Etilda “Lydia” Davis (nee. Collins) passed away peacefully at the Westside Long Term Care center on December 10.
Lydia, born to James and Lucy (deceased) grew up in a large family in Greggs, St. Vincent before bravely immigrating to Canada in 1975. The oldest daughter, she was the first and only member of her family to emigrate from the island and she dutifully sent parcels and money home to help, even when it meant personal sacrifice.
Life was rarely easy, but she was resilient. Despite persistent health woes, she consistently put other people’s needs ahead of her own. She successfully raised her children in Toronto’s Regent Park, and her neighbours still fondly recall the time they spent with her. When she moved, first to North York and then on to Westside in Etobicoke, her closest friends often made the difficult, multi-bus trip out to see her.
A devoted Christian who was unwavering in her faith, she was a trusted friend who loved to laugh. She will be forever loved and missed by her children Ishmael ( Heather), Maria (Mark), Pam (Colin) and Juliet, and her grandchildren Julian, Ethan, Cameron, Vanessa, James and Ben.
She will be remembered for her shy smile, distinctive laugh, twinkling eyes and fierce pride.