she worked before and after school, was top of her class in typing and short-hand and got her first job downtown at Reiner Construction at 16 years of age – demonstrating a hard work ethic. This was definitely an example of how mom would learn, lead and do things her own way. Mom worked 24 years at Ontario Hydro reaping the rewards of early retirement with dad.
Mom was a great cook and was used to cooking for her large family and others. Our childhood has many memories of eating blissfully at family functions that were a regular routine back then. Menu favorites included her cabbage rolls, the eggroll assembly line, hand made wonton, Chinese ginger chicken rice, lemon meringue and apple pie, “ jing ju yook”. Who’s going to make our tuna smelling sandwiches or our egg salad sandwiches with the crusts cut off now?
Mom loved her sports being an avid Raptors fan, a tennis fan who knew her stats better than the analysts on The Tennis Channel, a keen bowler, played in the Womens tennis leagues as well as Seniors Mixed Doubles with dad, earning Finalists in the Senior’s Regional Championships in their retirement, played bridge, had a baseball nickname of Slugger Sarah, threw a spear while on their Hawaii trip, willingly camped as a family on many trips around Canada and the US with Aunt Sue and dad’s parents Grandpa and Auntie Helen and Uncle Pete and Auntie Irene despite her really being a “Four Seasons” woman, was so graceful to watch when she & dad danced, had her chi going while practicing Tai Chi, and was an inaugural member of the three-member Peanut Club. But what do you expect from a second-born daughter of nine siblings, six of whom were boys.
Growing up, we were fortunate as we had a mother that was kind, loving, compassionate, listening, generous, and impacted our lives to have inner strength, passion to learn and compassion for others. Mom made us realize our self-worth and made us feel important all the time.
There won’t be many like her and her legacy will live in our hearts forever. Mom was the rock that provided unconditional love. We will love and miss you forever.
Mom showed strength and resilience over the past months. We would like to thank her caregivers, MaryAnne (many years with mom & dad!), Rose, SRT Nurses Harvey and Mahmood, and of course, Dr. Shalini Rastogi and her Office Team, who truly are like family in their relationship with and personal approach to mom’s care. Your dedication and love will not be forgotten.
Private cremation arrangements have been made with the Mount Pleasant Group. Due to CV-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life Interment is being planned for a future date for both parents, Edward & Geraldine McLean on August 27th, their 61st wedding anniversary.
We kindly invite you to sign her guestbook.