Mary Ann Byron

           With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Mary Ann Byron, 82, of Tillsonburg, on September 21, 2026.  She left this world the way she lived in it: surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely.

           Mary Ann was a mother to so very many.  Some came to her through birth, some through marriage, and some simply wandered into her life and never left, because once Mary Ann cared for you, you were hers.  She had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, wanted and loved.  If you needed her, she was already on her way.

           Born and raised in Delhi, Mary Ann was the daughter of Steve and Helen Pocrnic and the sister of Nick.  She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, and she carried their love and their stories with her all her life.

           Everything Mary Ann had, she gave to her family.  She was the voice in the stands at hockey and baseball games, the steady hand in the horse barn, and the one who saw her children through every adventure and every hard day, water fights included.  Her children never had to wonder whether she’d be there.  She always was: cheering the loudest, helping without being asked, and celebrating every win as if it were her own.

           Later in life, Mary Ann found her true love in Lorne Bauer, who was taken from her far too soon.  Through Lorne, her heart grew to hold a whole second family, who filled her life with even more love, laughter and joy. She treasured each of them.

           Of all the names she answered to, perhaps her favourite was “G-Ma.”  Nothing lit up her face like her grandchildren.  She was endlessly proud of every one of them, and anyone within earshot was sure to hear about their latest accomplishment.  Being their G-Ma was one of the great joys of her life.

           Mary Ann loved life’s simple pleasures: travelling with Lorne, tending her flowers, working through a puzzle piece by piece, and spending time with her beloved horse family at the G.R.E.A.T. Horse Club.  At home, she had faithful company in her three cats, George, Jack and Tina, who kept her company and made her smile every day.

           Mary Ann leaves behind her loving family: Stephen Byron and Lisa Evans; Jeremy and Colleen Byron; John and Brenda Bauer; Lorie and Jack LaRoque; Becky and Willy Ashford; and Shannon and Chris Mayo.  Fondly remembered by David Bauer (Jasmine) and sister-in-law April Mullen.  She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Seanna Byron, David, Roy, Amber, Kristin, Cody, Laurin, Emily, Cole, Toria and Reese, and by her 13 very special great-grandchildren, who brought her more pride and happiness than words could hold.

           Mary Ann’s life cannot be measured in years alone.  It is measured in the people she loved and the people she made family.  Her kindness, her generosity, her laugh and her unwavering devotion will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

           Cremation has taken place.  Surrounded by the things she loved most (family, friends and horses), a Celebration of Life will be held, fittingly, on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 9, 2027 at the G.R.E.A.T. Horse Club, 1031 Plowman’s Line, Courtland, Ontario.  There could be no better day to honour a woman who was a mother to so many.  Please come as you are, share a story, and help us celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the many people she loved.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.  Rest peacefully, Mom.  We love you, and we will miss you always.

Wareing Cremation Services, 161 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca