Alison Bryden

Alison was born in Glasgow Scotland on August 20, 1932. She was the youngest of three daughters – Charlotte and Isabelle. After surviving the struggles of daily life during wartime as a teenager, Alison found a passion for ice skating and spent her weekends at the local ice rink. It was during these outings in Campbell Town that she met the love of her life - her lifelong companion the late John Jamieson Bryden.

Alison had a challenging home life and at 16 years old left home and moved in with John’s family. She lived with them while John was away serving in the British Royal Airforce. It was during this time that Alison learned to sew and became a master seamstress. She used this passion and skill to eventually earn a position sewing items for the Queen of England.

On July 9, 1954 Alison and John were married and, just two years later, decided to leave Scotland for Canada. The week-long journey by ship across the Atlantic Ocean was a challenge for Alison as she was sea sick for the entire trip. This strengthened her love/hate relationship with water. She never learned how to swim despite having a backyard pool and loved looking at the ocean from her Florida condo balcony but wouldn’t venture in past her ankles.

Alison was employed in various positions while initially living in Don Mills and later Markham including payroll at Collegiate Sports and finally as Manager of Procurement for the Town of Markham. As she used to describe the role “I get paid to shop, I buy everything from pens to fire trucks”.

Anyone who knew Alison was aware her home was her pride and joy. She constantly worked to ensure her home was spotless and always looking immaculate. She vacuumed the entire home daily and took great pride in having the glass and chrome pieces sparkling. There were certain rooms family couldn’t walk in unless guests were present – she would warn us to stay out as so we “don’t spoil the vacuum lines”

Alison had a warm personality and a big heart for everyone she met. She was a fantastic, loving mother to her daughter Lynn (predeceased) and her son Johnny. She was a wonderful mother to them both and made sure they never went without. The house was always well stocked with various food items and all the neighbourhood kids always wanted to come to her house because of the ‘cookie fridge’ in the basement. A full-sized fridge completely stocked with cookies and chocolates for anyone with a sweet tooth (and, oh did Alison have a sweet tooth!).

When the grandchildren came along -Kyle, Carly and Ryan, whom she adored, the levels of spoiling grew exponentially. The grandkids couldn’t wait to go to Grandma’s house every summer weekend to swim in their pool and eat cookies, chips and ice cream to the point of stomach aches. The backyard pool, learning to swim, and being spoiled rotten by Grandma has made very fond memories for the grandkids.

In Alison’s later years as the house upkeep became a challenge it was decided her and John would move to Aurora to be closer to the grandchildren. A beautiful condo was purchased from plans and Alison selected every item from countertops to trims and handles to make it her own. Unfortunately, early signs of dementia set in while waiting for the condo to be completed. Although being the first owners to move in to the building (still under construction) she was never truly able to enjoy her lovely new home. Her final years were spent under the exceptional care of the staff at Newmarket Health Centre. Her husband John visited her every single day for years until his passing in 2023.

Alison is survived by her son John (Kathy Kawaja Bryden) and three grandchildren Kyle, Carly, and Ryan. She is predeceased by her husband John and daughter Lynn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newmarket Health Centre Home at https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/yorkregion/donation/detail/4?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&online=true

In loving memory, a private celebration of life will be held with close family and friends

Rest in peace now mom. We have a life time of warm memories to cherish you and remember you for generations to come. You are profoundly missed but we know it is for the best as you are at peace and reunited with your one true love.

We will love and cherish you forever and ever xoxo