Belfontaine, Anna Maly

Jan 08, 2014

 (Dec. 11, 1921 – Dec. 12, 2013)

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother and cherished granny, Anna Maly Belfontaine, in Toronto, in her ninety-second year. Anna immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1930, at the age of nine, with her parents, Anna and Ferdynand Maly, and her brothers Charles, Zenon and John. They settled on a farm near the village of Ompah on what became known as the ‘Maly Flats’. At 19, Anna moved to Toronto to contribute to the war effort, and there she met and married Walter Belfontaine. Anna was a loving and supportive mother and mother-in-law to her children; Katherine (Paul Fisher), Karen (Irv Gora) and Christine, and a wonderful and devoted Granny to Michael, Matthew, Caitlin and Emily (Jen Durst). Anna returned to her beloved country home near Ompah at the age of 79. Her neighbours Courtney and Carl became close friends, and it was their presence and friendship that largely enabled Anna to live in Ompah for as long as she was able to. It gave her intense joy to be living again in her log home on the family homestead. Anna’s passion for nature and for the country was with her for all the more than 90 years of her long and full life.