Mary-Joan Westlake, beloved wife and best friend of Gary, (predeceased) for 61 years, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. She was a loving mother of Scott and his partner Julia Isla, Laurian and her partner Jason Black, Patrick and his husband Brad Karlik. Proud grandmother of Carter and Jaden; Connor, Nicole, and Colleen. Dear sister of Randy Zeagman and sister-in-law to Gary’s brothers and their families. Mary-Joan will be fondly remembered by many friends, including her cherished “Girls Night” group, friends and neighbours on Bell-Air Dr and her friends and coworkers at Glen Echo Nurseries. She had a special place in her heart for Clearwater, Florida, and many trips to Seattle for over 30 years. As well as her enjoyment in gardening, Mary-Joan took great joy in hosting holiday occasions and celebrating dinners for family and friends. Mary-Joan’s greatest joy in life, above all, were her five grandchildren who held a special place in her heart and brought her tremendous joy.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday August 6th from 5 – 8 o’clock.
Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 60 Allan Drive, Bolton on Friday morning, August 7th at 11 o’clock. Reception to follow at Egan Funeral Home.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Sunnybrook ALS Clinic (donate.sunnybrook.ca/ALS)
Mary-Joan’s warm smile, kind heart, her genuine interest in others, and love for family and friends will forever be cherished and deeply missed. May her spirit live on in the memories and hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Rose Marie Hollinger
My deepest sympathy to you Laurian and your family.
Your mother was a beautiful , thoughtful and kind lady, who enjoyed life to the fullest. It was an honour to know her and call her my friend, she will be missed.
Love, Susie’s Mom ❤️
Marsha L Cyr
I’m sorry to hear of the family’s loss.
Mary Joan was one of the kindest, beautiful people I have ever met. We met through her cousin Brian Walsh and spent many happy times with the Walsh and Westlake family.
Mary Joan will forever be remembered by the Cyr family
Howard and Sharon Venning
Our deepest condolences to all her family. Mary-Joan was a lovely lady and always had a smile for everyone. I enjoyed walking by her home and stopping for a little chat. She was a joy to meet and an honour to have known her. She will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with you all. Keep her memories in your heart and she will be with you always.
Kerri Grech
Laurian, Pat, Scott and family
So sorry to hear about your mother. I will miss her terribly. I loved chatting at the office with her and hearing that incredible laugh. Think of you all at this difficult time.
Krista Lloyd
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Thinking of you all
Rest in peace Mary-Joan
Krista Lloyd (Venning)
Michael Schlingmann
On behalf of all the Schlingmann’s;
I write this with a heavy heart. “Mair” was a great neighbor and considered family. We will miss her smile and wit dearly.
Our sincerest condolences to Scott, Laurian, and Patrick during this time.
Love, all of us Schlingmann’s
Bob Baldwi
Dear Randy, Patrick, Scott, Laurian. Your mom was such a remarkable lady Bob & I lived beside her and Gary and Charly & Margret as long as we can remember in Florida The Baldwins loved both generations and with tears we hate saying goodbye. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. With lov Bob&Barb
Tanja and Irene
Our hearts go out to your entire family during this incredibly difficult time. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and sending you our deepest, most heartfelt condolences
Tanya Below
Scott, Laurian, Patrick, and your families,
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mom.
Mary-Joan was one of the sweetest, kindest women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I have such fond memories of her from my childhood, and I will always remember her warm smile, gentle heart, and the genuine kindness she showed to everyone around her. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and that is a gift that leaves a lasting mark.
Her warmth, compassion, and quiet grace touched so many lives, and I know she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. The love she shared and the values she lived by are reflected in the beautiful family she raised, and I hope those memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find strength in one another, peace in the wonderful memories you shared, and comfort in knowing how deeply your mom was loved and admired.
With heartfelt sympathy, Tanya
Joann Tomlinson
My dear ‘girls night friend. Whatever will we do without you. My sympathies to all the family. I will never ever forget you and our fun times since the beginning of the sixties. Til we meet again, rest peacefully. Love, Joann
Joann Tomlinon
Whatever will we do now without you. Wil never forget you. Rest in peace MJ.
Love, Girls Night Joann
Diane Killam
Scott, Lairian, Patrick and families: So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My sincere condolences to you all. I remember the good times I had with your parents when you “kids” were growing up. They were such a fun, kind and caring couple. They are together again.
Annette Mitanis
Our deepest condolences to Scott, Laurian, Patrick and family. We were heartbroken to hear about Mary Joan. We had many years of great times with the Westlakes! There was no one like them! Loved by all!! All our love, Louie and Annette, Rob, Michael and Stacey Mitanis
Doris Smith
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Westlake family at this sad time. Your mother was such a beautiful and kind person and I so enjoyed the time I spent with her and our friend Pat. May she rest in peace.
