Mary J. Old (nee Timney)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Old on March 22, 2019 in her 90th year.

Born in Toronto, Mary was a proud 5th generation Canadian, a descendant of the Borlands, Timoneys, Timneys, Sweetmans, McCaiges, Purdys, and Jacksons, all of whom came from Ireland in the early 1800s to settle in Ontario. Her family’s strong roots in Canada were important to Mary. She cherished each piece of china, glass, or linen that was passed down to her and could tell stories of the original owner of each piece.

Mary lost her father John “Jack” James Borland Timney when she was just 13. Jack was one of Toronto’s first fire fighters. He was overcome by smoke inhalation days after fighting a fire. She was raised by her mother Eda Luella Timney (neé Sweetman). During high school she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Douglas Old. They got married in 1950 at the young age of 21 and enjoyed 51 years together until Bob’s death in 2001. Following Bob’s death, she moved from the family home on Highland Park Boulevard to The Gazebo in Thornhill where she made many friends and kept a close watch over the condo board. Her final year was spent with friends at Glynnwood Residence.

As a long-time school secretary at Stornoway Crescent Public School in Markham, Mary made a difference in the student’s lives that will last a life time. She maintained strong Christian beliefs and is one of the longest standing parishioners of Thornhill Presbyterian Church. She could always be counted on to have an opinion on any topic. Mary filled her quiet times completing Wordsearch, jigsaw puzzles, making crafts for the church bazaar, or getting together with her sorority sisters.

The loving mother of son Daniel (Teresa) and cherished grandmother of Allison and Alex, Mary was predeceased by her baby daughter Maureen, husband Robert (Bob), brothers Donald and Kenneth and niece Larkin.

Mary will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Lila, Dorothy and Nancy and brothers-in-law John (Marjory) and Budd, nephews Glen (Lynne), Patrick (Lisa), and niece Kathy (Dave). She was a great aunt of Laura (John), Kevin, Brandon (Sarah), Brittany (Dean), Ian (Lindsay), and Tyler (Sara) and a great great aunt of Matthew, Nicholas, Vivienne, and Bernadette. A special thank you to Laurie whose devotion and care to Mary this past year was very much appreciated.

Family and friends may visit at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Road, North York on Monday, March 25th (6 – 9 PM). Funeral service at Thornhill Presbyterian Church, 271 Centre Street, Thornhill on Tuesday, March 26th @ 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the great hall. Cremation to follow.

Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Mary’s name are appreciated. (See link to charity in the donations tab.)

Mary will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew her.