Mary Louise Hannon

It is with great love and wonderful memories that we celebrate the life, well lived, of Mary Louise (Rush) Hannon. Mary passed away on February 27, 2023 at the amazing age of 100 years and eight months with her children, Mary Jane and Michael at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Harvey Raymond and is survived by her sister-in-law Kathleen Lee of Mississauga, Ontario. Mom was the beloved mother of Mary Jane (Norman) of New Norway, Alberta and Michael (Sharon) of East York, Ontario, and Grandma to her four grandchildren Ryan (Megan) of Ennismore, Ontario, Sarah (Alex) of Keswick, Ontario, Meghan (Kurtis) of Sturgeon County, Alberta and Eric of Edmonton, Alberta. She was Great Grandma (aka “GG”) to Dylan, Josephine, Owen and Ethan. She loved all her children, big and small.

Mom was born on June 24, 1922 in Belleville, Ontario. Her parents were Annie and Clifton Rush and she was one of six children. Mom attended her early school days in Trenton, Ontario before attending Normal School (Teacher’s College) in Toronto. She had a very rewarding teaching career with the Toronto Public School District. Her career began in Grade five and ended in Grade one, all at Huron Street Public School. One of her achievements, during this time, was being given official recognition from the Toronto Public School Board for her students’ academic achievement in Literacy.

Mom met Dad at a boarding house in downtown Toronto and a romance began which lasted over 70 years. Every payday Dad would buy Mom a new “hot off the charts” piece of piano music. She played the piano for friends and family and Dad got his money’s worth from his purchases. Music was loved by both of them.

Mom loved her many roles over the course of her married life. She made our house a home in her calm and quiet way and her devotion to our family was unwavering. Mom had a strong faith, as well, and the United Church of Canada was a significant part of her life too.

Mom wore many hats. From literacy and math coach, to piano teacher, hockey, lacrosse, ballet and choir supporter for her children to being a volunteer for the Queen Street Mental Health unit and copy holder to Dad when he needed to do overtime at home while proofreading.

Mom was a wonderful cook and her baking was outstanding. Her pies were “melt in your mouth” pies and her Christmas dinners were remarkable- all done in a very small kitchen. Quiet visits with Grandma in the kitchen also involved bran muffins and corn syrup.

As well, Mom had a very green thumb and she loved to dig in the soil and see plants and flowers grow and flourish. She was wicked when it came to pulling out weeds! Her farming background never left her, even in the big city. From petunias to potatoes, 19 Judith Drive produced well over the years.

Mom travelled with Dad throughout their marriage. We camped as a family, Algonquin National Park being a highlight. Later on, Mom and Dad purchased a cottage on Orr Lake and many happy years were spent there, too. She was a trooper as co-pilot in our ski boat as Dad drove with skiers in tow. Mom enjoyed travelling to Florida, South Carolina, Vancouver, the Maritimes, eastern U.S. States and Alberta as well.

At this time, Mary’s family wishes to thank Ann Guevara and her family for the love and care of Mom and Dad. With Ann’s assistance, they were able to live comfortably in their home on Judith Drive for a longer period of time.

We also wish to thank the staff at Chester Village Long Term Care Centre, especially Eulet Gouldburne and the staff on Emerald Wing, 4th floor.

Last, but not least, we wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to the team of dedicated caregivers at Michael Garron Hospital, and specifically the Palliative Care Unit (G-Wing). You enabled Mom to be as comfortable as possible throughout the final days of her life. She passed away with grace and dignity.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, at 11 am at Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON. M4C 1L3, (416) 698-3121.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to: Chester Village, 3555 Danforth Ave., Scarborough, ON. M1L 1E3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the Hannon family.