Maeve Ferris
Died: October 1, 2022 | Place: Toronto, Ontario
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Obituary
FERRIS, Maeve…
Maeve Ferris, adored child of Neal Ferris and Manina Jones and beloved sibling of Fionntan Ferris, died on Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at the age of 20. In an impulsive act, they took their own life. Maeve attended H.B. Beal Secondary School in London, Ontario, and was a student in Theatre Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Maeve knew they were fiercely loved by immediate and extended family, as well as a circle of close friends. Maeve was extraordinary, a force of nature. A voracious and opinionated reader, a baker and chef extraordinaire, a music aficionado, an actor and singer, a talented creative writer, a generous friend–whatever Maeve did, they embraced it with passion and commitment. Maeve was developing an ensemble-based theory of theatre to make the culture of theatre performance production inclusive and enriching for all participants.
During Covid, Maeve video screened—and rated–all of Shakespeare’s plays, read hundreds of books, led family games nights, and baked their way through dozens of delicious recipes. In the Summer of 2022, Maeve travelled with Neal to Nevis, West Indies, working on an archaeological project, snorkelling, beachcombing, and reading. They spent time taking summer courses at the Stratford Festival, and had peaceful weeks together with family at the cottage, kayaking, swimming, doing crosswords, and reading. Every moment was a gift.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home at 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON on Saturday, October 8, from 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036, https://broadwaycares.org/. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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In recent years I have so enjoyed talking books with Maeve over social media. I was always so happy when I was serendipitously reading a book they were or just had read and we could talk about what we liked ( or didn’t ) in chats.
I’m so sorry to hear of this devastating loss. I only met Maeve once, fleetingly, in a hotel lobby at a conference but was struck by their confidence and loved to follow their adventures on Manina’s Facebook page. Thinking of you all, Manina, Neal and Fionn.
Neil, Nina, Finn – this is devastating news. Such a bright strong spirit has been stilled before their prime. Such a loss to us all. Much love, Sheila
Manina and family, I am speechless at this heartbreak. Holding all of you in my thoughts with love.
Keeping you all in my thoughts, Manina and family. I remember meeting Maeve when they were a child and being in awe of their creativity and brilliance. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Maeve, I was so thrilled to realize you were a fellow kindred thespian, and I will always fondly hold your contributions to the world of theatre and performance making! It has been a great privilege to know you and I will think often of the gifts you shared with those around you. We will hold your beloved humans safe for you.
Manina, I cannot imagine the grief you are feeling at this time. My heart is with you and your family.
Dear Manina, I am so, so sorry. Maeve seems to have been deeply loved. We’re parents of a child with mental illness and have lived for years with the anxiety of what she might do in an especially low moment, so this hits home with particular force. In that light, thank you for all the kindness and goodness you showed Maeve, and for the ways you enriched their life. Wishing — praying — for peace to alleviate some of the pain.
Neal, Nina and Fionn, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Let us know if there is anything we can do to support you.
Oh Manina, Neal, and Fionn, I am so deeply saddened by your loss. I have such lovely memories of dinners at your house enlivened by Maeve’s wit and energy. Such laughter and fun. I am holding you in my heart and sending much love.
Such a fierce, beautiful, unique spark of a soul. So happy to have met you, Maeve.
So very sorry for your painful loss.
Holding you all in my thoughts.
JoAnn
Though we never met Maeve, we were still family. My heart aches for your family, and I pray you are at peace. Sending love from the Bergmann family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Neal, Manina, and Fionntan, we are heartbroken for you all at the loss of Maeve. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, her spirit shone through in the many Facebook posts of family adventures. Clearly, every moment was indeed a treasure. Our deepest sympathies to you all.
I am so sorry to hear this. I can’t possibly know what you all are going through. Please know that I am praying and sending hugs from here.
Dear Neal, Manina and Fionntan,
We are just stunned by this news, and can’t begin to express how sad we are for you. Please accept our sympathy, and know that all of you and your darling Maeve are in our thoughts.
Peter and Lisa
Dear Nina & Neal: our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know that your friends on Wimbledon share your sadness.
Oh Manina and Neal and Fionn. All I can think in my head is No. No. I am so desperately sorry. My heart is broken for you all. Maeve was so full of life and energy and drive. I am thankful that I knew them, if only a little. Please know that I am holding you all in my heart.
Such shattering news, Manina—my heart breaks for all of you. They sound like an astonishing presence, a gift to the world.
Sincere condolences from our family to yours. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the weekend visitation, but hope to see you at a later, less challenging time.
