Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
Mary Kathleen Dyson
July 1, 1952-April 26, 2025
We sadly lost our mom, spouse and friend Mary on Saturday April 26.
Mary lived a full life for 52 years. She completed an undergraduate degree from McMaster University where she studied Buddhist Philosophy, and Social Work and eventually went back to school to get her Masters of Education at OISE (University of Toronto) specializing in Social Psychology. For much of her life she worked as a Therapist, with a focus on supporting people in the LGBTQ community. She was passionate about LGBTQ rights at a time when the western world was struggling to provide space and acceptance. Mary was funny, empathetic and very skilled at helping people think through their challenges.
She worked at Hassle Free Clinic and later Family Services Association, both in the village; a time in her life she was very proud of. Mary eventually setup a full-time private practice in our home in the east end of Toronto to continue to see clients and support the community.
Her other passion in life was advocating for supports and services for her daughter Bronwyn, who is on the spectrum. She deeply loved Bronwyn and wanted her to live a full life, she found programs and services to help Bronwyn read and write, to learn vocational skills and play to her strengths.
Then Mary lived a second life, which medical science would call a miracle but changed who she was as a person. In spring of 2005, Mary had a brain aneurysm that fundamentally shifted the life she could live. She no longer could support human relationships in the way she wanted, and she began to develop heart issues. Through her second life she taught our family about patience and compassion.
She leaves behind her wife Lesley Hamilton, and two daughters Bronwyn Downey and Elissa Downey. She has two young grandsons Joshua James Taylor and Bennett Hamilton Taylor who she loved very much.
She is free now.
Please visit Mary’s Book of Memories at www.communityalternative.ca
Saturday April 26th 2025
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario
death notice Mary Dyson Saturday April 26th 2025
obituaries notice Mary Dyson Saturday April 26th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Dyson Saturday April 26th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
