Obituary

It is with great sadness and unimaginable heartbreak that the family of Alyson Griffith (nee: Shadd) announces her passing. Following a heroic 6 year battle with stage 4 cancer, Alyson passed away peacefully in her sleep at Toronto General Hospital on April 10th at 9:15pm, surrounded by her children and sister. Alyson was 65.

She will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Brandon, Lauren, and Nathan; her grandson and little sweets, Bear; her bonus granddaughter, Jaya; her sister, Adrienne, and niece, Marishana; her son-in-law, Jarrett; and many beloved family members and friends.

Born on June 26, 1960, in Chatham, Ontario, to Marjorie Chevalier and Thomas Shadd, Alyson was a devoted, loyal and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. Alyson built a career in travel and health insurance. She loved to cook and was always eager to try new recipes. She enjoyed films both old and new, and kept classics like I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show on repeat - she still laughed at every joke as if she were hearing them for the first time.

She found deep joy in taking care of her plants and garden. She loved attending art galleries with her son Brandon, and was a proud presence at her son Nathan's stand-up comedy shows. She held the distinguished title of Employee #2 at Scrub & Butter, her daughter Lauren's skincare company, where she was also her biggest cheerleader and most loyal customer.

Her bond with her sister Adrienne was a constant source of joy that she treasured deeply. Last fall, she had the pleasure of visiting her niece Marishana in Paris, a city she had long dreamed of seeing - and she did, walking over 50k steps.

More than anything, what filled her heart most was time spent with her grandson and best buddy, Bear. She loved to travel, and was happiest with sand beneath her feet and the ocean beside her. In quieter moments, she could always be found lost in a good novel.

A celebration of life will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst Street on Monday April 20th at 11am, with a private reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made in Alyson’s name to The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, or The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Toronto General Hospital and her team at Princess Margaret Cancer Center for their dedicated care and compassion.

 

Visitation

Service

Date
April 20, 2026
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes Bathurst
Time
11:00 AM

Cremation

*

April 20, 2026
Jean Pearson
I miss my dear friend, Alyson. I always enjoyed our play dates when she visited Georgia. She was kind, and warm, and very easy to talk to. I always enjoyed going to church with her when she visited. She embraced the Lord and I'm confident she is now in His embrace! I miss her presence, but I will see her again, no doubt! Until then, my friend.....
April 20, 2026
Linda Walsh Mitchell
Sincere condolences to Adrienne on the loss of a beloved Sister and “bestie”, and to Alyson’s immediate and extended Family members and friends. Alyson passed peacefully and may she eternally rest peacefully.
April 20, 2026
Jacqueline Daley
Sending condolence, hugs and love to Loren, Brandon and Nathan and family. Alyson had deep and quiet strength. She remained strong. Steady and courageous fighting cancer. May these virtures bless your lives.
April 20, 2026
Priya Vilvanathan
I knew Alyson when I worked at Allianz and she was very caring and sweet person. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. God Bless.
April 17, 2026
Dana Murphy
I have such fond memories of sharing summer days with Alyson in Buxton when my family would visit our grandparents. There were several years when we would pick up where we left off. My condolences to the family. Cousin Dana Murphy (Walsh). Mother Carol Shreve cousin to Thomas Shadd.
April 14, 2026
Joel Chevalier
To my family. I mourn with you over the passing of Alyson. Your Mother, your Sister, your Aunt, your Friend, my Cousin. I have fond memories of her, Adrienne and Marjorie visiting us in Bolton as we were all growing up. Through these difficult times it is important to take pause and reflect on the loss, but also to reflect on the memories and the joy of your time with her. Make choices that will continue to make her proud. To Lauren, Brandon and Nathan, I know she loved you all very much. With lots of love, Joel Chevalier