Mar 23, 1927 - Apr 23, 2026

• Miriam Daisy Warnes (nee Forsey)

We are saddened to share that Miriam Warnes passed away on April 23, 2026, in her 100th year.

Miriam was born in Toronto on March 23, 1927, to Edward and Daisy Forsey, and spent many happy summers on Toronto Island with her brothers, Ray and George.

She began her career at Bell Telephone as a Unit Supervisor in Revenue Accounting. After marrying Keith Warnes in 1959, family life took her west to Regina and eventually to West Vancouver. The family often added memorable vacations onto Keith’s business travel, including a ferry journey from Prince Rupert, BC, to Skagway, Alaska, the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway to Whitehorse, and a fishing trip to Flin Flon, Manitoba. Miriam was always up for an adventure. In the late 1970s, the family built a cabin in Whistler and spent winters skiing Whistler Mountain. A natural athlete, Miriam was an elegant skier, water skier, and sailor—and a lifelong lover of activity and fresh air. She remained remarkably active well into her later years; even in her early 90s, she regularly enjoyed walks of a few kilometers. She was also an avid sports fan, following everything from Grand Slam tennis to CFL football—especially the Argos.

After her marriage ended in the 1980s, Miriam began a new chapter, working in ladies’ wear at Charmante’s in West Vancouver and later at Braemar. There, she shared her impeccable sense of style and a gift for helping others feel confident and well put together—talents that delighted her many customers.

Miriam had a meticulous, resourceful nature. She cared for her belongings with extraordinary attention, preserving family treasures and memories with an archivist’s precision. Among her keepsakes was a delicate birthday card from her parents—given on her 19th birthday, still in perfect condition. And though she claimed otherwise, she was a wonderful cook, known for her exceptional chocolate chip cookies.

In 2005, Miriam returned east to Ottawa to be closer to her son and his family. There, she built a new circle of friends, including companions from her walking group, and continued to enjoy the outdoors that had always been such an important part of her life.

Miriam will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Wendy; her son, Charles; her daughter-in-law, Leslie; her many nieces and nephews, especially Nora; and her adoring grandsons, Ryan and Henry. She will also be fondly remembered by her dear friend Gwen, a frequent walking companion in Ottawa, and by the many friends whose lives she touched along the way.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the caring staff at Governor’s Walk Retirement Residence in Ottawa, where she spent her final years in comfort and good company, often walking the beautiful riverside paths.

Miriam did not wish to have a funeral service. A celebration of her life will be held this summer.