LOVET, Mary Lou Tryan Lovet
May 18, 1948 - September 25, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Tryan, who
left us peacefully in her 77th year on September 25, 2025, with her daughters Jana Lee and
Ashleigh by her side at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s palliative unit, after a
courageous four-year battle with cancer.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at both the Palliative Unit and the
Peterborough Oncology Centre for the care, comfort, and support they provided to Mary Lou and
her loved ones.
Mary Lou was the cherished daughter of Mary Jean (Morrison) and John Edgar Lovett, and the
beloved wife of the late Ken Tryan, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. She
was a devoted mother to Jana Lee Murray (Joe) and Ashleigh Cuttle (Colin), and the proud and
adoring “Nana” to Kara, Katelyn, Michael, Eli, Cohen, and the late Baby Grace.
She is lovingly remembered by her cousins Muriel Georgas (Joe) and Jean Boyce (late Jim),
and predeceased by her cousins Guy Dixon (Sharon), Hugh “Mac” Dixon, and Ross (Audrey)
Morrison. Mary Lou was also a treasured aunt and dear friend to many.
Mary Lou retired after a dedicated career as an elementary school teacher, most of which was
spent teaching behavioural kindergarten in South Oshawa. She had an extraordinary gift for
connecting with children, especially those facing challenges, helping them to calm their fears,
channel their energy, and discover their potential. Many former students no doubt remember
their time with Mrs. Tryan with deep fondness and gratitude.
In 2014, Mary Lou moved from Oshawa to Bridgenorth, where she fulfilled her dream of building
a log home on the family cottage property. Surrounded by cherished friends and neighbours, it
became her sanctuary and favourite place on earth. This past summer was especially
meaningful, filled with lakeside days, boat rides, laughter with her grandchildren, and treasured
visits with her beloved community.
A woman of faith, Mary Lou was a lifelong Christian. She was a long-time member of Kingsview
United Church in Oshawa and, more recently, Wesley United Church in Lakefield. At Wesley,
she found a true spiritual home and joyfully immersed herself in church life—joining the choir,
learning the ukulele, and participating in activities such as euchre nights, potlucks, and
community outreach events.
Mary Lou was also an active and passionate member of the B.E.L. Rotary Club for seven years.
She devoted herself wholeheartedly to projects such as providing peace-themed children’s
books for local schools and organizing care packages for seniors. In recognition of her
outstanding service and commitment to making the community a better place, she was
honoured with the prestigious Paul Harris Award in 2024.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour
Road, Peterborough, on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A celebration
of life service will follow on Sunday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit or the Peterborough
Oncology Clinic through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, in honour of
Mary Lou’s memory.
- Location: Central Ontario
- Funeral Home: ASHBURNHAM FUNERAL HOME