Fay Ellen Harshman
Posted Dec 11, 2024 | 9:28 AM
Fay Ellen Harshman (nee Rose) of Owen Sound passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Predeceased by her parents Allan Leaman and Johanna Lillian “Lila” Rose, and by her brother Ralph Rose.
Loving mother of Martin Harshman (Louise),Allan Harshman (Patricia), Catherine Harshman-Darbyshire (Steve), and Kimberly Gunn (Kevin)all of Owen Sound. Cherished Nana of Melissa, Jericko (Randy), Kaylee (Rob), Kody (Kara), Kory (Carlie), Cole, Victoria, Julianna and Lillian. Proud great Nana to many great grandchildren. Dear sister of Lois Robinson. Fay will also be missed by her numerous nieces, nephews and friends that she cherished.
Born in North Bay, Ontario, Fay was the youngest child, raised on a farm in Rutherglen, a small rural community outside North Bay. She always shared stories of her childhood days and life on the farm. For school, she attended a one room schoolhouse where her Mother was her teacher. She also attended a bilingual school in Bonfield, Ontario. Her first job as a teenager was as a switchboard operator for Bell Canada. Later, she went on to be a switchboard operator for several private companies in the Toronto and North Bay areas.
Fay used the adversity in her life as a springboard for greater accomplishments. Forging forward to become the first female franchisee of a Tim Hortons, she opened doors for women in an era where it was unheard of. She was truly a trailblazer. She was a role model encouraging and supporting other women to not let anyone or anything hold them back. “YOU GO GIRL!” was her famous expression.
As a pioneer, she became part of the “Super Six”. Fay was a driving force behind keeping the Owen Sound Attack located in Owen Sound, ultimately becoming the first woman to be involved in ownership of an OHL franchise. One of her proudest and happiest moments was when they won the OHL championship and went to the Memorial Cup, energizing all of Grey-Bruce.
As a local business entrepreneur, Fay’s generosity knew no bounds. She was always the first to step up in the community when there was a need. From snowmobile races, Salmon Derby, building a skate park for the youth (anything for youth), getting an MRI to our hospital, helping Chapman House Hospice become a reality, and many other local charities far too numerous to mention.
There are countless stories of her helping others and giving them an opportunity in life to succeed. Her thoughtful actions of putting others first were always pure and humble. She never needed a reward or acknowledgement, nor did she ever forget her roots. She understood the power of doing the little things that made a big difference and having the influence to do the big things to help others on a greater scale.
Fay worked extremely hard but enjoyed every minute. She never knew a stranger. Everyone was always welcome at her table. Music was a huge ingredient of her daily life. She would blast the stereo in the back of her restaurants, singing and dancing, blowing the speakers out at her home and in her car, throwing the grandchildren on top of her piano when she would play; all creating memories for everyone she touched.
In keeping with Fay’s wishes, cremation is taking place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, 1900 3rd Ave. E., Owen Sound, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m.Arrangements are entrusted to Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Grey Bruce Hospice – Chapman House would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Fay’s family by visiting her memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
- First Name : Fay
- Last Name : Harshman
- Funeral Home : Brian E Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound
- URL : https://www.woodfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Fay-Harshman?obId=34034728
