It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary, who lived a remarkable life of 90 years. Mary passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at home after a short battle with cancer, with her family by her side. She was the cherished mother to her loving daughters Vivian (Ray), Sandy (Phil), and Brenda. Adoring grandmother to Justin (Katie), Stephanie (Kevin) and Daniel (Alyssa), Michael (Rebecca) and Lindsay (Chris). Proud Great-Grandmother to Eliza, Margaret, Luna, Iris, Audrey, Harrison, and Baby Allen who arrives in August. Loving sister to Issa (Nina) and Fawzi (Charlotte), and unforgettable aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Mary was a woman ahead of her time, a self-made entrepreneur. She partnered with her husband Abraham Zion to open the original Newport Restaurant in Westboro, where they worked for over 25 years. She was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her, even if it was just once. Her kind and generous heart touched many lives, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and resilience, as well as her boundless capacity for care and compassion. These traits defined her, and her strength is what undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges.
Mary was well known for her incredible baking skills and her home was always filled with the warmth and aroma of her delicious baking. She loved to garden and keep up with the goings on in the neighbourhood but the one thing she loved the most was to be surrounded by her family and their friends. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and her house was a gathering place where she helped create memories that will be cherished forever.
As we bid farewell to our beloved matriarch, we find solace in knowing that she has left an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, April 15th at 10:00 am at the Beechwood Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or the Cancer Research Centre.
Digital Guestbook
Carl & Cathy Carruthers
Rani, Hiba, Kayden, Kaya and Cherry
Aunt Mary, words will never describe the love we have to you. We are so thankful for all what you have done to us. Both Kayden and Kaya were born in your house and were surrounded by your love and kindness and generosity. You took care of me (Hiba) like no one would while I was pregnant. I will never forget the nights at the couch watching Family Feud and criminal minds and munching cheesies. We will miss the smell of the yummy cookies and all your delicious food. Your energy and hospitality were out of this world and very contagious. Your strength is inspirational and will forever motivate us. You were the main driver for us to move to Canada and to love Canada and build our future here. Aunt Mary, we can go on and on and it will never be enough. We love you so much and we are so grateful and proud to have made memories with you that we will cherish forever. May you rest in peace ❤️
Cecil Lyon
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your indefatigable mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a force of nature and I could smell her baking and feel her presence from blocks away as we came for our Thursday evening visits.
Fitz & Siobhan Allen
Our heart felt sympathy on the passing of Mary. We will always remember her welcome, kindness and generosity. Her work is done, may she rest in peace. Her spirit will live on in the wonderful family she created.
Gina Maddalena
My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Mary. May all the wonderful memories comfort you through the grief.
Eddy
Don't know where to start and what to say. The stories that Fawzi used to tell us about Aunt Mary since she left Lebanon at very young age where she had a difficult life but managed to overcome all difficulties and become a self made entrepreneur still resonate in my mind. Her life was not easy but she was a strong woman, the strongest I ever knew. We refer to her as the iron woman as she fought against all odds and overcame lots of challenges and overwhelmed everyone around her with her endless generosity, unmatched kindness, and unwavering smile. She was a pure soul emanating love and kindness and adored by everyone around her. During my visit to Canada, we used to chat and bring back memories when she was young living in Lebanon. I was blessed to have met her more than once. She is my only Aunt whom I adore and love so much. The connection I had with her is second to none. I was so happy when she visited us in Lebanon and we went to Rachayya where she grew up. My lovely Aunt, no words can express my sorrow and sadness for you leaving us. I was doing my best to come to see you one more time but God had other plans for you. You always wanted me to get married and you wanted to see my kids. I am really sorry I wasn't able to make that happen while you are around. I am sure you will be watching me from above and I promise you to make that happen soon. Thank you for being part of my life and thank you for blessing us with your love and kindness. You will never be forgotten and will be forever be in our prayers. I love you...
Erin Bellwood
I’m thinking of everyone and especially Sandy during this difficult time. She was a wonderful lady.
Tori White
There are no accurate words that can fully depict how incredible Sitto was. Getting to know her through the lens of Mike and Lindsay was something I will always cherish. She was the quintessential Grandma and when you were with her you felt like one of the family. My deepest condolences to the whole family. She was a light in this world and I hope you are able to take comfort in knowing she was much loved by so many.
Mary-Ann Hubers & Nathan Hobson
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary, our dear neighbour and friend. She will be greatly missed by us and our children James and Grace. We were frequent beneficiaries of her wonderful hospitality over the years from her amazing Lebanese cooking, to her delicious baked goods to her gifts of plants and flowers for our garden, to inviting Grace and James to use her swimming pool in the summer. Mary has been a constant reassuring and inspiring presence in our lives. Tanner Crescent will not be the same without her. Our heartfelt condolences to all of Mary’s family and friends. We know that her legacy of caring and love lives on in her family.
Fawzi, Charlotte & Sally
Mary, my dear sister, I don’t know where to start. Words cannot express how saddened we are. Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever, and nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear. Mary, your life was a blessing and your memory is a treasure we cherish as long as we live. A heart of gold stopped beating. God broke our hearts by taking you away but the hearts that loved you dearly won’t forget.
Sandy and Phil and family,
This is a very difficult time for you and we are here to help in any way we can. Thanks for being the best part of Mary’s life and thanks for being there for her in her last days. We couldn’t make it on time to see her before she left. Those we held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever. The loss is immeasurable but so the love left behind.
God bless her soul.
Our love,
Fawzi and Charlotte and Family
Our deepest condolences to all. Mary was one of a kind, always kind, compassionate and caring. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.