Daryl Urquhart (series editor)
In the central northern tract of the Cemetery at historic St. Georges church, stands a proud and prominent limestone Celtic Cross. It marks the final resting place of one of Canada’s most notable Authors. Indeed, Mazo Louise De la Roche(1878-1961), who penned some 37 novels, and sold 11 million copies world wide in numerous foreign languages in the early 20th century, was, ostensibly, the most widely read Canadian novelist of her time. Her books, delivered an escape from the staid realities of Victorian/Georgian life into a world of romantic d’alliances, family challenges, intrigue and a world of freedom, which has been said, eased the troubled minds of many Europeans living under the darkness of a repressive Nazi regime.
Her stories were celebrated in theatrical productions in London and New York, television series and radio broadcasts in Canada and Europe. The most recent was the television series, “Jalna”, recorded in France in 1994, based on her most famous works, the 16 book series about the Whiteoak Family of Jalna. It is a fictional story, believed to reflect the lives and dreams of her own extended family, according to her grandson, Michael de la Roche, himself an accomplished physician, having practiced in Kingston for many years and served multiple terms in Afghanistan, tending to the wounded.
Mazo was insular and a very private person who spent almost her entire life either in or writing about her fantasies with the help of her cousin and adopted sister, Caroline Clement. Caroline(1878-1972) would become her life long companion and crucial to the success of her work and happiness as Mazo dictated many of her stories with Caroline as a sounding board, and through Caroline”s pen. They were not fond of the constant invasion of their lives by the press due to the celebrity status they had achieved and tended to move about thereby escaping the hubbub. Caroline and Mazo lived in Orillia, Innisfill, Bronte, Clarkson, Devon, England (practically next door to the royal family at Windsor Castle) and finally in Toronto at #3 Ava Crescent, in Forest hill. The house is still there today and recalls her love of old English Tudor style architecture. Google it!
Mazo’s maternal grandmother whose maiden name was Willson, (more on that later) married into the Lundy family. Lundy, a name of significance to all Canadians and history buffs of the war of 1812. Mazo’s family ancestors tie her heritage to the the bloodiest and last battle of the War. The battle, known as the “Battle of Lundy’s lane’” was fought and won in 1814 on Lundy’s cow path, putting an end to the war and the failed, American offensive to seize Canada from the British and Canadians alike.
That same Grandmother’s maiden name, you will recall, was Willson. Her great grand uncle was none other than David Willson, the quaker from Pennsylvania who started the “Children of Peace”, otherwise known as the Davidites. He along with the Lundys and Hiram Willson, Mazo’s great grandfather, were intimately involved in the building of the Sharon Temple. Mazo visited the Temple, which, it is said, inspired her to write a book about the Willson clan, entitled “Growth of a Man”. In it she tells the colourful story of the Willsons as well as the inspiring struggle of Reginald MacMillan, grandson of Wellington Willson of Aurora, Mazo’s great uncle. Reginald founded Macmillan Bloedel in British Columbia which became Canada’s largest forest and lumber company and would greatly influence lumber trade in Canada and throughout the world.
On the local scene, as her grandson believes, Mazo actually spent time at The Briars, He recalls her telling stories of time spent in the “Peacock House” built by Frank Sibbald, perhaps with pen and paper, and a the imaginings of new book in mind.
Mazo never married although she was not without romance at various times in her life. She apparently felt that her dedication to her writing was not conducive to the institution of marriage. Yet she did want to have a family and so she and her cherished companion, Caroline adopted the infant Esmee (daughter) and young Rene (son) during their time in England. It is no surprise that Caroline rests beside Mazo at St. Georges Church cemetery and the two adored children are memorialized close by. Rene is in situ while Esmee rests elsewhere. The choice of final resting place for Mazo was made by Caroline, and Caroline’s made by Esmee and Rene. Why St. Georges is unknown. Speculation and indeed her grandson suggest it was Mazo’s fondness of the area and connection by water to Innisfil and Orillia, homes of her youth. Interestingly, she had apparently requested Toronto in her will but Caroline chose otherwise. Was it simply Caroline’s location of choice for a famous author like Mazo de la Roche to rest near her beloved Lake Simcoe or was the choice influenced by the resting place of her contemporary, another famous author, Stephen Leacock (1869-1944). It is a mystery yet unsolved.
A curious glance while walking past a monument in St. Georges cemetery can lead not only to mystery, but to a vast network of family achievement and remarkable contributions to our community and indeed our country. It is well worth the time to take a look and “Google” some of the names… “behind the hedges”.
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