Remembering Maxine Ethel Marr

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Maxine Ethel Marr on July 17, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, on December 28, 1944, Maxine was the beloved daughter of the late Velma Shaw and Maximilian Bailey.

Known by many cherished names throughout her life—Mom, Grandma, Grammy, Damzy, Ki’Juu, Great-Grandma, Huggamugga, Gator, Sister, Aunty, and Friend—Maxine will be remembered for her generous spirit, warm heart, strong faith in family.

Maxine's greatest pride and accomplishment was her family. During her first marriage to E. Roland Marr, she was blessed with ten children and devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood. Together, they embraced a traditional Mi’kmaq way of life that included basket making and seasonal work harvesting mayflowers, blueberries, and potatoes throughout Nova Scotia and Maine. Their entrepreneurial spirit also led them to operate a variety store in Indian Brook, Nova Scotia.

From 1979 to 1993, Maxine lived in Toronto, where she graduated from Humber College and worked with Kmart Canada Ltd., Opportunity for Advancement, and the City of Toronto. In 1993, she made her home in Gooderham, Ontario, where she enjoyed the peace and beauty of a cabin in the woods for more than 30 years.

Maxine later found love and companionship with Barry Simmons. Together, they shared many adventures and travelled the Pow Wow trail throughout Central Ontario, preparing and serving Indigenous foods while celebrating culture, community, and friendship.

A gifted singer and guitar player, Maxine brought joy to those around her through music, laughter, and hospitality. She loved gathering family and friends around her table, especially during holidays and special celebrations. Her home was a place of welcome, comfort, and love, and her generosity touched all who knew her.

Maxine is lovingly remembered by her sister, Pauline Crozier; sister Joyce and brother Butch (predeceased) her children, John Marr, Frances E.C.A. Bignell, Roland D. Marr (Jim M.), Tammy J. Marr (Jerome P.), Karen L. Marr, and Jason W. Marr; daughters Mary and Joanne (predeceased) her stepchildren, Dona-Lee Simmons and Mike Simmons, and was predeceased by her stepson, Jim Simmons.

She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Jason, Max, predeceased by grandson, Zachariah, Holly, Colton, Charlie, Jazz, Savanah, Dylan, and Jason, She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Alanah, Logan, Addison, Brittany, Helena, Trey, Carly, Taylor, and Tristan; her great-grandchildren, Eliza, Maximus, Hazel, Jaycob, London, Barry, and Nova; and her step-great-grandchildren, Ryder, Karson, Aubrey, and Isabella.

There are many other relatives, nieces, nephews and friends too great to mention here. She loved you all.

Maxine leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, generosity, and devotion to family. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Cremation has taken place. At Maxine's request, no formal visitation or service is scheduled at this time. The family invites those who knew and loved her to honour her memory in their own way by sharing a meal, a song, or a story with family and friends—just as Maxine so often did throughout her life.

Mom loved phone calls, video chat and visits. Do her a favour and stay in touch with the ones you love. X/O/X