Marion Crean
LaurIan, Scott, Patrick and family, words can’t express how heartbroken I am, Mary-Joan and I have been friends since grade 10. We have remained best of friends since then, enjoying many girl’s nights and girl’s get=a-way weekends for years. I know what a close-knit family you all were and how much you will miss her. Take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts. I will be forever grateful for our special friendship that we had for close to 70 years, I will miss her so much. Rest in Peace my dearest friend!
Rick McKnight
Our warming and kindest thoughts to Laurian, Scott, and Patrick and families. Our hearts are hurting, for your loss. The best “backyard” neigbours anyone could ask for. the many conversations over the fence, and the casual cocktails shared will be missed dearly. Your mom, was certainly a special one…….
Rick and Pam
Bernadette and Don
Laurian, Scott and Patrick….So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Your Mom will be remembered for her warmth, friendship and kindness that she so readily showed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. She will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace now.
Sincerely, Jack & Connie Critchley
Dear Laurian, Scott and Patrick.
We are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing and hope you feel surrounded by love. Mary-Joan was easy to love and we will always remember her warm heart, her big smile and kindness. She, along with your dad, raised all of you to be kind and strong and that is a beautiful legacy.
“When someone you love, becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure”.
Valentin Correa
Scott,
I want to express my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your entire family on the loss of your mother.
There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a great loss, but I want you to know that you are all in my thoughts during this very difficult time. A mother leaves an unforgettable mark on the lives of her children. Her love, her guidance, her wisdom, and the precious memories she created will remain forever in your hearts.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that my thoughts are with you and your family. May she rest in peace. ️
Suzanne Moore
Dear Scott, Laurian, Patrick and Randy
We are so saddened by your loss. It’s hard to even find the words to say how sorry and heart broken we are.. Please know you have our deepest sympathy for the whole family. We will miss our dear friend terribly.
Bob, Suzanne and the Moore family
Juanita (Crawford) Kersey
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was such a wonderful lady and so kind. May you hold your memories close during this most difficult time.
Shannon Westlake
Scott, Laurian, and Patrick
I am beyond sad to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a beautiful lady with the kindest heart. I have childhood memories of your mom in Ontario during Christmas breaks and on the beaches in Florida with my mom. I am beyond grateful to have visited with Dad to see both your parents not that long ago. It was long overdue but your mom was just as elegant as I remembered her. Huge hugs for all and know we are thinking of you and sending our heartfelt condolences❤️
Joanne Duffey
Laurian and family, thinking and with you during this difficult time. Mary Joan was a beautiful person inside and out. When I think of her I am flooded with feelings of how she left such an incredible impact on everyone she came in contact with. I hope you all find some solace in reading the beautiful heart felt condolences here. MJ’s loving, caring and genuine spirt shone through with every interaction. I will always admire her fierce love for her family. Her and Gary’s relationship as well is one to go down in the history books. I am sure they are together again and will always continue to grace us with their presence and guidance. She embraced life to the fullest. All our love. Here for you. Joanne, Mike, Ethan, Alli and Patrick.
The Tiessen Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Mary-Joan was a truly exceptional person and we will always remember her incredible warmth, grace, and beautiful spirit.
Sending your family love and strength during this difficult time.
Love,
Derek & Monica, Klaus & Ulla, Andrew, Tyler & Nicholas
Bibiana Cardona
Scott, my condolences to you and your family, may God give you all the strength to get thorough these difficult moments.
May your mother rest in peace.
Cam Lindsey
So sorry to hear of the passing of this kind and wonderful lady. Fortunately she leaves as her legacy a similar remarkable family because of both Mary-Joan’s and Gary’s guidance. Hoping her children and grandchildren carry on to spread happiness and humour in the decades to come. Condolences to all of the Westlake family. May many happy memories help you all through this difficult time.
Colleen Chafe
I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful mom. I saw her recently at my mom’s funeral and she was her usual kind, loving, compassionate self. Thinking of all of you at this very sad time.
Chuck
Thinking of you all as you cope with this immense loss. Even though I only met MJ in the last days of her life, her legacy was so apparent in the love and strength of her children.
Shweta
Dear Scott,
I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.
A mother’s absence leaves a void that no words can describe and nothing in this world can truly fill. But I hope with time, the pain softens, and what remains is the warmth of her memory, her love, and everything she gave you that lives on in you every single day. I’m sure she’s in a better place now, watching over you.
