Noreen Margaret Rayner

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Noreen Margaret Rayner (nee Thomson) on Wednesday September 24th, 2025, after a brief illness. Noreen was pre-decreased by her best friend and husband, Tom, five years ago. The family has found solace and comfort in the thought that they are, now, together again. Noreen was the loving and devoted mother to Kenneth (Odete) and Kristin Ponte (Tony), loving grandmother to Samantha, Camryn, Noah and Megan and sister to Marilyn (John) Carr. Noreen was pre-deceased by her mother Gladys (nee Crawford), and father, Len Thomson.

Noreen was affectionately known as “Bubba” to her grandchildren. Her four grandchildren were the beneficiary of Noreen’s many years as a primary school teacher for the Toronto Board of Education, with particularly fond years spent at Swansea Public School, as Tom and Noreen’s basement was converted into a “de-facto” kindergarten classroom. It was very evident to see the joy her four grandchildren brought to her.

Family celebrations were an opportunity for Noreen to showcase her baking skills; elaborately decorated cakes, butter tarts, Christmas goodies, and various pies – were all, typically, the highlight of the occasion.

Prior to Tom’s passing in 2020, Noreen and Tom spent much of their retirement years traveling the world, visiting over 50 countries, in many cases via their beloved Holland America Cruise Lines, meeting people and starting friendships. Traveling the world with her best friend was an experience Noreen cherished.

Noreen was an avid sports fan. The Toronto Blue Jays were her favourite team, as Tom and her, for many years, would be regulars at home games, were in attendance for a few World Series games and even made visits to Spring Training in Florida, to watch the team prepare for the upcoming season. The NFL was her favourite league, and she was very happy to watch any two teams play on Thursday night, Sundays and Monday night. This brought her much joy.

The family is very grateful to Thornhill Presbyterian Church for being such an important part of both Noreen and Tom’s lives. When attending in-person became too challenging for “Bubba” she always ensured she stayed connected by watching each Sunday’s service on YouTube. We are also thankful to the staff and residents of Chartwell – Oak Ridges (retirement home) for making the past three years of Noreen’s life, so comfortable and enjoyable.

A joint celebration of life for both Noreen and Tom will be held at a future date.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Thornhill Presbyterian Church.