Penny Elizabeth Lamy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Penny Lamy (née Davidge), who passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at Toronto General Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Penny was born on October 1, 1954, at Grace Hospital in Toronto, on the day Hurricane Hazel swept through the city—a fitting beginning for someone whose life would be marked by remarkable strength, resilience, and determination.

Penny was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Mikey Lamy, and by her cherished grandson, Casey Bardeau.

She leaves behind her loving children, Michael, Brigitte, and Laura Bardeau; her pseudo son, Haris Blentic; her stepsons, Steven and Doug King; and her treasured grandchildren, Katie El-Telet, Phoenix, and Owen Bardeau. She will also be deeply missed by her extended family, dear friends, former colleagues, and the countless people whose lives she touched.

Penny dedicated her life to building a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable Toronto. A tireless advocate for social justice, she devoted her career to standing alongside those whose voices were too often ignored and to ensuring that every person was treated with dignity, compassion, and humanity.

Her work spanned decades and touched countless lives. At The 519, Penny was there during pivotal moments in Toronto’s history, including the aftermath of the bathhouse raids, the emergence of Pride on Church Street, and the early years of the HIV/AIDS crisis. She helped expand programs and services to better reflect and serve the diversity of the community. She later worked as Executive Assistant to Metro Councillor Roger Hollander, advocating for the residents of Toronto’s downtown east and championing issues of poverty, housing, and community well-being. Her commitment to social justice continued through her work with Furniture Bank and Toronto Community Housing, where she remained a fierce advocate for affordable and safe housing, accessibility, reducing stigma regarding mental health, harm reduction, and creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Penny’s greatest legacy lives not only in the organizations she helped shape, but in the countless people she supported, encouraged, mentored, and inspired. She believed deeply that communities are strongest when we care for one another, and she lived that belief every day.

To those who knew her, Penny will be remembered not only for the difference she made in the world, but for the joy she found in everyday life. She loved an ice-cold Pepsi, a cigarette shared with friends, watching The Waltons, cheering on the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays, and never turning down good food—especially a lovely slice of cake. She adored her beloved cat, Heidi, but nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children and grandchildren. Penny was generous to a fault, lived in the moment, and had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel welcome and valued.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff at Toronto General Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Penny.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, followed by a funeral service and a Celebration of Life with food and refreshments. Details are provided below.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honour Penny’s memory to consider making a donation to one of the organizations closest to her heart:

• The 519 Church Street Community Centre

or

• Muslim Welfare Canada (Regent Park Meal Program)

Penny’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she changed through her compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. She taught us to fight for what matters, to care for one another, and, above all, be proud of who you are. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X1K5, CA, on July 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Followed by a service from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

After the service, family would like to extend their invitations for light refreshments at The 519 community center, located at 519 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9.