Lorraine Carveth
So sorry to hear about MJ’s passing. Condolences to all
Mary Joan made our morning coffee time so enjoyable.
She will be so dearly missed.
Angie & Steve McMinn
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Joan’s passing. I am so saddened by this news. She was a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you Laurian and the rest of your family. I first met her at Curves then she became a client of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats.
LOIS ANNE BILECKI
Please accept my most sincere condolences. I hope that family and friends find comfort in fond and cherished memories. With love.
Christina Aitchison
Sending our most heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Mary-Joan; holding extra space in our hearts for Laurian, Scott, Patrick, and their families. Mary-Joan was an incredibly kind and spunky woman who always knew the right thing to say. This loss is tremendous, but we are grateful that she and Gary are reunited forevermore in paradise. I’ll be having a glass of Fantini in her honour tonight.
Much love from Christina and Matthew Aitchison, and all of us here at M.C. grounds Care.
Nick Pachis
Hi Scott
I want to offer my condolences to you and your family. It is not easy to lose someone, especially a mom—the one who kept the family together. A mother’s love surpasses all difficulties and challenges that life throws at us.
May she rest in peace and one day you will see her again.
Sue & Marc Corlett
We are so sorry to hear of Mary-Joan’s passing. She was always so lovely to chat with on the street and was a fantastic neighbour.
May your memories fill you with fondness as you remember the special moments you have shared.
Sincerely,
Sue & Marc Corlett – Bell Air neighbours
Miriam San Martin
Scott Westlake and family,
With deep regret I have received the sad news of the departure of your mother Mary Joan.
Words will not fill the absence and even less the sadness of such an immense loss, but they will leave a guidance within each expression that will remind you that we are with you and your family.
Her legacy is reflected in each of her memories and at same time being able to remember her life in every moment that everyone as family and friends could enjoy.
Receive in my name that of Olga and Gloria our most respectful condolences and a tribute of honor for her and that from heaven there will not be a lack of a look of love for you and family.
May she rest in peace in the heavenly atriums.
Sincerely,
Miriam San Martín, Olga Montenegro and Gloria Viñas
Katy Below
To Scott, Laurian, Patrick and families,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful mom. Mary-Joan always had a big smile whenever we met. It was a joy to be around her. She will be deeply missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Katy Below
Benny and Christiane
Our deepest condolences. MJ and Gary will always be remembered and will be forever in our hearts!
Sima and Niall Bracken
Our hearts go out to you all during this very difficult time, for having lost such a beautiful, loving person as Mary-Joan. May the wonderful memories you have of her, put a smile on your hearts, with time.
I met Mary-Joan probably 47-48 years ago, at some sort of Westlake family gathering. I was invited as a friend of David’s. From that first meeting, Mary-Joan was genuinely interested in what was going on in my life, then in mine and Niall’s and then with our children and happy to share important events in hers. She was a lovely, gentle person with a big heart and a good sense of humour. She will always be remembered very fondly.
Hawthorne Woods Community Care Family Council
The Hawthorne Woods Community Care Family Council would like to give their condolences to the family of Mary-Joan. Mary Joan became a member of the council when her husband was in Hawthorne, and continued to attend our meetings even after his passing. We will miss her positivity, insight and friendship. She made connections with all of us and she will be greatly missed.
Jo-Anne Jones
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Mary-Joan touched so many lives with her joy of life, her laughter, and always that wonderful sense of humour. There is never a memory of ‘Peachie’ that doesn’t bring a smile to my face. This often makes loss seem so much greater. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be greatly missed and never ever forgotten.
Hawthorne Woods Community Care
On behalf of Hawthorn Woods Community and the Family Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mary Joan Westlake
Mary Joan Westlake will be remembered as a kind, caring, and thoughtful person who brought warmth and positivity to those around her. She was always appreciative, understanding, and respectful, and her gentle nature left a lasting impression on our community. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you shared bring you comfort and peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Hawthorn Woods and the Family Council
Gloria Vinas San Martin
Dear Scott and Family,
There are moments in life when silence speaks louder than words, because no sentence is powerful enough to ease the pain of losing someone who gave so much love, guidance, and light to the people around her.
Today, our hearts are with you.
On behalf of our entire family especially my mother, Olga, and myself we extend our deepest, most sincere, and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Mary-Joan.
Although we know that no words can truly heal a heart that is grieving, we hope you find comfort in knowing that a life lived with love never truly ends. The kindness she shared, the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the legacy of love she created will continue to live on through each of you, and through everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Scott, we know how much a mother’s love shapes a person’s life. It is a love without limits, without conditions, and without end. While her physical presence is no longer with you, the love she planted in your heart will remain forever guiding you, comforting you, and reminding you that true love is stronger than death itself.
