It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved mother Mary Donatina Howatt on June 3, 2026 at the age of 98.
Mary was born and raised in Lingan, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She was proud of her Cape Breton roots and enjoyed her years growing up on the island.
Mary will be sadly missed by her children, Bradley, Cynthia (Louis Arsenault), Bruce (Debbie Acheson), Robert (Julie Suarez), Joel (Kelly Bishop), Mary (Christopher Wooding) and Elizabeth (Jerry Saunders). Proud Nana to Jacqueline, Paula, Jessica, Daniel, Brendan, Colton, Justin, Alyssa, Molly, Alexander and Brayden. She also adored her great grandchildren Rory, Luna, Barrett, Mia and Lucy.
Mary is survived by her siblings Gary (Kathy), Dolores, Daniel, Donna (Brendan McMahon) and Sharon (Henry Talbot). Aunt Mary will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews. There was always a special place in her heart for her dear friends.
Mary is preceded by her parents John Donald Gillis and Loretta Gillis (McKenzie) of Lingan, Nova Scotia and her siblings John (Trudy) (Lucille), Bernard (Hilda), Margaret (Michael O’Brien) and Joseph (Lois) (Jeanette) and brother in-law Ronald Shaw.
In her early 20’s, Mary moved to Toronto Ontario with her Aunt Margaret McKenzie. She enjoyed camping, swimming, playing cards and lots of laughs with her friends and family. Mary had many careers including working at the Becker Milk Company Head Office from the early 70’s until she retired in the mid 90’s to spend more quality time with her children and grandchildren. As the heart and matriarch of her family, Mary enjoyed one of life’s greatest blessings: seeing generations of her family grow and flourish- a rare gift that brought her immense joy throughout her 98 years. Mary was known for her grace, resilience, and her wonderfully sharp sense of wit and humour. Mary was an avid reader with an enthusiasm for crosswords and was an exceptional baker. Most people knew NOT to call Mary during the hours of 6:30 – 7:30 pm as Judge Judy was on TV. Mary also had a great love for the Toronto Blue Jays.
We would like to express our gratitude and deep appreciation to every member of the 10th floor team at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital for the exceptional care and support they provided to Mary and our family.
Donations can be made, in memory of Mary, to The Hospital for Sick Children of Toronto.
A service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Scarborough , at a later date
