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
Daniel and Carole Clement
Tom and Kathy Bryant and family
We are deeply saddened by Mary’s passing. She will be truly missed. Mary was a kind and generous friend and neighbour. We were often recipients of her delicious baked goods and Lebanese dishes. She enjoyed gardening and we exchanged many plants over the years. She told us that when we gave her tomatoes from our garden, she would tell her grandson, Mike that they were “Tom’s tomatoes” otherwise he wouldn’t eat them. Even in the winter, Mary would fool Mike and still say “they’re Tom’s tomatoes”. We had a good laugh about that. When our son, David was locked out, Mary would welcome him in and serve him milk and cookies or, as David would say, her to die for banana bread. Mary was a strong woman and a very hard worker. Even in her late eighties she was seen weeding the garden and shovelling the snow.
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family and friends. Her pride and love of family was an inspiration. May the love and beautiful memories of Mary remain in your hearts forever.
Sandy – Phil – Michael (Rebecca) - Lindsay (Chris) and extended family members
Our most sincere and heart felt condolences on the passing of your dear mother, Mary. Living with a family member for so long is a blessing and when they leave us, it becomes a defining moment in our lives and makes us all reflect on what is most important. You had the opportunity to take care of Mary when she needed you most and in some way it was your way of saying thank you for all that she did for all of you and for the lasting memories that she leaves behind. I did not get the opportunity to get to know Mary personally but from what I heard from you Phil, she was an incredible lady with a great sense of humor and wit! Mary will no doubt continue to look over all of you as you experience the great moments of life!