January 16, 1924 – May 5, 2019
Mary Stuart Lorriman passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on the evening of May 5, 2019. Her family were at her side during the afternoon. She was the fourth and youngest daughter of Stuart and Helen Playfair.
She met her husband Garf in Halifax while serving in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) during World War II. Garf was an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. The two married in 1946 and celebrated their 67th anniversary in September of 2013. Garf passed away on April 30th, 2014
Mary spent her married life being the full-time mother of six boys. She was involved in their schools and supported their interests. She also actively supported a number of charities.
Mary and Garf enjoyed living on their farm near Orangeville and spending summers at Pointe Au Baril on Georgian Bay. They liked to travel and put many miles under their belts on land and at sea. Both were active sailors and skiers. She loved being outdoors and the feel of wind blowing on her face.
Mary is survived by her six sons, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In keeping with her wishes a private family farewell has been held. If desired, memorial donations to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre may be made through the RVH Foundation, 201 Georgian Drive, Barrie L4M 6M2 (www.rvh.on.ca).
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Nancy Matheson.
Last of a generation, impressive. My grandmother was Stuart’s sister, and Lesley Webster was my mother. The things I remember were pictures in albums I have of little girls in white dresses, my Aunt Sheila age 80 pretending to climb rigging on the Playfair on a family sail, the Playfair gathering at the farm with rides in an antique car, much earlier waitressing at the Ojibway but being given special treatment by lunching at Castor and Pollux, then buying so many gorgeous Playfair bowls at the Ojibway sale – we have a cottage at Pte au Baril too. The flag was flown for Uncle Stuart – long may the flag fly for Mary Stuart,
With fond memories, Nancy Lee Matheson
Ian McGillivray
I remember well Mary Stuart. My mother, Sheila Playfair Lee was a first cousin and considered all the girl cousins of that family as her best friends. Lots of laughter and fun. My immediate family remembers the wonderful Playfair family gathering at their farm with Mary and Garf. We have a great picture of my father, George McGillivray, sitting in a lounge chair, on the front lawn at the party, enjoying the event. That picture hangs on our wall, so we remember the family connection often.
Ian McGillivray
Lee Till
I also remember Mary Stuart well. My mother Sheila McGillivray and Mary were cousins but more than that a great friend . They had great times together including the annual trip to the States for Christmas shopping. The group had MANY laughs. I also remember the party at their farm. The picture Ian refers to shows my grandson with George, my father.
It is sad to see the end of another generation..
Lee McGillivray Till.
Peggie Coulter Burke
I always was so impressed by Mary and Garth…..6 boys! and their generosity
with their lives. I was named Margaret Playfair (Webster)…..my grandmother’s
maiden name. The brigantine “Playfair” a donation to sail training by Mary’s
father Stuart Playfair, sails past my home on Lake Ontario on excursions from Kingston to Toronto giving sailing experience to many young people.
Peggie(Margaret)Webster Coulter Burke
K . Stuart Lorriman
I have fond memories …Aunt Mary .