DEA, Mary Lou Dea

Died peacefully on Friday April 17, 2026 at her home at the age of 86. Mary Lou of Wasaga Beach (formerly of Aurora), beloved wife of Deacon Thomas Dea for over 67 years. Loving and proud mother of Theresa, Leonard, Elizabeth Kolotyliuk, the late Patti (Mike Tracey), Cathy (Scott Carson), Kate Collins and Father Peter Meyer. Cherished grandma of Nicole (Kenny), Tom, Kurtis (Cindy), Zachary, Joseph, Andrew, Caitlin (Neal), Mitchell (Eddie), Ashley (Don) and Kristina (Dan) and “GG”, great grandmother of Evelyn, Harlan, Jaxon, Hayden, August, Amelia, Samantha, Tristin, Melissa, Wesley and Miles. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents Stella and Ray Knight. Through her late siblings, Howard, Helen, George and Betty, she became Auntie Lou to many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was a generous, loving and gregarious woman who made friends easily – often for life – and had a brilliant fiery spark through which her strength shone. She was her family’s advocate and extended that compassionate protection to all whose life paths met up with hers.

A gifted knitter and avid reader, Mary Lou’s favourite pastime was listening to music and dancing with Tom. A consummate professional throughout her long career with the York Region District School Board as an office services supervisor, Mary Lou was very proud of her accomplishments. Outside of work, she delighted in the summer months spent on Lake Wahwashkesh, getaways to the beach in Barbados and upon retirement, escaping Canadian winters in Florida. At her core was her deep Catholic faith, supporting Tom and fulfilling her work in the parish, particularly with shut-ins, the elderly and the palliative patients she ministered at Hill House Hospice.

Mary Lou Dea leaves an indelible legacy that will serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration. Friends are invited to join her family at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home – Wasaga Beach Chapel, 509 River Road West, Wasaga Beach on Thursday April 23, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm. The Funeral Mass will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 215 Pine Street, Stayner at 1 o’clock. Reception to follow on-site in the parish hall. Private entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barrie at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, a donation to St. Patrick’s Parish or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by Mary Lou’s family.