Theresa Scanlon Obituary

Theresa "Rita" Scanlon (nee Glynn) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 9th, 2026 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, she was 81.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Jack, and their children Séan (Cindy), Kevin, and Noëleen (Darryl). She was a proud and loving Nana to Breandán, Connor (Lauren), Meghan (Chad), Liam and Hunter. Rita is survived by her siblings Joan, Edward, Mai, Patrick, Desmond, Joseph and Noëleen along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Jim and her parents, James and Mary Glynn.

Rita was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland until her family immigrated to Canada on June 3, 1958 when she was 13 years old. Rita grew up in the Toronto area and at the young age of 17 met and fell in love with Jack, beginning their decades long love story. While they had three children of their own, they also opened their home to almost 30 foster children. While foster children came and went, Rita had a special connection with one child. Dean MacDonald quickly became, and remains, an honorary family member to this day.

Special thanks to Dr. Datar and Dr. Vieira as well as nurses Shelby and Carmel for the kind care she received while in palliative care. She has left a legacy of love and kindness with her family and friends and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be held Thursday May 14th from 6 to 8 p.m., and a Memorial Service on Friday May 15th at 11 a.m. (reception to follow), at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home Ltd. A private interment for immediate family will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SickKids Hospital in her honour as an expression of sympathy.

All are welcome to join the family for a reception at Barnes Funeral Home immediately following the service.

Donations are being accepted for: THE HOSPITAL SICK CHILDREN FOUNDATION (THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN FOUNDATION).