Ray Staples
November 12, 1919 - July 16, 2012
Our Ray of sunshine has passed this Monday July 16, 2012 and all who knew her are saddened by the loss of her love, her wit and her direct approach to life. She lived her rich 92 years with vivacity and flair. She was like no other and we are blessed to have shared our lives with her.
  Ray was the product of her inimitable parents, Mabel and Arthur Burridge of Lindsay, Ont. As a teenager Ray dreamed of being an artist and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where she honed her talents, then worked as an illustrator, a muralist and eventually as a display artist with Simpsons and Eaton's department stores. After taking courses at the Parsons School of Design she decided to call herself ''The Room Doctor'' and embarked on her fifty year career as an Interior Designer. In 1965 she joined the Interior Designers of Ontario (IDO) where she later served as president for two terms and was a driving force in creating what is now known as ARIDO. During those years she made numerous appearances on television, eventually hosting her own design show with co host Alex Trebek as well as making many memorable appearances as ''the lady with the hats'' on CityLine's ''Home Day'' as a consulting designer.
  Above all she loved her work, her family and her husband of 62 years, Everett Staples (predeceased). She touched us with her passionate creativity and her great sense of humour. She leaves behind a most wondrous group of loving and talented people: her beloved son Kevan Staples and daughter-in-law Marilyn Kiewiet, adored granddaughter Sacha Staples and much cherished great- granddaughter Sienna, beloved nieces Elaine and Carrie Loring, Elaine's husband Sam Bornstein and children Katie and Max, and Carrie's son Lee Mosbaugh and the rest of the Mosbaugh clan, Mary, Frank and Garth, as well as extended family and numerous good friends.
  A special Thank You to the kind, caring doctors and staff of both Christie Gardens Retirement Community and Toronto Western Hospital.
  In memory of Ray, please repaint that beige living room a vibrant, happy colour that makes your heart sing, as she made our lives sing.
  A ''Celebration of Life'' event will take place in the fall. Please visit raystaples.rdiv.com for more information and to leave your thoughts and memories.