You were one of the most positive, loveable, enjoyable, entertaining, funny, and person person. We went to school together at Cleardale! I remember when I was new you made me feel so welcome with showing me around and you always made me feel comfortable. You made me try rice wrap thingys at our first sleepover together at your house. We got out of touch after we graduated together I wish we didn’t! Rest In Peace and fly higher then higher like you always did -my deepest condolences to the Ferris Family! Clarissa Lounsbury
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Maeve was such a light and such a wonderful friend. Spending time with Maeve was always such a fun time, and travelling to New York with them is an experience I will never forget. My thoughts are with your family during this time.
Manina, I don’t know what to say-this news is beyond words. I am sorry-I am thinking of you, Neal, and Finn. I will be making a donation in Maeve’s name.
My heart breaks with you, Manina, Neal, Fionntan, and your extended family. May you find peace in the wake of unutterable tragedy.
Manina, Neal, and Fionn, I am heartbroken at your loss. I’m thinking of you and sending my love.
Aara Suksi has made a donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids on behalf of Maeve Ferris.
Manina, Neil, and Fionn, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and months, as will your beautiful Maeve.
My sincerest condolences to Maeve’s Family. They helped me through some dark times and always put a smile on my face. Heaven gained a beautiful angel .
Manina and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your great loss. God bless…
I am so terribly sorry, Manina, Neil, and Fionntan. My thoughts are with you.
Manina, Neal — I’m so sorry. What a dramatic end to a vigourously lived life. I remember best when Maeve was a child. I still have a certain orange heart-shaped pillow.
I have such clear memories of Maeve’s wonderful smile at OKTC both on and off the stage. As a costume mom I was back stage a lot with our daughter Emma’s shows and I remember seeing Maeve volunteering often. They are a spirit that will most definitely be missed. Our sincere condolences. May tender memories surround you during this terrible time of loss.
I was so sorry to learn of Maeve’s tragic passing. I was a teacher at Mountsfield where they went to school. I was so happy to see them a few years later at Beal, talking enthusiastically about perusing theatre — I remember Maeve as this tiny child, with an enormous presence, so this seemed the perfect fit. I am sure their enormous presence has left an empty chasm. My thoughts and love to her family.
I only knew Maeve as a smiling face and a wonderful actor.
I was always happy to see Maeve in an OK production.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Nina and family, our heart felt deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Betty & Dennis
Dear Manina, Neal, and Fionn,
“May memory restore again and again
The smallest color of the smallest day:”
(Delmore Schwartz)
We hold you in our thoughts, with much love, Alison and Bryce
I was deeply saddened to hear about Maeve’s passing.
I had the pleasure to meet Maeve while working for Heather and Vico. She was always so happy and caring with me and the kids, always willing to join us for adventures.
Keeping all the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Anggie.
Dear Neal and Manina,
I have no words to express my sorrow for what your family is going through. I never met Maeve, but could see some of their character and accomplishments through Neal’s proud postings. I like to think of them like I think of my parents, both of whom I recently lost. They are all stardust again. A cosmic presence that will forever surround you. With a heavy heart and great sympathy for your family, Kostalena
No words – unimaginable. Deepest condolences and hugs.
Neal and Nina, I am at a loss for words. My heart breaks for you both and Fin.
I had the absolute honor and privilege to direct Maeve in 2 productions with LYTE. Seussical, and The Wolves. To me, Maeve was the essence of what the LYTE program was about- kind, caring, accepting, and supportive. She was an absolute star both on and off stage and I will always cherish the time I spent with her. My heart goes out to her family in this incredibly difficult time.
Manina, sending condolences for this unimaginable loss. Much love to your family.
With deepest sympathy to the family and friends as you remember Maeve.
Chantal
My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Oh, Manina, I just want to jump on a plane and come give you a hug. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, Neal, and Maeve’s brother at this unspeakably difficult time. Much love, Susan
Maeve was such a wonderful light in our program. They were so passionate about the work they did and were always so excited to share it with others. It pains me to say goodbye so early. I remember they made me a batch of possibly the best cookies i’ve ever had simply because I had mentioned that I wanted something sweet. I miss them. My condolences to everyone who has had the pleasure of spending time with Maeve.
I met Maeve through the performance production program and had many classes with them. They were always very helpful and kind. They knew everything about musicals, shows, and books and they lit up every room and conversation they were in. I will miss them. My condolences to the family.
Maeve was truly the best of us in production. Their passion and light burned so bright, they will surely be missed. My deepest condolences to Maeve’s friends and family. They touched so many lives with their energy, and I know I’ll miss them dearly.
Maeve was an important, valued, and passionate member of our Beal performing arts classes. They had great vision and would always support and step up for their peers. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Neal, Nina and Fionntan, we are gutted by this news and will keep you in our hearts and thoughts. Peace to you, and may their memory be a blessing.
Our deepest, deepest condolences at this heartbreaking loss. We are holding you in our thoughts.
Dear Manina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy as you remember Maeve. It is clear from their tribute that Maeve was a creative forced and truly loved.
Beth
Fiontann, Manina, and Neal, I am so sorry to hear this news about Maeve and I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling right now. I met Maeve when I was 11 at OKTC camp, and since then went on to stage manage with them and also had the honour of being in The Wolves with them—an experience I will never forget and hold dear to my heart. Maeve was an incredible human being and I loved talking to them about theatre, favourite musicals, and books. Maeve was so truly loved by so many and I am once again so sorry for your loss.
Neal and Nina and Fin,
We are so sorry to hear of this awful news. Our thoughts are with you.
Ron and Deb
Dear Neil and family we here in Ireland were very sad to hear of the passing of Maeve. Such a terrible loss to loss your wonderful child. Sending you our love and prayers.
Maeve was my daughter’s room mate, and we hadn’t had an opportunity to meet yet. In reading the tributes and messages of condolence, Maeve sounded like a bright light in this world.
I have struggled with finding the right words as there really aren’t any right words in this situation. I hope that Maeve is now at peace and that you are able to find peace in your memories and the mark they left on people. On behalf of my family, I send our condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Tragic loss of a young and vibrant soul.
Leslie, Mark, Grace and Ryan Hawthorne
I so enjoyed the times I spent with Maeve and Nina since returning to Canada. I cannot imagine how devastating this is for the family. I’m so sorry. Words fail.
Maeve lit up every room they entered. Their excitement and passion for everything they did was palpable and infectious, whether it was a book from their “list of 100 must-read books”, a new recipe, movie, theatre playbill, mermaids, or a COVID-19 high tea! It was an honour for us to watch them grow up to the beautiful young adult they became. We will cherish these memories always. We will miss Maeve!
My deepest condolences Manina, and to your family. I had the great pleasure of meeting Maeve on a couple of occasions at the Grand, and it was a joy to see their love of theatre. I know they will be dearly missed. Thinking of you all.
Dear Manina, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Kevin
Dear Neal & Manina-
I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Maeve. I am sending my deepest condolences to you both, and to your family, as you begin to walk this path together.
Erin
Dearest Manina, Neil, and Finn,
My heart broke in two for you when I got this news. I have loved hearing about the force of nature that is Maeve over the years, with their passion for theatre, so parallel to one of my own. I loved too hearing about Maeve being out on that dig training the other students this summer. It feels impossible that this has happened. If a friend learning this news is shocked I can not imagine how this crashed into your lives with this life so full of promise cut short so much too soon. I mourn with you; I send my heart and my most profound condolences; I send you big bear hugs. In the Jewish tradition, we say, may Maeve’s memory always be for all a blessing. I hope you know you are surrounded by friends and family near and far who love you and care for your well-being at this time and in the days to come.
Dear Manina,
Holding you and your family in my heart and sending love and comfort to you at this devastating time.
Dear Nina, Neil and Finn:
Jocelyn and I were devastated to hear of Maeve’s passing – our family’s hearts go out to you all in this unutterably sad situation. Such lovely memories of your family, your warmth in your welcoming us to London and UWO back when, and Maeve’s irrepressible humour and high spirits. Wishing you some peace and solace in the midst of this loss, Prakash, Jocelyn, Leela and Meena
I had the joy of working with Maeve in OKTC shows and then with the dance program in high school. They always were such a kind friend and so passionate about everything they did. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Neal and family – so so sorry – Maeve clearly brought great joy to your lives and will be profoundly missed by many. Alicia
Maeve was the most amazing person I have ever met. They were my rock and without them I wouldn’t have made it through high school. We were the broadway singing duo and I am so grateful I decided to invite Maeve to my thirteenth birthday, after that day we became best friends and everyday was filled with fun and laughter. Maeve was a light and I will miss them so much. Thank you for always being by my side, and you will always and forever be my best friend. My heart goes out to Maeve’s family and I am so grateful to have been best friends with your beloved Maeve.
So very sorry for your loss. I believe our kids were in theatre productions together in London. This is heartbreaking.
We didn’t know Maeve, but, from reading all the testimonials here, they were clearly singular and remarkable as well as loved beyond measure. We wish all of you who adored Maeve a world of solace at this terrible time. Manina, Neal, and Fionntan, you have our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts. Sincerely, Teresa and Brian
Our hearts are broken.
We always remember Maeve shivering with excitement to share a story with everyone after swimming at my parents’ house. Their energy shone and made us laugh. Thank you, Maeve, for those memories still make us smile.
Nina and Neal and Fionn…you have our love and support always.
Manina and family, your loss is truly unfathomable and heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to all of you as you navigate your grief together.
Maeve was a bright, bright light everywhere they went; fearless, outgoing, and overwhelmingly passionate. Having them as a classmate for the past two years as well as a member of our musicals cast was a gift that I will never take for granted. We’re dedicating the show this year to you, Maeve. Your spot in our cast cannot be filled.
We’ll always remember them as a wonderful, caring and unique individual. We’ll always remember Maeve caring for our pup Vinny, babysitting our kids and the impromptu dance performances. Our deepest condolences.
Dear Neal, Manina, and Fionntan, I was saddened to hear about the loss of this incredible human being! Meaghan and Joey spoke of Meave often with love, in awe of her personality, a beautiful soul and an inspiration to all! My thoughts and love are with you in this difficult time! Sylvie
Neal, Nina and Fionn, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of beloved Meave. I cannot imagine any harder time in life than what you are going through right now. On the other hand, I also know what loving parents you two have been and continue to be. And Fionn the best big brother any sister would hope for. They have left us with broken hearts. Hearts full of disbelief and questions. You are in our thoughts always. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Let us know when you need company.
Manina and family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Maeve was a bright light. My thoughts are with you.
I made a pie last night for Thanksgiving. As I stood there crimping the edges of the pastry, I thought of Maeve’s skill and artistry in baking, the many joyfully shared pics of desserts (some already eaten!) that you have shared over the years. Social media allowed us all to see glimpses of Maeve as they blossomed — the narrowest fraction of a vibrant spirit. Thank you for sharing them with us. I also treasure the memories of Maeve in the halls (which made it seem reasonable that my own kid could walk around looking for his mom’s office). Much love, Jess
Maeve was an incredibly kind soul and someone filled with a beautiful, passionate energy particularly for theatre and performing. Their love for the arts was something beautiful and palpable and their talent was a force to be reckoned with. I am honoured to have gotten to experience their presence and worked alongside them. Maeve will be so dearly missed and cherished and their passion will be remembered with such fondness and gratitude. Sending all my condolences to their close family at this time.
Maeve was such a light. Their energy was truly unmatched while performing, but also offstage as a friend and teammate. They had such a positive attitude and brought so much enthusiasm and spirit to this community.
They will truly be missed, and will remain in our hearts for years to come.
Maeve was my daughter Gabrielle’s best friend and also extremely close to Gabrielle’s younger sister Rachael. Maeve was always full of song and laughter, belting out broadway musicals and of course Disney. Along with this trio were a bunch of fabulous friends who came together every October in my home to celebrate Birthdays and Halloween. In June was the annual end of summer pool party. Maeve was loved by all, and you could even hear Maeve’s smile due to their incredible energy. I’m going to miss you sweet child. Thank you for being so wonderful and a special part of my family. Love you forever.
Neal, Nina — you have my deepest condolences. My heart goes out to you and Fionn.
Thank you for being my friend Maeve. I, along with our classmates, will miss you so very much. Thank you for teaching me how to believe in myself when showcasing my skills to others and to remember that I “have nothing to lose.” I will never forget you and the light you shone into every room you were in.
A light so bright, who touched so many lives, whose beautiful fire we’ll carry with us forever. What a loss for the world. All my strength and love to Nina, Neal and Fionn.
Dear Manina, Neal, and Fionn,
I have been thinking about you every day and wishing you solace. I am so very sorry for this unbearable loss, which you must somehow still bear. I’m sending you wave upon wave of hugs and care.
Lily
Neal, Nina and Fionn, I can’t begin to imagine the agony and pain you must be going through for the loss of the brilliant, passionate wonderful Maeve. I am truly sorry.
I will miss them. I will miss their passionate talks about theater, about books, about swimming, about baking and about lemon trees (and making lemonade) in Greece. I wish our talks could’ve continued for many more years. I love my memories of Maeve and will cherish them for as long as I can.
Love,
Gloria Carnevale
Dear Nina, Neal, Fionn and to any one else who had the privilege of knowing Maeve, I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember sitting down with my 11 year old cousin at Grandma and grandpa’s house and having an in depth conversation about a screen play that Maeve had written, and thinking, this 11 year old is already much smarter than me. It was amazing.
Not only was Maeve very talented and intelligent, but also extremely kind. I will always be proud to call Maeve my cousin.
Nina , Neal and Fionn are the best mother, father and brother anyone could ever ask for. I truly mean that, in fact Gloria and I openly discuss it pretty often.
We love you Maeve and we love you Nina , Neal and Fionn
Joey, Gloria and Gianluca
Dear Neal, family and friends, my deepest condolences to you all. It sounds like Maeve was a truly dynamic person. Hugs to all.
There are no words to express how hard this news is. We hope you find a way to come through this and know that many of us are here for you all for anything. Our deepest condolences to you all
Maeve and I met at Oktc when we where 13. Despite going to different high-schools and universities they remained one of my closest friends. We spent a lot of this past summer together and I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life. We watched each other grow up. I will love you for the rest of my life and there won’t be a day I don’t miss you. My heart goes out to their family and I wish I could be there today to give my love in person.
My deepest condolences to you at this time of profound sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to you at this time of profound sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
An incredible and passionate student who is deeply missed. Maeve, I am honoured to have met you.
Sending love and condolences to Maeve’s family and friends.
Kaileigh
Dear Manina, Neal and Fionn,
We were heartbroken to hear this news. We have known Maeve since they were a toddler with Miranda at Grand Avenue Day Care and they were always such a bright and vibrant spirit. Although we rarely saw them in person as the years went by, we caught glimpses of their light and many talents on your Facebook posts. There are no words that are adequate at a time like this but please know we are thinking of you and sending our love, Susan, Ken and Miranda.
Just so sorry Nina and Neal, I wish you compassion and strength,
Dave and Sandy
Nina and Neal and Fionn I am gutted by reading of your loss , please know you are in my thoughts today and for many days going forward. I am so sorry.
Since the first moment I met Maeve, as a baby in a highchair at my in -laws, I was in love. And just a few years later, running away from our dinner table, into the bathroom and back like a whirlwind, happily exclaiming, ” I feel much better now that I’ve peed and pooped!” Making us all smile, but I especially again fell in love again with that sincerity, and honesty. It was beautiful. Over the years we’ve had many conversations, many swims in our pool, (that she found a bit too warm being a purist in water). I was once requested to make a cup of hot chocolate for Maeve which did not pass the Maeve test, and she certainly let me know, in a polite, understanding and matter of fact way that it was just not acceptable, and would I try again? Of course, I did! The memories of Maeve and her family with us on my island are the most beautiful and bittersweet, we had gone on a trip from the island of Samos, to Ephesus, ruins of Turkey. That afternoon Maeve and I were joined at the hip, walking and talking for hours. It was hot, and exhausting, and beautiful.
They made everything so much more interesting, I love you Maeve, and I love you Nina, Neal and Finn, and all of us that are hurting. Let’s take some of her kickass strength and make our small attempts to heal…
I am beyond shocked and can only offer my condolences to Manina, Neal & Fionn, I met you all many years ago, probably when I dropped by to see your Grandmother, Aileen, my cousin. Tthe kids were young, but I wished I could spend more time with them. I would have liked to know them better. I am at a loss for words, .The Macedonians are comforted with the words who have lost a loved one “Bog da ja prosti”. May God forgive her, though there is nothing to forgive. I am truly sorry!
Dear Neal and family. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Prayers for comfort and strength for you all at this time.
With sympathy,
Christy Bressette
Dear Neal, Mania, and Fionn,
I just heard about your dear and beautiful Maeve. I have no words to properly express how devastated I feel for your loss. Maeve was a bright, shining light even as a toddler at daycare. My heart goes out to you and all who loved them.
I went to the Stratford summer program with them. When I heard from a friend of their passing I was, quite frankly, stunned. They were so indulgent in their work, and truly a joy to be around. I likely only had one or two short conversations with them, but that was enough for them to make an impact.
Dear Manina and family, I recently learned of this sad news. I am so, so sorry for this incredible loss. My heart is with you. Sending love, Stephanie
Dear family of Maeve Ferris,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I live in the building Maeve lived in. I had never seen her in the building before. Just to let you know that the day she died, we prayed for her. We had a Mass said for her a few days later.
Manina, I just heard about your loss. Please accept these late condolences, and know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I hope you and your family are moving through your incredible grief and healing in whatever ways you’re able.