April 22, 1925 - July 1, 2023
After 98 vibrant years, Mary Joyce Russell passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023 at Chartwell Allandale Station in Barrie, Ontario.
Mary Joyce was born on April 22, 1925 and was raised in Toronto, attending Loretto Abbey and Branksome Hall School; she graduated from the University of Toronto in the Bachelor of Arts program. Mary Joyce married Gordon (Gordie) Russell in 1953; they shared a full and active life together for 44 years until his passing in 1997.
Those who cared for Mary Joyce were inspired by her life which was immersed in various sports and activities. Her lifelong love for the Toronto Maple Leafs started as a child going to games with her father, Thomas "Toy" Phelan. She enthusiastically shared many years with her family and friends, sailing at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto, skiing at Osler Bluff Ski Club in Collingwood, and horseback riding with friends in Aurora. She continued to ski up until the age of 83 and stayed active through the Collingwood YMCA and the Probus Club until the age of 91. Throughout the years, Mary Joyce and Gordon frequently hosted family and friends at the ski cabin located at Osler Bluff as a main gathering hub welcoming all. Mary Joyce was known to fill up a room with her sparkling joyful eyes, welcoming smile and generous hospitality. She loved to travel and share stories about her many trips, as well as celebrating her Irish heritage.
Mary Joyce was a cherished mother, loving wife, proud grandmother, and auntie to the Phelans. She is predeceased by her brother, the Honorable Justice Rod Phelan. Her children, Karen Phillips (Rob), Tom/Nirmal Russell (Bir Kaur), and Sean Russell (Kathryn) were the center of her universe, and she showered them with boundless love, guidance and encouragement.
One of Mary Joyce's greatest joys was being a grandmother to her grandchildren: Robin Phillips (deceased 2022), Bryan Phillips, Chaun Basile (Laird) and Max Phillips; Sara LaFond (Devon) and Jeffrey Russell; Julie Russell (Adam Gingrich) and Tim Russell. She was Great Grandma to Lochlan and Ramsey Basile, and beloved Auntie to the Phelans: Gaylanne, Rod Jr., Shelley, David and Pam.
The family is grateful to Chartwell Georgian Traditions in Collingwood and Chartwell Allandale Station in Barrie for taking such good care of Mary Joyce over the past 6 years. We would also like to thank Emily, Jennifer and the team at Royalty Care, Barrie, for their added care and attention to Mary Joyce in these past few challenging months.
Visitation will be held at Fawcett Funeral Home, 82 Pine St. Collingwood on Wednesday July 19, 2023 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday July 20, 2023 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 63 Elgin St. Collingwood. A reception will follow at OslerBrook Golf & Country Club, 2634 Conc. 10 N Collingwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. Friends may visit Mary Joyce’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com