MCHALE, Molly
Molly McHale
June 2nd, 1939 – May 21st, 2025
Molly McHale passed peacefully on May 21st, 2025, at Stoneridge Manor Long-Term Care Home in Carleton Place, Ontario, due to complications arising from Alzheimer's disease.
She was born in Sault-Ste. Marie, Ontario, to Patrick (Paddy) and Wilhemina (Billie) McHale, and was a beloved sister of Harold, Patricia (Pat), Morley, and Terrence (Terry). The McHale family moved to Wawa, Ontario, in the 1940s, where Molly completed her grade school studies (and no small amount of mischief) with her life-long best friend, Helen. After graduation, she moved to Toronto, the city that she would call home for the rest of her life. Molly's intrepid spirit and deep desire to live by her own terms led her to pursue a career at a time when women were still dissuaded from joining the workforce. Undeterred, she began her career as an administrator in a medical clinic and regularly volunteered with the Girl Guides of Canada. She later ascended to a managerial position at a print company, where she worked with international clients and travelled throughout Europe. Towards the end of her career, Molly worked for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, where she led a team of wonderful co-workers who quickly became cherished friends.
Molly was a profoundly compassionate, fair, and generous person. Her love for animals was a testament to her caring nature. She provided a warm, loving home to her cats Heidi, Little One, Shadow, and Patty, and later adopted Topaz (a veritable gremlin of a dog) from the Toronto Humane Society. When friends were no longer able to care for their pets, Molly provided a soft landing for an assortment of birds, hamsters, and a lovely dog named Pixie. Once she became an “empty nester”, Molly enjoyed the company of her friends’ dogs – particularly Foxy, the Pomeranian.
When family and friends needed support, Molly was quick to offer it. She was a caregiver to her mother in the later years of her life and provided support to her sister Pat through several surgeries and ailments. She was a trusted confidante to many of her family members and delighted in routine telephone calls with her brothers, Terry and Harold. As some of Molly’s older friends transitioned into care homes, she regularly visited them with their favourite treats, providing companionship and advocacy for their well-being throughout the more challenging years of their lives. Molly considered the neighbourhood of Broadview and Danforth home and built a community of friends and acquaintances there over the years. On any given day, you’d have an excellent chance of meeting her at Broadway Espresso if you waited long enough. Molly loved catching up with friends over a good cup of coffee. She also enjoyed dancing at parties, cinema, visiting art and historical museums, attending ballets, musicals, and operas, swimming, badminton, speed walking (which was her everyday pace), singing, and music of all varieties.
Molly was predeceased by her parents, siblings, niece (Kelly), and nephew (Scott). Affectionately referred to as “Auntie Molly”, she is dearly loved and remembered by her nephew, Greg and his wife, Karen; her niece, Paula; her nephew, Stephen; her great-niece, Vicky and her husband, Alex; and her great-niece, Heather.
Molly’s family extends their deep gratitude to the care team at Stoneridge Manor, who provided so much comfort, laughter, and kindness during the years that she struggled with dementia. The support they offered Molly and her loved ones both before and after her passing will not be forgotten.
Molly’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Eastminster United Church, located at 310 Danforth Avenue, on September 13th, 2025, from 11:00 am until 11:45 am. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to enjoy a light meal and refreshments on the Carrot Common Green Roof from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. In memory of Molly and her boundless love for animals, please consider donating to the Toronto Humane Society or Toronto Zoo.
Write your sympathies or tribute