DAVIS, Mary Anne Davis

Passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 with her beloved daughters by her side after a courageous and determined fight against cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, humour, intelligence, service and steadfast love. The lives of untold thousands of families, friends, students, and colleagues were enriched by her remarkable life.

Mary Anne Davis was born on April 5th 1952, in Port Credit, Ontario, to John Oscar Davis and Anne-Elizabeth Davis (Johns). She graduated from Lorne Park Collegiate before attending the University of Waterloo. She left university to selflessly care for her mother during her battle with cancer. She married and had 3 wonderful daughters, the lights of her life [Anne-Elizabeth (Ian), Jacalynn (Alex), Melissa (Mike)]. She raised her children on her own while returning to university to complete her undergraduate degree. She then completed a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education from the University of Toronto (OISE), while working and raising her daughters. Mary Anne was an educator in the Toronto District School Board, rising quickly through the ranks from lunchroom supervisor, educational assistant, teacher, vice-principal, and finally, principal, in a remarkable 25 year career. Her driving passions were teaching children to read and empowering educators to perform to their highest potential while centering student achievement and well-being. She continued to be an interim principal in her retirement years.

Mary Anne had a fierce intellect. She was a voracious reader of all genres; fiction and nonfiction. She could always figure out the end of a novel long before anyone else. She had a wide-ranging knowledge of politics, history, and economics that always made dinner parties an entertaining and enlightening affair. She was an incredible cook who loved hosting family and friends to try out a new recipe, paired, of course, with a perfect wine. Mary Anne was an avid outdoorsperson and advocate for the environment. Whether camping in Algounquin or cultivating her garden, she had the greenest of thumbs. She tended to her garden with the same love and care she provided to her family. In her last year, whilst volunteering at Lakeridge Hospital Cancer Center, she opened her garden to the local community to raise money for Hearth Place, benefiting those affected by cancer.

The greatest joys in Mary Anne’s life were her family and friends. Besides her beloved girls, she was a devoted Nana to Lilianne (15), Henry (10), Robinson (8) and Eleanor (6). She was a dedicated sister to her brothers John (Dawn) and Paul (Gabriella), as well as a cherished Aunt, Niece, Cousin, neighbour, and long time friend to many, especially Marni Gibson with whom she shared a lifetime of happy memories and adventures. Her memory lives on through every spring bloom, summer sunset, and the hearts of those she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Mary Anne’s name be made to the Terry Fox Foundation.

A celebration of life will be held on April 26, 2026. Details to follow.