Mary Dora McComb

Mary Dora McComb (nee Mumford) passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, with her children by her side, after a life well-lived serving her faith, family, and friends. She was born on October 15, 1930, in Toronto, ON to beloved parents William Vaus Mumford and Gertrude Sophia (nee Sarge) and was predeceased by her “big” brother William (Bill). Mary was predeceased by her husband James Arthur McComb. She is survived by her son Robert James McComb; daughter Sandra McComb-Durant and son-in-law Mark Durant; and daughter Marilyn Caird (nee McComb). They will remember her as a kind, patient and loving parent, who always had time to listen and provide wise guidance, to celebrate their successes, and to nurture and support them with fearless resolve through life’s challenges. With a sparkle in her eye, a humourous comment at the ready, and a resilient spirit driven by her faith, Mary shared her light and love with her family and all who were blessed to come in contact with her.

Her generosity and love of children will be remembered by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and those she selflessly cared for when there was need: Karen Jacobs (nee McComb), husband Scott Jacobs and children Thomas, Emily and Madison; Kimberley McComb, husband Derek Deschenes, and children Samantha and Benjamin; Kathleen Craig (nee McComb), husband Phillip Craig and sons William and Johnathan; Kristen Stabile (nee McComb), husband Luke Stabile, and son Leo; Amy Durant-Murphy, husband Kyler Murphy and daughter Calla; Carter Durant, wife Carolyn Durant (nee Neufeld) and sons Levi and Noah; and granddaughters, Lindsay and Courtney Caird. They will miss Grandma’s annual “I Love You Happy Birthday” song serenade on the phone, special occasion family dinners, her gift for having a “chin wag”, her love of animals, and time shared at her dearly loved cottage in Brechin, ON.

A true Torontonian, Mary lived in the east side for the first part of her life where she attended Bowmore Public School and Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute and attended St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church with her family. She became a bookkeeper and worked at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children before getting married and continuing her love for balancing books well into her 80s. In her married life, Mary was dedicated to her husband, family, friends, and faith in Etobicoke, ON. She served at St. Richard’s of Chichester Anglican Church in a variety of capacities, at the Etobicoke Volunteer Centre, and with the Girl Guide Brownie program. In the last three years, she lived at Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham, where her ‘family’ of long-term caregivers (including Lola the service dog) were held in high regard for their patience, compassion, and moments of laughter shared as Mary faced a body aging and a sharp mind declining with dementia. 

Her family is forever grateful for the entire Markhaven team, and in particular Dr. Heather Currie; Executive Director, Janice Carmichael-Pitts; Head Nurse, Karen Mitchell (aka Carol); and the 2 North staff. Mary’s final journey to east Toronto will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Her funeral will be held at St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church, at 10:00 a.m., with internment in the St. John Norway Cemetery following. 

In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of the charity, kindness, and generosity for all in need demonstrated by Mary throughout her life, the family encourages donations be made to the Markhaven Home for Seniors – Recreation Program or to the St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church - Food Bank program.

Click here to donate to Markhaven Home for Seniors

Click here to donate to St. John Baptist Norway

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