Maureen McLaren

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, to Francis and Norah Flynn on June 8, 1946, Mary Theresa (“Maureen”) McLaren passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, at the age of 78, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. In the months and days leading up to her death she was surrounded by her adoring family, reminding her at every opportunity how deeply loved she was.

In Glasgow, Maureen met the love of her life, Nicholas (“Nicky”), whom she married in 1971. There they raised their three children, Nicholas, Joanne, and Laura until 1988, when the family emigrated to Vancouver, Canada, to provide greater opportunities for the children. In so doing, Maureen left behind the country she loved, her parents, brothers, extended family, and closest friends, demonstrating then—as she did consistently throughout her life—her absolute devotion to her husband and children. Her family was her greatest pride and most genuine source of comfort.

Maureen is predeceased by her parents, her best friend and husband of 51 years, Nicky, and her brothers Frank, Jim, and William. She is survived by her three devoted children, Nicholas (Andrea), Joanne (James) and Laura (John), her brother John, sisters-in-law Kathleen, Joanna and Janette, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends who are bereft at her passing.

Maureen was love, grace, kindness, brilliance, beauty, and profound faith in equal measure. She had a unique ability to draw people in, hold them close, and develop true, enduring relationships. Her astounding capacity for love was always apparent, and nothing was ever left unsaid. We will miss her smile, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering confidence in us all.

The family would like to thank sincerely the doctors, nurses, and staff at Princess Margaret, Toronto Western and Toronto General hospitals who cared for Maureen, as well as everyone at Kensington Hospice who provided such compassionate support to Maureen and the family in her final days. We would also like to thank our dear Luluh, who cared so beautifully for Maureen in her final months—we are forever indebted to you, and you will always be an integral part of our family.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 19th at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at 500 Avenue Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maureen’s memory to the Kensington Health Foundation or the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Mama, we are better people for having been loved by you. May you rest in eternal peace.