Mary Elaine Stecyk

Elaine was born to Arthur and Dorothy Hunt on June 16, 1937 in the community of Swansea in Toronto. The younger sister to Joan, Ruth and Margaret, she held many fond memories of growing up alongside her sisters in her beloved Swansea Village and stayed close to many of her childhood friends.

As a young woman, Elaine began teaching at Runnymede Collegiate, a career that would last over thirty years. Teaching later brought her to Hemer, Germany, where she met her husband, Victor. In Hemer, Vic and Elaine made dear friends who would continue to enrich their lives over many decades. After returning from overseas, Vic and Elaine became invaluable members of the Thornhill community, singing together in the choir at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, where they celebrated their faith. They gave back to their community and built longstanding friendships through their involvement in the Society for the Preservation of Historic Thornhill.

Elaine spent many years as an elementary teacher at Thornhill Public School, where she shared her love of music, art and reading with her students. She was a caring teacher who balanced high expectations with humour and compassion.

Thornhill was also where Vic and Elaine raised their family, giving their daughters, Gillian and Miranda, a childhood rich in memories. A loving mother, Elaine’s warmth shone through in her unwavering commitment to her family. Her sense of humour, delight and creativity were always felt, particularly during family celebrations, and when she became a doting and much-loved Grandma to Anwyn, Oscar, Olivia and Alexander.

Elaine loved to sing and play the piano, and lent her soprano voice to the Cantabile Chorale community choir for many years. She was also an avid painter in both acrylics and watercolour, and her paintings reflected her deep appreciation of nature’s beauty. Summers often found Elaine relaxing at the family cottage with a crossword puzzle or good mystery novel, a glass of sherry and Dean Martin on the record player. In retirement, Elaine and Victor enjoyed many trips with dear friends and family. No matter where she was, Elaine welcomed everyone she met with her bright smile, sense of fun and ready laugh. Her positive attitude was unwavering throughout her life.

Elaine is survived by her sister, Margaret; daughters Gillian and Miranda (Steve), and grandchildren Anwyn, Oscar, Olivia and Alexander. She will be dearly missed by the family and friends who loved her, and whom she loved so well. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Community Music Schools of Toronto, in celebration of her love of music and her gift for understanding children.