MacInnis, June

June Marie MacInnis (Briscoe), 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury on Thursday, December 11th, 2025. June was born April 27th, 1935 in London, Ontario, to the late Hugh Robert Bailie and Lorinda May Coughtrey. June spent her early years in London, raised in a multi-generational home with her late siblings Bill, Hugh, and Roxie Ann where she enjoyed a special connection to her beloved horses, especially Topsy and her foals.

As a young woman, June served for the Canadian Air Force as an Air Woman operating radar receivers. Stationed in RCAF Station North Bay, working on “Project Harlequin” she met the father of her four children, Gilbert Francis Briscoe (predeceased). June settled in Sudbury where she began her family. June endured prolonged hardship, persevering and raising her children through tremendous difficulty with great strength. June left Sudbury to begin the next stage of her life, marrying her second husband Donald Daniel Francis MacInnis (predeceased) building a life together in Orillia and later returning to Sudbury. June and Don spent many summers enjoying camping at provincial parks. A lifetime swimmer, June was always the first in the water—no matter how cold. Over the years, June was overjoyed to welcome many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren into her life. June appreciated time with family and friends most of all, creating special memories by getting piercings with her granddaughters, getting her nails done and sneaking off to get tattooed in her eighties. June shared her talents of writing poetry as well as knitting and crocheting–gifts that live on in several of her children and grandchildren. In June’s last years, through declining health, she was cared for with compassion and grace by son Gilbert and daughter-in-law Phyllis. The entire family is eternally grateful to Gilbert and Phyllis for making June’s final years comfortable and full of joyful experiences, including a trip to Ireland at the age of 89—a lifelong dream fulfilled. Of special mention during this time is the companionship her dear friend Paula Jobin gave to her during all of her numerous hospital stays. 

June is survived by her sister-in-law Marie Bailie (Bill). She is forever missed by her children Gilbert (Phyllis), Michael (Katherine), David (Crystal), and June-Anne (Jay). Our beloved Nanny is deeply mourned and fondly remembered by her grandchildren Valerie (Derek), Sabrina (Danielle), Sydney, Kiersten (Billy), Ty, Caleb, Bailie, Keira, Sebastian (Colleen), Danielle, Tanya, and Terra. Her memory lives on in her great-grandchildren Miranda (Taylor), Logan (Mackenzie), Elsie, and Forrest, and her great-great-grandchildren Jameson and Elijah. June leaves behind Angel, the last of many furry companions she has had throughout her life. She will be remembered by extended family and friends around the world and in the Fellowship. June’s incredible capacity for love and connection has left us all with beautiful memories and broken hearts in her absence.

The family would like to express deep gratitude for the care and support over the years offered by the staff of Bradley Pharmacy, Community Paramedics, Health Sciences North, HSN Emergency Department, St Joseph's Continuing Care Centre, Acute and Reactivation Care Centre, Health at Home Team, Maison McCulloch Hospice and her team of doctors. Sincerest thanks to Dr. Frood, Dr. Trebb, Dr. Ferroni-Fortier, Dr. Simon, Dr. Knight, Dr. Primeau, RN Joanne and PSW Paul for their exceptional care.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 6th, 2026 in Sudbury with details to follow. An interment service in Orillia at Saint Andrew's - Saint James' cemetery will take place June 7th, 2026.

Mom was not only a hero, but our saviour and taught us that no matter how hard life gets, you never give up. You keep going, because life with all its ups and downs truly is beautiful. June leaves behind a legacy of profound love.

Finally, from one of June’s poems entitled, “Death”

I’m as free as an eagle
Soaring high above the ground
Free of pain, free of sorrow,
Free of my burdens,|
I am gone from this earth,
but not forgotten,
I live in the hearts,
of those I loved,
and who loved me.