Iris Elaine Rothery

It is with both love and heavy hearts that the family of Iris Elaine Rothery (née Lemay) announce her passing at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence in Gravenhurst, Ontario on Tuesday October 6th, 2026.

Born in West Gravenhurst, Ontario on August 26, 1933, Iris lived a life rooted in perseverance, determination and love for her family. She has now gone home to be with her Lord and Saviour.

Iris was the beloved wife of William (Bill) Rothery, who predeceased her in 2003. She was a loving mother to Karen Rothery (Scott) and Earl Rothery (Catherine) and a cherished grandmother to Jordan (Samantha) and Korina as well as to her two great-grandchildren Willow and Wesley.

She was predeceased by her siblings Bea, Edgar, Madeline and Gwen.

Before coming back to Gravenhurst in 2022, Iris had spent her years living in Rexdale, Oshawa and Newmarket where she made many friends.

Iris had a love for music having played the trombone and piano and singing in the church choir with her distinctive alto voice. She was gifted in numerous hobbies including knitting, needlepoint and the making of numerous amazing quilts. In her younger years Iris loved the outdoors, canoeing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Iris will always be remembered for her strong independent spirit and her ability to persevere through life's hardships such as beating cancer in her early thirties, the loss of her husband, Bill, to cancer over 23 years ago and ongoing medical issues that plagued her in her later years.

A special thank you to the staff, PSW’s and nurses at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence that provided amazing support and care to Iris during the last four years of her life.

A Celebration of Iris’s life will be held on Friday October 23, 2026 at Cavill-Turner Funeral Home, 215 Bay Street, Gravenhurst, Ontario, from 2:00 until 5:00 pm.

In memory of Iris, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.