It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lynn Mainland. Lynn was the cherished wife of Pierre Gratton and mother of Maya Mainland-Gratton, as well as the beloved owner of dogs Jasmine and Pippa and cats Littlefoot, Shibou and Lily. She was the daughter of Pauline (nee Tilley) and John Robert Mainland (both deceased), beloved sister of Sue Mainland and sister-in-law of Tom Collins. She will also be sorely missed by mother-in-law Irene Tomaszewski, brother-in-law Richard Gratton and family and the rest of the Tomaszewski clan.
Born in Derby, England, Lynn was a graduate of King’s College, Cambridge in history (M.A., M. Phil) and moved to Canada in 1991 to begin a PhD in political science at McGill University where she met her future husband, Pierre. Together, they lived and worked in Edmonton, Quebec City, Ottawa and Vancouver, settling for a second time in Ottawa where they have lived since 2011. For many years, she worked for the Government of Canada, mostly at Health Canada, where she made many friends. However, her “greatest accomplishment”, in her words, was the birth of her daughter, Maya, in 1999. She loved to travel, was an avid reader of mystery novels and history and a lover of animals — she never a year spent without a cat or dog in her life. A trip to Italy in 2013 was dubbed the dead Roman tour, a lifelong dream to visit Roman ruins (supplemented by similar trips to Spain, France and the UK), and in 2018 she travelled to Botswana for an unforgettable visit to Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta.
In early 2013, Lynn was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. With a will to live, and thanks to the excellent care of the Ottawa Cancer Program and the support of her family, she fought this horrible disease with determination and courage for over six years.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Lynn’s life at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at noon until the time of the memorial service at 2 pm in the Sacred Space, on what would have been Lynn’s 51st birthday.
Donations may be made to the Ottawa Humane Society or the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Jocelyn Kula
Kevin Mallon
I’d known Lynn for a while before the cancer hit. After the shock subsided, we were able to enjoy many an afternoon- in the British style, with choccy bickies and strong brewed tea! We sparred about Britain and with great humour, she accepted my many digs and jabs at the once great Monarchy and Empire. With so much hanging over her, she remained funny and warm, well-read and brilliant. There were dogs everywhere- large and small, they seemed part of her! I thought I would have many more afternoons- much more tea.
I was performing the Elgar Sea Pictures and thought it a great idea to have the poems, by the composer’s wife, read before each song. What a great adventure it would be for Lynn to go to Toronto to read in performance with orchestra. As we tried to edit and prune, we laughed at the verbose Victoriana of Lady Elgar’s poetry. The concert went wonderfully, with Lynn’s voice capturing just the right nuance of the words. The occasion will be well remembered.
She was devoted to her family and loved Pierre and Maya passionately. Somehow, I know she will be there with them always.
My heart is heavy, but I send it to you dear Pierre and Maya.
Tara Shea
Pierre and Maya:
I am thankful that I had a chance to get to know Lynn over the years. I always enjoyed her quick wit and sense of humour at the MAC Christmas parties. I will forever be inspired by her strength.
Debra B
Dear Pierre and Maya, there is nothing anyone can say or do to take away the pain and emptiness you are feeling from the loss of your darling Lynn. My conversations with her, over our years working together, often revolved around the animals in her life and how dear they were to her and you both. I hope that the warm noses of Jazzi and Pippa along with the purrs of Littlefoot, Shibou, and Lily provide you with some comfort at this deeply raw time. Her love of them and the both of you was deep, true and never ending. She was a remarkable women.
Julie Gelfand
Pierre and Maya.
I can only imaging how difficult this time has been for you and my heart aches. This disease has taken so many great people, it is simply frustrating. I hope that your memories of Lynn and your lives together give you peace as you move forward, one step at a time, one minute at a time, into the future. Hugs to you.
Mary Dimeo
Dear Pierre and Maya:
I was so very sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. My heartfelt condolences and I wish you both strength in your healing. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to remember her by as you had many incredible family experiences together (in the day to day, and on world excursions).
Carol di Meo
Dear Pierre and Maya, I was saddened to hear of Lynn’s passing. She was fortunate to have a great oncology team with the attitude live life to its fullest. Your travels and strong family bond is a testament to that. I hope your memories help you through this heartbreaking time. Kindest thoughts, Carol.
Cheryl Power
To Lynn's family,
I was very sad to hear of Lynn's passing. Lynn was my director in my first job with the public service at Health Canada. I know many public servants over the years have benefitted from Lynn's guidance and keen direction, including me. Keeping you all in my prayers, Cheryl Power
Sue Mainland
Love always, little sis xx
Pat Zakaib
Dear Pierre and Maya, I cannot tell you how sad I was to recently hear of Lynn's death. I know we had not seen each other in a very long time but I thought of her often as I do of you Pierre. Lynn was a lovely and spirited woman with whom I always felt a bond. It was always a delight to bump into her unexpectedly.... CdG airport, the Glebe, some dusty government building. My very deepest condolences and love to both of you. xoxox
Dear Pierre and Maya,
I had the pleasure of working with Lynn for several years, and I have to say she has always remained one of my favourite ex-colleagues because she was so incredibly smart, capable, and because she was someone who genuinely enjoyed a good laugh. I will never forget her impish grin, her “cat-proof” stockings, and how she would get so excited when I brought home-baked treats in to the office. I was also impressed at her devotion to you both, and at how proud she was of all Maya’s accomplishments. In short, Lynn was a beautiful person and I have regrets that I did not make more of an effort to keep in touch over the past year.
I wish you both great strength in the days and weeks to come as I will know you will miss Lynn fiercely. Hopefully, the memories of all of your adventures together and Lynn’s ongoing love for you both will sustain you to some degree.
With sincere sympathy,
Jocelyn