Mrs. Mary Alma Lawton

Mary Alma (Mazza) Lawton 85, departed to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. She is predeceased by her husband Ernest (1982). Surviving are her children Gloria, Bill (Linda), Patricia and Kate. Mary was in Scarborough General Hospital at the time of her death, and had been residing at the Bendale Acres home. Also surviving are granddaughters Julia Emily, and Miranda Christine Lawton; nephew Stephen Farrell and wife Dora, (daughters Teresa and Giulia); brother-in-law Michael Guran (daughter Loretta); and children of Mary’s late sister Irma Reid (Al); James, Mary, Carol, Kay, Betty and Michael.

Born in Toronto to Benjamin and Elizabeth Mazza, Mary was one of six daughters, all now deceased: Irma (Reid), Katie (Guran), Vera, Gloria and Teresa (Farrell). Mary loved to talk about their many escapades growing up together. At 21 she wed Air Force Sergeant Ernest Lawton and lived on base in Trenton, Angus (Barrie), and Winnipeg, MB. Later years they had homes in Bracebridge and Walkerton. Mary was an avid curler, and loved her part-time work as a grocery cashier. In 1979 they retired to Ottawa. Ernest passed away in 1982.

As a widow Mary enjoyed travelling to Vancouver to visit Bill & Linda to see her granddaughters Julia & Miranda blossom. In her later years she took piano lessons and learned to play Bridge. Mary found great comfort and strength in her Catholic faith, and always had her rosary and a picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with her. She was blessed to have daughters Patricia and Gloria join the Madonna House Apostolate as consecrated laywomen. Bill and Linda flew to Toronto this past July especially to see mom. It was a beautiful final visit for them. Kate was her mom’s steady companion at the senior care facilities in London and Scarborough and she and Gloria were at their mom’s bedside Sunday afternoon when she died.

May the memory of Mary who is worthy of all praise be remembered forever.