TORSNEY, Marie Therese (née O’Gorman)

August 17th, 1931 - July 24th, 2023

Our beautiful mother, wife, grandmother, sister and aunt died peacefully on Monday, July 24th, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Marie was the beloved wife of Michael for almost 68 years; the loving mother of Michelle Torsney (Steve Barrett), Brian (d. 2017) (Sheila Forani), Patricia “Paddy”, and Sean (Susie); proud grandmother of Amy (Aaron), Kathleen (Matt) and Erin Torsney, Meaghan (David) and Catherine Barrett; great-grandmother of Malcolm, Rhys, Tessa, Madelyn and Alaric; and dear sister of Malachi (d. 1998), Yvonne Shaw, Bernard, and Anne Dwyer in Ireland, and, in Canada, her “baby” brother John O’Gorman. Her many nieces and nephews adored her.

A proud immigrant, Marie arrived in Canada from Dublin, Ireland in 1957 with Michael and baby Michelle. Marie forged ahead as the matriarch of her growing Canadian family despite homesickness and grief from the death of her mother. Her resilience, empathy, sense of humour, kindness and generosity, her ability to make lasting connections, and her strong belief in treating everyone equally made her dearly loved by many. She was patient, dedicated, caring and compassionate, and a great listener.

Her ability to read people, including her children, meant nothing got past her! Her incredible wisdom was sought after by young and old alike. She was a mentor and confidante to many. As a mother, she instilled leadership—telling us to be brave and ask questions, and to stand up for those who might not be able to stand up for themselves. Mom loved her family deeply. She was indefatigable in supporting Michael and her children in all endeavours (sports, arts, travel, home renovations and more). Marie was talented in the arts: knitting, pottery, and sewing for her children and grandchildren. In her later years, she created beautiful glass works providing each of us with cherished memories of her loving hands and design sense.

A long-time resident of Burlington, Marie was an active community volunteer. She was one of the first women on the Board of Governors, Hamilton Catholic High Schools; President of the St. Joseph’s Villa Guild and later, on its Board of Governors. She volunteered with the Art Gallery of Hamilton and with the Liberal Party. For years, she regularly hosted St. Martin’s Manor residents, billeted athletes and on occasion, whole sports teams. Marie organized galas, and hosted parties and events large and small, supporting causes such as the Newman Club and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. She loved entertaining friends and family, and always had an extra place at the table, particularly at holidays.

Marie and Michael travelled extensively, especially after Michael’s retirement, enjoying his international Masters’ Swimming events as well as several cruises. Mom loved spending time with family, including her five granddaughters, at the cottage and in Florida.

Our family appreciated very much the kind, compassionate care Marie received most recently at Amica Dundas, and too frequently at Joseph Brant Hospital. We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Patricia Wilson’s exceptional medical care and wise counsel.

Visitation at Smith’s Funeral Home, 485 Brant Street, Burlington, on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 3 – 5pm and 7 – 9pm. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Marie’s life will take place on Saturday, July 29 at Holy Rosary Church, 287 Plains Rd E, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Food4Kids Halton, the Good Shepherd Centre or Save the Mothers would be sincerely appreciated by Marie's family.