Dana Sylvia McWilliams was born in Toronto in 1930. Her parents, Matthew (Mac) and Sylvia (née Stephens), emphasized the value of education which Dana pursued with zeal and competence, graduating from the University of Toronto in 1951 (BA) and again in 1952 (BSW). She is survived by her loving husband Peter Mills following almost 65 years of marriage. Following their move to Barrie in 1956, Peter and Dana produced Jonathan (Lisa Richmond), Alexander (Catherine Weir), Rebecca (Karl Butler), and Thomas (Jeannie Padfield). Dana is predeceased by her adored older sister Joanne Griffith. She will be dearly missed by all who survive her, including her nine grandchildren Austin, Peter, and Sylvia (Alex and Cay), Matthew and Simon (Becky and Karl), and Dana, Jacqueline, Evelyn, and Ruby (Tom and Jeannie). It was not just motherhood that Dana pursued with excellence. She was a dedicated worker for children, eventually becoming the local director of the Children’s Aid Society, where she remained until her retirement. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she loved reading, knitting, and playing bridge. Her more serious endeavours included being at the forefront in the 60s and 70s of the social change that was advancing the cause of women and girls. She did this both by her conduct and by her advocacy. She will be interred at Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery and at her Ahmic Lake cottage, where she enjoyed communing with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbows Canada. Friends will be received at ADAMS FUNERAL HOME, 445 St. Vincent Street Barrie (just north of Cundles Rd.) on Saturday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A private family service has taken place.
The family greatly appreciates the attentive, competent, and loving care provided to Dana by her physician, Kelley Wright, and by the staff and volunteers at Hospice Simcoe.