It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Maralyn Elizabeth Allen on June 20, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by the comfort of home.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted partner, Reggie; her brother, Dave; her niece, Karen; her nephew, Michael; and her cherished great-nieces, Sophie and Lila.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Mary Elizabeth Allen (née Willis) and Arthur Reginald Allen, as well as her stepmother, Marion Elizabeth Allen (née Steward).

Born and raised in Toronto, she spent her early years in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood before later moving to the Yonge and Lawrence area. Her early life was shaped by both hardship and resilience. Her birth mother, Mary, passed away from cancer just before the end of the Second World War. Following this profound loss, her father was granted compassionate leave from military service, and in 1950 he married Marion ("Betty") Steward, who became a loving presence in her life.

In the late 1970s, she married James Little. Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, they remained close friends for many years, a testament to the mutual respect and affection they continued to share.

She attended Northern Heights Secondary School before earning her Bachelor of Social Work from York University. Demonstrating that learning has no age limit, she later returned to York University as a senior and proudly completed her Masters of Social Work. Her graduate studies reflected her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly in the fight against epilepsy.

A woman of deep and enduring faith, she lived her life guided by compassion, kindness, and generosity. She found great joy in music, art, and creative pursuits, especially knitting and crocheting. An excellent dancer with a love for animals, she also bred exotic birds.

One of her greatest joys was knitting handmade teddy bears for children. For her, the true reward was never financial—it was seeing the smiles on the faces of the children who received them. Her gifts of time, talent, and love touched countless lives and reflected the generous spirit by which she lived.

She will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and the kindness she extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family who loved her, and the many acts of compassion she performed throughout her life.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Click here to view the Funeral Service

In memory of Maralyn, donations can be made to the Greenborough Community Church or Epilepsy Canada.

Click here to donate to the Greenborough Community Church

Click here to donate to Epilepsy Canada