Mary "Mitzi" Isobel Brown

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary I. Brown (“Mitzi”), of Newmarket, Ontario, at the age of 93, on Tuesday November 18, 2025. She passed peacefully at the Margaret Bahen Hospice after a long period of poor health.

Born and raised in Toronto, Mary grew up spending all of her summers at her family cottage at Wasaga Beach. After inheriting the cottage she continued the “open door” tradition of the cottage as she was always keen to have visits from family and friends.

Mary was a very intelligent woman who grew up at a time when a university education was a luxury that often families could not afford for their female children. Determined to pursue her passion for life-long learning she completed her baccalaureate degree in sociology at York University as an adult student, and proceeded to work at York until her retirement at age 65 (which was sooner that she would have liked). She always advocated for her children and budgeted in order to facilitate a university education for both her son and daughter.

When not working she filled her time sewing, doing crafts, and supporting her children’s hobbies and interests including volunteering as president of the Pine Point Figure Skating Club for several years. Throughout her life she loved spending time with dogs – they always made her smile and brought her great comfort and happiness. In her later years she took an interest in playing bridge and could often be found entrenched in a competitive game at the Aurora or Newmarket bridge clubs. She lived a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication.

She is survived by her daughter, Jill, son-in-law, Adam, their children Lauren and Ben; her son, Peter, his partner Jessica, his children, Aidan, Lucas and Justine. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years, John James Brown, and her brother, Angus John Tait. She regularly reminisced about their time together through to the last weeks of her life. We are comforted to know that she is now with them in spirit and forever in our hearts.

We are respecting Mary’s wishes not to have a funeral.

In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a donation in Mary's memory to a dog rescue organization of your choice.