Obituary of Maria Hathaway

With profound sadness, we announce that Maria Hathaway passed away peacefully at Kingsway Care Centre on July 29th, 2026, just three weeks after celebrating her 101st birthday with her loving family.

Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles (Elmer) Hathaway (1963); her brother, Alphonse Sobry (1944); her sisters, Lucy Sobry (2022) and Julienne Sobry (2023); her son, Florimond Hathaway (2025); and her daughter, Sonja Larmer (2026).

She is survived by her youngest sister, Lizette (93 years old), and her grandsons, Chris, Darren (Rano), Shawn (Caroline), and Justin. She is also cherished by her great-grandchildren, Anaya, Zach, Sierra, Eva, Annalisa, and Aribella, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in her native country of Belgium.

Maria came to Canada as a war bride from Turnhout, Belgium, after marrying Charles(Elmer) Hathaway in 1945 following the Second World War. The couple settled in Melbourne, Ontario, where they owned and operated a service station, a mechanical repair shop, and a restaurant. Following Charles’s passing in 1963, Maria moved to St. Marys. There, she successfully operated a residential nursing home for many years, volunteered faithfully delivering meals for "Meals on Wheels," and later opened the Hathaway Bed and Breakfast, where she welcomed guests until her retirement at the age of 85.

Maria was predeceased by the dear friends who first drew her to St. Marys: Millie Middleton, Agnes Debrabandere, Peggy Bell, Hy and Juanita Gregory, and Gerald and Norma Paul. She was also predeceased by her dear companion of many years, Maurice Robson.

Maria spent her entire life caring for others, and that deep care was beautifully returned to her during her final years. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Kingsway Care Centre in St. Marys for their excellent, compassionate care and for ensuring her absolute comfort.