Mary Jane Jaffray

Passed away on October 20, 2026 at the age of 69, after a year of recovering from heart surgery. Predeceased by her parents Joyce Merrick and Adam Jaffray. Fondly remembered by her beloved husband of 40 years, Bruce Matthews, her daughter, Chelsey Louw Matthews (Stefan Louw, Johannes, Charlotte, Ellowyn) her son Gregory Matthews (Sarah Reilly, Josie, Elliott) and her brother Ian Jaffray (Michelle Tocher), brother-in-law Clive (Marianne), Brian (Sandra), sister-in-Law Gail (Bob) and nieces and nephews – Gillian, Chris, John, Colin, Robert, Krystina and David.

Mary Jane Jaffray occupied the heart center of her family and made every birthday and holiday festive, decorating the table and making meals, birthday cakes and “cake pies”. No matter how stressful the day, she received her family with a joyful, witty, attentive spirit. She was whole heartedly dedicated to her husband, children, their life partners, and her five grand children. They were the joy of her life.

With a certification as a Library Technician, MJ had a career in communications and a license plate that read “WRYTER”, which referenced her wry sense of humour and writing style. She was a consummate journal-keeper and wrote brilliant, hilarious emails that told in-the-moment stories of her adventures as a mother of two with a daughter in synchro and a son who played hockey.

Through the years her journal grew to over nine million words, along with an archive of family ancestral lore. She was an excellent baseball and tennis player, and a racquetball champion. MJ had an eclectic taste in music from Nat King Cole to Heavy Metal.

While she excelled in team sports and loved camping with family and friends, she also didn’t mind sporting a distinctive bag, scarf, or piece of jewelry. She relished collecting precious objects and getting them for pennies at second hand stores. These finds added sheen to her shine.

MJ had a spirit that cherished every moment of life and everyone in it. Everything she touched warmed to her care, and she will be dearly missed by everyone in her orbit.

Service will be held at the Low and Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street S., Uxbridge (905-852-3073) on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 1p.m. with a celebration of life to follow until 4p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The New Animal Shelter Scugog Uxbridge, Children’s Book Bank (bookbank.com), or a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.lowandlow.ca

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