Rayburn Elizabeth Veary

Rayburn Elizabeth Veary passed away on October 5, 2026, at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul, in October 2020.

Rayburn was the much-loved mother of Diane (Andy), Brian, Tom, Suzanne (Tim), and Robert (the late Carolyn). She was a proud grandmother to Paul, Erin, Sarah, Laura, Sean, and Beth, step-grandmother to Michelle, Rachel, the late Brett and Evan, and had recently become a great-grandmother to Tessa. Each was loved unconditionally. She was proud of them all and always wanted to know what was happening in their lives.

One of six children, Rayburn was predeceased by her sister Phyllis, her older sister Denise, and her twin sister Patricia. She is survived by her younger brother Howard and younger sister Kay. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews and extended family.

Rayburn lost her mother when she was very young. She and Patricia were raised by loving relatives in the Ottawa Valley and Cobourg. Those early years were not easy. Her strong faith helped her through difficult times, and she still found joy in life. Although she grew up separated from her other siblings at times, they stayed close. Any chance to see them and spend time together meant the world to her.

Many people knew Rayburn simply as “Mike.” She trained as a nurse in Kingston before moving to Toronto. Her nursing career took her to hospital work, including in the veterans’ wing at Sunnybrook, as well as private duty nursing and the offices of two doctors. She was very good at what she did and highly regarded for her knowledge, compassionate care and dedication.

At home, Rayburn was the centre of the family and the driving force behind much of its life. She and Paul raised their five children in a loving home that became a gathering place for family and friends, holidays and celebrations, always full of people, conversation, laughter and good memories.

When the children were young, she and Paul took the family to different cottages for summer vacations, having fun together enjoying the outdoors, often with extended family. In the late 1980s, they bought their own cottage on beautiful Salerno Lake. Some of the best times of their retirement were spent there with family and friends.

Rayburn was feisty, determined, devout and full of humour. She had a playful side, enjoyed a game of cards, and liked to joke. She also had opinions and was quite happy to share them, whether or not you agreed. Sometimes a word or saying would come out a little differently, giving the family another much-loved “Mumsieism” to remember.

She was strong and independent who liked to do things herself. Yet, she gave generously of her time and energy to others.

Trying something new did not intimidate her. She took the St. Christopher Leadership Course and made a point of looking after her health and staying active. She particularly enjoyed walking, aquafit and, later, indoor lawn bowling. In her senior years, dementia made life increasingly difficult. But she kept at it, finding humour where she could, staying involved in family life, and remaining feisty to the end.

Rayburn’s life was long and full, with tough times as well as happy ones. She was always there for the people she loved. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held at PAUL O’CONNOR FUNERAL HOME, 1939 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough (between Warden and Pharmacy) on Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at ST. BONAVENTURE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1300 Leslie Street, Don Mills, on Wednesday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light lunch in the church hall. A private burial for family will take place afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Rayburn’s memory to Better Living Health and Community Services in Don Mills, where she enjoyed activities, friendships and the chance to stay connected with others during the last few years of her life. https://mybetterliving.ca/support-better-living/