Joanna Walsh Baty in her coffin, 1941

On death and dying

On this All Souls Day or Day of the Dead, I take an in-depth look at what led to the demise of my direct ancestors.

A life full of loss: Mary Scott Mitchell

My great-great-grandmother Mary Scott Mitchell was widowed twice and outlived four of her six children. And death by drowning would play a prominent role in her family’s story.

Profile: William Patrick Walsh

My great-great-grandfather William Patrick Walsh was a Crimean War veteran who ended his days tragically in a veteran’s hospital.

Profile: Timothy & Johanna Walsh

On this St. Patrick’s Day, I look at the life of my 3G-grandparents Timothy Walsh and Johanna Power, both born in Ireland.

They were champions

In 1921, my paternal grandfather played for the champion Toronto Falcons soccer team.

A life cut short

On this day in 1915, my paternal great-grandparents lost a son, a victim of the sea.

A fine day for a wedding

July 3, 1948 was a fine day for a wedding. On that lovely summer day 72 years ago, my parents began their life together.