In memory of
Petra Tolley
May 31, 1971 - January 1, 2026
Petra Christina Tolley passed away on the morning of January 1, 2026 at North York General Hospital in Toronto. Petra is survived by her father Christopher, mother Viktorija, sister Cecilia, and many relatives in England and Croatia and dear friends.
At birth Petra was diagnosed with Down syndrome, and lived her life demonstrating the ‘ability’ within ‘disability.’ Petra earned an Ontario Secondary School Diploma from Kohai Educational Centre that instilled in their students ‘there is nothing you cannot do unless you try,’ and completed the College Vocational Program at George Brown. As a young adult she was a business partner at Common Ground Co-operative working at the Coffee Shed at the University of Toronto’s New College. In her adult years Petra lived independently, sharing accommodations in Toronto with friends through organizations Home in the Annex and LIGHTS. Petra excelled as an athlete, competing across Canada in Special Olympic’s swimming and receiving an Ontario Championship certificate, her favourite stroke being the butterfly. She also attained a black belt in karate. Petra travelled across Europe on group trips with Kohai, and also visited family in England and Croatia, including Dubrovnik and the family farm in Prelog. Petra and her artwork were featured in two films, “Tying Your Own Shoes” and “Petra's Poem” directed by Shira Avni by the National film Board of Canada, alluding to her insights as an individual with Down syndrome. Shining moments were participating in film premiers at festivals in Toronto (Hot Docs at the TIFF Lightbox) and New York. In the last year Petra lived at Cheltenham Care Community, where she was well known and cared for, her sweet nature making an impact on staff and residents. She was featured in the summer newsletter and her films were showcased.
Petra had an innate ability to communicate with respect and compassion, fostering good will and attracting a diverse range of people to her circle. Petra exuded a kind, cheeky spirit and spread her light to everyone that she crossed paths with. She will be greatly missed and we are honoured to carry memories and lessons we’ve learned from her with us always.
Our family would like to thank Petra's many friends and colleagues that were part of her life's journey. We wish to express appreciation for various organizations that supported Petra over the past few years including the North York Seniors Centre, Montage Support Services, and support workers such as Priscila, and Cynthia who were indispensable to Petra and her family. We would like to thank various healthcare professionals for their compassionate care, such as Focus Medical, Women’s College Hospital, Cheltenham, Surrey Place Plus 45 Clinic, and North York General Hospital Palliative Care.
A celebration of life to honour Petra’s life will be announced shortly.
At birth Petra was diagnosed with Down syndrome, and lived her life demonstrating the ‘ability’ within ‘disability.’ Petra earned an Ontario Secondary School Diploma from Kohai Educational Centre that instilled in their students ‘there is nothing you cannot do unless you try,’ and completed the College Vocational Program at George Brown. As a young adult she was a business partner at Common Ground Co-operative working at the Coffee Shed at the University of Toronto’s New College. In her adult years Petra lived independently, sharing accommodations in Toronto with friends through organizations Home in the Annex and LIGHTS. Petra excelled as an athlete, competing across Canada in Special Olympic’s swimming and receiving an Ontario Championship certificate, her favourite stroke being the butterfly. She also attained a black belt in karate. Petra travelled across Europe on group trips with Kohai, and also visited family in England and Croatia, including Dubrovnik and the family farm in Prelog. Petra and her artwork were featured in two films, “Tying Your Own Shoes” and “Petra's Poem” directed by Shira Avni by the National film Board of Canada, alluding to her insights as an individual with Down syndrome. Shining moments were participating in film premiers at festivals in Toronto (Hot Docs at the TIFF Lightbox) and New York. In the last year Petra lived at Cheltenham Care Community, where she was well known and cared for, her sweet nature making an impact on staff and residents. She was featured in the summer newsletter and her films were showcased.
Petra had an innate ability to communicate with respect and compassion, fostering good will and attracting a diverse range of people to her circle. Petra exuded a kind, cheeky spirit and spread her light to everyone that she crossed paths with. She will be greatly missed and we are honoured to carry memories and lessons we’ve learned from her with us always.
Our family would like to thank Petra's many friends and colleagues that were part of her life's journey. We wish to express appreciation for various organizations that supported Petra over the past few years including the North York Seniors Centre, Montage Support Services, and support workers such as Priscila, and Cynthia who were indispensable to Petra and her family. We would like to thank various healthcare professionals for their compassionate care, such as Focus Medical, Women’s College Hospital, Cheltenham, Surrey Place Plus 45 Clinic, and North York General Hospital Palliative Care.
A celebration of life to honour Petra’s life will be announced shortly.