During this difficult time, may you find strength in one another, peace in the countless beautiful memories you shared, and hope in knowing that those we love never truly leave us. They live on in every lesson they taught us, every smile they inspired, and every act of kindness that carries their spirit forward.
Please know that your sorrow is shared by all who care about you. We mourn alongside your family, we honor Mary-Joan’s beautiful life, and we pray that God embraces her with eternal peace while surrounding each of you with His love, comfort, and strength.
May her memory forever be a blessing, an inspiration, and a light that continues to shine through generations to come.
With our deepest sympathy, heartfelt prayers, and everlasting respect,
The San Martin Family
Gloria Viñas, Miriam , Olga and Family
Helena Zizek
Laurian and family:
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mom and grandma. Mary Joan was a special lady who always had a smile and kind words to say. Her wit was always on point! Mary Joan will be missed. Sending our love and hugs to you all during this difficult time. Cheers to you Mary Joan!
Cheryl Robb
To Laurian, Patrick, Scott and family. So sorry to hear of Mom‘s passing. She was a true force of nature, always a smile on her face her eyes lit up a room, and that mischievous little look always knew she was up to something. I can hear her laugh and I can feel that she’s so happy to be reunited with Gar. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. XO
Jeannette MacDonald
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mary-Joan . Sincere condolences to her family at this very difficult and sad time.
I have very fond memories of MJ, she was the sweetest, and most positive person. We met years ago at Curves, and coffee times, as well as a few times for dinner with MJ and other friends. She will be forever remembered. Gone too soon, RIP sweet lady.
Dawn Nadeau
To Laurian and family
Mary-Joan’s courageous spirit and strength … her friendly nature and infectious laughter she shared so generously with all she loved … will remain my memory of the beautiful woman, Mary-Joan was
Rest in Peace Mary-Joan
So very sorry for your families loss of such a loving soul
Dawn Nadeau ❤️
Carine and Bob Strong
Scott, our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Although we did not have an opportunity to meet your mom, from what Sophie and Kristof have shared with us, she was a wonderful mom, wife and beloved grandmother. We hope that the beautiful memories she leaves behind will help carry you and your family through these most difficult times.
Randal
I’m so sorry to hear Mary-Joan has passed.
She was a positive and wonderful human being.
Mary-Joan always greeted everyone with a big warm contagious smile. You couldn’t help but feel better after even just running into her around town.
My sincere condolences to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing Mary-Joan.
God Bless,
Randal
Mary Paolucci
My deepest condolences to the family of Mary Joan. She was a beautiful, elegant lovely lady inside and out. Always with a big smile and always positive. She loved her family deeply. We met at curves and started chatting and then became friends. We met up for many coffee’s and some gatherings. She will definitely be missed. I will always remember her fond memories.
Linda Teed
Mary Joan, Peach, love you so much. We met you on your 25th wedding anniversary in Dominican Republic. From there and all the years we shared many times, sleepovers, little trips and of course, maybe a glass of wine.
Memories will be with me forever. You are having a pour with Gar and of course Jarsky.
Ken Weber
Condolences to the Westlake family on the passing of Mary Joan from the slowly diminishing poker club with whom Gary played for years. We were always happy to greet Mary Joan, not just for her bright smile and engaging personality but because Gary always spoke of her with such genuine respect and affection. They were a wonderful match.
Sue Quattrociocchi
Dear Scott, Laurian, Patrick and respective families, we, the Quattros are so incredibly saddened to learn of the end of your Mom, MaryJoan.
She was a very important person in our lives being the kind, sweet, fun person she was. She kept life fun when it sometimes wasn’t. I doubt she knew what kind of an impact she shad on our family and especially my life as well as all the others she befriended. My(Sue) heart is broken but I’m happy she isn suffering as she just didn’t deserve that.
Love to you all, I hope time will help lessen the heaviness and sadness you’re feeling now. You have wonderful memories to help you. I hope Mar is enjoying a lovely glass of wine and looking down on you all.
Dianne Gagnon
Patrick, Laurian and Scott
I’m sorry to hear that your Mom has passed.
She really did light up a room. Good memories of chats on the front porch with your parents anytime I passed by.
Hugs to you all.
Beth
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I will always have fond memories of her.
Light and Love Beth Elliott-Conte
Shelley Yerex
So sorry to hear this. Mary-Joan was always a pleasure to speak to when she came into the drugstore. Always a smile and a story to tell.
Much love to you all,
Shelley and Joan Yerex