St. Mary’s Cemetery and Chapel
396 Lifford Road, Lifford
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Moira Lawrence, wife, best friend, and partner of the Hon. Allan F. Lawrence until his passing in 2008. She was born in Toronto, at home on Broadview Avenue, and raised on Tennis Crescent, south of the Danforth, the third child of James and Letitia (Graham) McGuffin. Predeceased by her siblings, James McGuffin of North York, Norah Hendra of Toronto and William McGuffin of Ottawa. As a child she was chosen to attend Saturday morning art classes at what is now the AGO, and always dreamed of a career in art, however family finances dictated she attend Eastern High School of Commerce where she trained as a secretary. When she met Allan playing basketball at St. Paul’s Bloor Street at 15 years old, it was love at first sight for both of them. As a legal secretary, Moira worked Allan through law school after their marriage. A voracious life-long reader, she read through Allan’s university reading list while working full time at Maclean-Hunter. She was the first female president of the Toronto Young Progressive Conservatives. Following Allan’s graduation, they moved to London, UK, which they used as a base as they discovered the wonders of post-war Europe, returning to Toronto to start a family.
From Allan’s time as MPP for St. George riding in Toronto, through his run for the Ontario PC leadership against Bill Davis, to his federal career as MP for Durham Northumberland, she was his right hand and closest advisor while raising two children, Sean (Esther Shipman), and Alison (Brian Young). She lived to always “be of use” and beyond politics, volunteered for many organizations, notably the Victoria Day Nursery, the Manvers Historical Society (which she co-founded), Beyond the Blue Box in Cobourg and TPL’s Bookends. She was also a long-time member of the Jane Austen Society.
She is survived by her children and her grandchildren, Emma Healey and Declan Lawrence, of whom she was immensely proud, and many nieces and nephews. She leaves so many friends, from Toronto, Manvers Township, Cobourg and beyond, especially her dear friend Jean Orpwood whom she met in kindergarten at Earl Kitchener Public School, and who visited her days before Moira passed away. The family would like to thank her caregivers: Roberta Scott, her PSWs from the Neighbourhood Group (especially Mulu and Alma), the VHA and from C Care, particularly Clara who was with her so much over the last year, the staff at the Grenadier, and finally Toronto Grace Hospital. Moira was much loved; she was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life.
Funeral service at St. Mary’s Lifford, Ontario, where her ashes will be interred next to Allan’s, Tuesday September 9 at 1:00pm. (Lifford Road is the first concession road north of Highway 7A, east of Highway 35.) In lieu of flowers, please donate to the TPL Foundation, Toronto Grace Hospital 6th Floor Palliative Care Unit, or the charity of your choice.
So enjoyed Moira’s friendship at the Grenadier and just wish we had met sooner. Sending heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
my father and mother knew her well . they were Harold (sparky )Green and Marguerite Green from Bethany AND visited my parents often. I always remembered them both with affection. sorry for her loss. they were there for us when Mom and Dad passed. She championed many great things especially her husband and children.
Alison, Sean and families, deepest condolences on your mother's recent passing. A great lady who can never be forgotten in our family circle. Very generous with her time and energy to so many! Cherish the memories you had with her, hoping they can help ease your pain of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. Love your cousin Patricia.
My sincere condolences to the family. My association with Moira was mainly through St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Cobourg and through my husband, Godfray De Lisle, who knew Moira as a fellow YPC member in Toronto in the 1950’s. Moira was a generous, welcoming and gracious lady. May she rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Equipment
I am proud to have known Moira for over 50 years. I admired her greatly. She was well loved by all of you. Hers was a life well lived.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman and a life well lived. Much love to family and friends who will always hold her loving soul in their hearts. Special love to Alison who was at Moira’s side for her last journey in life. Always loved and always safe. Love Susy Greenfield
We are saddened to hear of Moira’s passing. Moira was a wonderful volunteer, and we are grateful for her 11 years of volunteerism with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary from 2002 to 2013. On behalf of the NHH staff, volunteer team and NHH Auxiliary board we send our condolences to Moira’s loved ones.
Moira was one reason I dreamed of moving to Toronto as a child. She was a deeply welcoming presence and I am fortunate to have been touched by her. I am sorry she is gone.
Rodger and I are so grateful to have had this remarkable woman in our lives. She was my Aunt and I loved and admired her so very much. She is with Uncle Allan again, right where she belongs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Toronto Public Library Foundation
Dear Sean, we were so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She seems to have been a most amazing partner, mother and community member. I know her loss is deeply felt. Our condolences to you, Esther and Declan, and all your family and friends. Niamh and Michael
I was so glad to meet Moira at the Grenadier. We knew so many people in common. She was such a bright light at our table, and always had the right turn of phrase to add to a conversation. Sending my love, Margaret Currie.
To the family and friends of Moira Condolences to all of you in this your loss. Moira was an exceptional lady we met through politics, and we supported Allan on his Federal runs and remember the signs in winter run. Moira was the quiet powerhouse and versatile to any situation.
My most sincerest condolences to Moira’s family. She was an extraordinary lady, loved by everyone who knew her. Honor Dalglish Shepley.
Moira and Allan were valued members of St. Peter's Cobourg where they offered their many talents as parishioners. They were wonderful to work with in any setting and Northumberland was most fortunate to have elected Allan as MP as he represented us with excellence. We were so honoured to have known Moira. Our sincere condolences to all the family.