Monica Walters

In Loving Memory
Obituary for Monica Walters (née Smith)

March 31, 1939 – December 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Monica Walters (née Smith), affectionately known as Doreen to her family. Monica departed for her eternal home on December 15, 2024, at the age of 85. Born in Sterling Castle Heights, Red Hills, Jamaica, on March 31, 1939, to Iva McKay, Monica was the cherished only daughter among nine brothers. She was a proud Jamaican, a devoted mother, and a cherished friend who touched the lives of everyone she met.

Monica was married to the late Raphael Walters (March 30, 1934 – July 10, 2020), who she undoubtedly is now throwing side-eye at from the heavens (probably telling him, “Mi tell yuh I was right all along”). Together, they raised four pickney dem: Clyde, Wadsworth, Leary (Marjorie), and Marie Walters. Monica also leaves behind a legacy of love through her gran pickney dem, Chantelle (Giordano), Anthoine, Deneille (Michael), Joshua, Justin (Antonia), Kassius, and Tosh; great-gran pickney, Anya and many other family and friends.

“Doreen” had a natural knack for bringing people together. Whether it was hosting the legendary family barbecues where the Rocksteady vinyl records could be heard from miles away, organizing annual New Year’s Eve parties, or taking shopping trips to Buffalo with her girl squad (Edelin “Ge”, Molly, Mary, Beryl, Cindy, and Edna), she enjoyed celebrating special moments and making everyone feel welcome, loved, and appreciated. If you didn’t make it to the dance floor after one too many cups of rum punch, Monica would definitely have something to say about that.

She was a woman of many talents, most notably in the kitchen, where she ruled as the undisputed Oxtail Queen. Her secret ingredient? “Eaton doesn’t tell Simpson how he sells his stuff!” she said to Edelin at one point. To this day, if you ask any of her family or friends about her oxtail, the first thing they’ll tell you is that no one could do it like Monica—and the second thing they’ll tell you is that she only bought her oxtail from one place: Highland Farms at Kennedy and Ellesmere.

A woman of faith, Monica was an active member of her church and sang in the choir for many years. Her Christian values guided her, though she also held her own beliefs in the power of luck—keeping a horseshoe above her door and regularly using her grandchildren’s birthdates for lottery numbers. If you didn’t know her, you probably wouldn’t understand her “Monica-isms,” which ranged from a simple “Right?” to the iconic “If mi didn’t know it was yuh, mi wouldn’t answer di phone.” You knew not to try Monica, unless you were prepared for a curt reply.

Her love for life extended beyond her family. She was a dedicated personal support worker at Baycrest Centre long-term care facility for over 35 years, where she was known for her kindness, compassion, and fierce advocacy for the residents in her care. This is where she also met her lifelong friends like Edelin and Molly, as well as cultivated a basic fluency in Yiddish and Russian. She earned the respect of everyone she worked with, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life made her a beloved figure at Baycrest.

Monica also loved to travel; frequently visiting her home in Jamaica. She had an adventurous spirit and a passion for exploring new places. She also found joy in simpler pleasures, like enjoying a good meal of Chinese food or spending time with her beloved orange American shorthair tabby cat Marvin (after Marvin Gaye, yes), who was often by her side and who she believed meowed “Mama” when he wanted her attention.

Monica was proud of her Jamaican roots, deeply aware of the struggles for Black people in Canada and Jamaica. She believed education was the key to economic freedom for women and a powerful tool for challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes of Caribbean women. She seemed to know everything about everything and instilled the importance of seeking out knowledge in her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to embrace their full potential and to always know where they came from.

Monica’s love for her family and her unwavering sense of right and wrong will remain her legacy. She was the backbone of her family, a friend to all, and an advocate for kindness, dignity, and fairness. She was a woman who stood up for what she believed in, celebrated life with fervor, and never let anyone forget who was in charge.

She leaves behind her surviving siblings, Dennis (“Danny”) McKay, Hervin McKay, and Keith McKay, who will forever remember her as their brave and loving sister.

Likkle more, Monica. You were deeply loved, and your legacy will forever be cherished for generations to come.

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