We find comfort in knowing that Mary Catherine Banbury Brittain is now in heaven, free from the hold of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, we feel deep sadness in our hearts. Mary passed away peacefully at the Hospice Waterloo Region on July 16th, 2026, at the age of 81.
Mary was raised in Moonstone, Ontario. She was the only daughter of Catherine Annie Ruth Miller and Roy Warren Banbury. Tragically, she lost her mother when she was just 24 years old. Her father has also since passed away, along with her only brother, Allan Banbury. She had a special fondness for her bachelor uncles Roy and Bob Miller.
She met her husband Richard Brittain while in Orillia, Ontario. Shortly after they got married, they moved to Muskoka and settled in Housey’s Rapids where they raised their three daughters: Barb (Andy), Gwen (Cristian), and Beth. Mary was deeply involved in the Ryde community as well as at Ryde Public School and the Ryde Free Methodist church.
Later on, Mary and Richard moved into Gravenhurst town where they made their home. If you ever walked down a street with Mary in Gravenhurst, you could count on being delayed on your way home because she would always stop to chat with people she knew. She loved connecting with others and others loved her back.
Mary had seven beloved grandchildren who meant everything to her. Ranging from ages 28 to 16, they were known as ‘Grammie’ by Kate, Rebecca, William, Nico, Ian, Ally, and Mackenzie. They’ll always remember Grammie’s talents as a garage sale expert, snow fort builder extraordinaire, arm wrestling champion, and fashionista with earrings that matched every season.
Her nieces and nephew were also very important to her heart: Wanda Cooke, Steve Brittain, Michelle Ranson, Julie Brittain , and Nicole Brittain. She was always eager to hear what was happening in their lives and how they were doing.
Faith played a central role in Mary’s life; she held onto her love for God throughout all her adult years. Hymns brought her great comfort during her final days. She often prayed for family and friends without fail; post-it notes filled her home office covered with names needing prayers along with Bible verses reminding everyone to be grateful no matter what happened.
After high school graduation from teacher’s college came but teaching didn’t seem right for her so she explored various jobs until finding fulfillment through entrepreneurship. Mary started a cake decorating business along with chocolate making before branching out into woodworking too! Eventually though it became clear that founding ‘Muskoka Seniors & Special Services’ allowed both aspects-her servant’s heart combined perfectly alongside PSW skills-to shine brightly together! With over fifty staff members under her guidance providing exceptional care across Muskoka area-some of whom struggled against Alzheimer’s-were lovingly referred by Mary herself as ‘sweet people.’
If you’d like to honor Mary’s memory instead of sending flowers please consider donating either towards Alzheimer’s Society or Hospice Waterloo Region services! The family extends heartfelt thanks especially toward Nancy Beaton & Darlene Brauen-wonderful PSWs who provided outstanding care during these last days!
A celebration honoring Mary’s life will take place Saturday August 8th ,2026 at 2:00pm inside Calvary Baptist Church located within Gravenhurst Ontario.
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