Bob Topley (nephew)

Entered February 26, 2017 from Collingwood ON

I first met Aunt Mavis when I was just a teenager in 1949. She was always a joy to talk to and she impressed me with her wonderful disposition and character. I told her many times she was my favourite Aunt and I always enjoyed my time with her. She will always be lovingly remembered.

Mark Koch (Nephew)

Entered February 26, 2017 from Wichita KS

Rest in Peace, dear Aunt Mavis. Although we didn't get much time together over the years due to many miles between us, you were always loved by us in Kansas. Those cherished memories will live on.

Lenora & Bob Jamieson (Former Neighbour)

Entered February 27, 2017 from Guelph, ON

I have pleasant memories of Mavis from when we lived on Wadding, and she was one of my Avon customers in the early 1980s.
Our sincere sympathy to John and Elizabeth in your loss.

Bill Houle (Nephew)

Entered February 27, 2017 from Burlington, ON

We had some great family get togethers over the years celebrating many family occasions. Aunt Mavis always had a smile and I will never forget her laugh. She will always be remembered and cherished by all.

Murray and Valerie Anthony (Friend)

Entered February 28, 2017 from St. Mary's

Mavis was a wonderful lady and I will always remember her special cookies at Christmas. My condolences to the family. We are thinking of you.

Murray, Val and Karen

Mavis was born in Capreol, a small Northern Ontario town outside of Sudbury.
She loved there with her mother, sisters and father. Her dad was an engineer for the CNR. They did all the things kids do in a small town. They went to school, sang in the Church Coir, earned a nickel here and there to rent a bicycle or go to a movie on a Saturday afternoon. Once the Royal Train passed through the station, something she always remembered.
Her first epic adventure was a family trip to Winnipeg. They had family passes from the CNR and a rare chance to holiday together.
After the passing of her father Robert, the family packed up their belongings and headed to Ottawa. Unfortunately, her sister Elaine had an illness that necessitated her being moved into care and her mother later died of cancer.
Ottawa was not all gloom and doom. Here is where she met Thomas Francis Topley while she was working at Murphy Gambles in the drapery department. They would soon marry and live a long and happy life together until his passing in 1991.
As with all families, the children began to grow up and establish lives of their own. Her sister Doris married Jack Cross and remained in Ottawa. Her sister Lorraine married Harry Koch and still resides in Wichita, Kansas. Elaine was moved into a group home. Kay had died in infancy. In her final days, Mavis found comfort in her phone calls from her surviving sister Lorraine.
From Capreol to Ottawa, from Toronto to Montreal and finally to Mississagua in 1966. She and Francis bought the house of her dreams. Sorry, did I leave out an important part of the story? Somewhere along the way, two children, John and Elizabeth entered the story and never left.
Mavis was able to find wonderful friends and soon joined the Sheridan Park Alliance Church. Whenever she needed help or support, they always came to the rescue. When Francis passed away and she went through so many health issues they always offered help to her and the family.
In her last years, confined largely to her room, she always thought of her dear friends and family who she cared for so much. I’m sure she would want to thank a dedicated group who made her more comfortable in the last year. Her personal care workers. Antoinette, Fatima, Yvette, and Siri. They put a smile on her face everytime they opened her bedroom door and said, “Good Morning Miss Mavis”.