Grace Maria Suarez

Grace Maria del Carmen Ruiz Garcia was born on January 21, 1949, in Santa Rosa, Ecuador. In search of a new beginning as a single mother of two young boys, Grace immigrated to Canada in the fall of 1974. Her humble beginnings, steadfast faith, and resilient spirit prepared her for the many challenges she would face as she built a new life. In Toronto, she met her husband, Luis, and together they grew their family, settling in the Dufferin and St. Clair neighbourhood.

For a time, Grace worked in the food service industry and often surprised her family by bringing home special treats—most memorably, coconut cream pie. She later operated her own home daycare, where she cared for countless children with love, patience, and kindness. Grace was also a proud member of the choir at St. Nicholas of Bari, where she shared her love of singing and enjoyed many joyful afternoons of coffee and companionship with her fellow choir members.

In her later years, Grace faced illness and personal loss with remarkable courage. Though to some it may have appeared that she struggled, Grace did not—she fought. She battled lung cancer with strength and faith, proudly declaring herself a survivor. When tragedy struck with the passing of her cherished son, Anthony, she did not let grief consume her. Instead, she leaned on her loved ones and on her Lord to carry her through. Grace’s faith was unshakable; she loved God deeply and trusted in His will. Her example of unwavering faith and acceptance of God’s plan will continue to inspire and sustain us as we learn to live with the void her passing has left.

Grace was predeceased by her husband, Luis, her beloved son, Anthony, her father, Miguel, and her siblings, Jaime, Freddy, and Manuel.

She is survived by her loving sons: Manuel, Humberto (late Donna), Heleno (Deborah), and Miguel (Lori). Grace was a devoted grandmother to Miguel, Francesco, Myles, Frankie, Sebastian, Ariella, Marcelo, Camila, Mateo, Evelyn, and James, and a proud great-grandmother to Sophia, and Keano.

Grace is also survived by her dear mother, Eugenia, and her cherished siblings: Dolores, Pilar, Susana, Juan, Narcisa, Rosa, Gladys, and Cecibel. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews, as well as by the countless children who thrived under her care and affectionately called her Nana Grace.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Durham first responders for their compassionate care in Grace’s final moments.

“Que lindo se ve el firmamento, cuantas gracias le doy a mi Dios.”

— Grace Suárez