Madeleine Margaret Daly

It is with great sadness that the family of Madeleine Daly (née Thrasher) announce her peaceful passing at Extendicare Bayview on October 22, 2023, after a long and happy life of 102 years. She is now reunited with her beloved Don, husband of 79 years (Donald James Daly), who predeceased her by one year. She was a loving mother who was always there for Eric, Dennis and Maureen. She was a devoted Grandmother to Heather, Colleen, Sheelagh, Shanna, Kira, Nola, Jacqueline and Jonathan, and Great-Grandmother to Elise, Philp, Nathalie, Finley and Maeve. She will also be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews.

Madeleine was born on January 20, 1921 in a farmhouse near Dinsmore, Saskatchewan. She was the youngest (and only girl) in the family. Her brothers Glen, Clare, Eric and Ross have predeceased her. She was a devoted daughter to Mostyn (Moss) and Nellie Thrasher (née Caldwell) and very proud of her Ottawa Valley, United Empire Loyalist and prairie roots.

During the depression and her early years, Madeleine attended school in Dinsmore and graduated from high school with the second highest average in the province and a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan; however, there were no financial means to attend university. She took a business course instead. While at Regina College, she met the love of her life and best friend Don in 1940. They began dating and were married in Regina in 1943. She worked as a secretary in the federal government offices in Regina, while Don was studying at Queen’s and then in the Navy. She joined him in Halifax in 1944 and was there during the VE day (Victory in Europe) riots in 1945. After Don’s discharge, they lived in Kingston where Don completed his MA at Queen’s and Madeleine worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs as a secretary. In 1947, Don and Madeleine moved to Ottawa where she worked on the staff of Hansard, the record of parliamentary proceedings. At one time she was thought to be the fastest at shorthand and typing in the country.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Madeleine continued to take courses and earn university credits, graduating with a degree in Political Science from Carleton University in 1970, the same year as her eldest child Eric did. In 1969, Don accepted a teaching position at York University and they moved to Thornhill where they resided until they entered long-term care.

Graduating university led to an important part of Madeleine’s social and intellectual life, through joining the University Women’s Club of North York when they moved to Toronto. She was a member of several book clubs, advocacy groups, such as global concerns, and a gourmet group.

Throughout her entire life, Madeleine was faithful to her church, not only through regular worship and support, but also working with the United and Anglican Church Women, learning through Bible Studies, which included a trip to the Holy Land, and teaching Sunday school. For many years Madeleine, fondly known as Sparky, was very active in the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) including: Group Leader at Forest Grove United Church; Camp Director at Ryde Lake Camp; serving as Chair of the Toronto CGIT Board; and continuing to attend Family Camp well into her nineties. She was a dedicated volunteer to many organizations ranging from being a driver for Meals on Wheels, selling Christmas cards for UNICEF, or helping out with Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics. She held office in various organizations where she made use of her organizational, typing, communication and leadership skills.

Madeleine loved the outdoors, whether spending time at the trailer in Haliburton, or enjoying a backyard picnic. Everyone knew not to phone or interrupt her afternoons, as she was fond of her naps and quiet reading time. She and Don were avid travelers, having been to every State and province and many countries. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was an animated story-teller, adding a dramatic flare to her family stories. Madeleine’s devotion to family and friends is commendable ~ nothing was more important to her. She was a hero to many and her enormous personality, wealth of selflessness and friendly smile will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Tita Fragata for her years of devotion to the Dalys, as well as to the staff at the Extendicare Bayview, for their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 140 Brooke St, Thornhill, L4J 1Y9.

. Light refreshments will follow. There will also be a live stream which can be accessed through the church website that morning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Madeleine Daly donations can be made to Ryde Lake CGIT Camp, or a charity of choice.