Little Jamaica Pioneer Monica Lewis Dies, Leaving Lasting Legacy in Toronto’s Caribbean Community

Monica Lewis Helped Shape Toronto’s Little Jamaica

TORONTO, ON — Monica Lewis, the pioneering entrepreneur whose Eglinton Avenue West beauty supply store became a cornerstone of Toronto’s Little Jamaica community and an important part of Canadian music history, has passed away.

Her family announced her passing on June 5, remembering her as a beloved matriarch, business owner, community builder, and cultural trailblazer whose impact extended far beyond the walls of her longtime store.

Born in Jamaica, Lewis was given a rare opportunity as a young woman to leave home for England in search of greater opportunities. She later immigrated to Canada, where she and her husband George Lewis would help create opportunities not only for themselves but for numerous relatives who followed them to their new home.

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Building a Community Landmark

In the late 1960s, Monica and George Lewis purchased a property at 1553 Eglinton Avenue West and established what would become one of Toronto’s most recognizable Caribbean-owned businesses.

Monica’s Beauty Supply grew into Little Jamaica’s longest-standing beauty and cosmetics store, serving customers from across Toronto and Southern Ontario. At a time when products designed for Black and Caribbean consumers were difficult to find, the store became an essential destination for generations of shoppers.

For many residents, Monica’s was more than a business. It became a community institution where people gathered, shared stories, and remained connected to Caribbean culture and identity.

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A Foundation of Canadian Music History

Beneath Monica’s Beauty Supply, George Lewis operated a renowned reggae record shop that became a cultural hub for Caribbean music lovers, collectors, DJs, and artists.

Marked by the iconic yellow “George the Record Man” sign that still hangs outside, the basement record store introduced generations of Canadians to reggae and Caribbean music imports from Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The location also served as the headquarters for George’s record label and became an important gathering place for Toronto’s growing Caribbean community.

Over the years, the shop attracted everyone from neighbourhood music enthusiasts to internationally recognized artists, including Lenny Kravitz.

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A Place in Canadian Hip Hop History

Monica Lewis’s legacy extends beyond reggae music.

According to her family, Monica’s store was the location where Mr. Q’s “Ladies Delight” was recorded in 1979. The recording is widely recognized as the first known Canadian hip hop single, placing Monica’s at the centre of a pivotal moment in Canadian music history.

The store’s cultural significance has also been recognized by prominent Canadian artists including k-os and Kardinal Offishall, both of whom have paid tribute to Monica’s in their work.

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A Legacy of Kindness and Service

Her son, Junior Lewis, said his mother will be remembered not only for what she built, but for how she treated people.

A woman of deep faith, Lewis was known for welcoming everyone who entered her store, regardless of their circumstances.

Whether serving longtime customers, newcomers to Canada, local families, musicians, or individuals seeking shelter from the cold, she was known for treating people with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Her contributions to Toronto’s Caribbean community were recognized on numerous occasions by the City of Toronto and successive mayors.

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Standing Strong Through Change

As development and years of construction transformed Eglinton Avenue West, many longtime businesses faced significant challenges.

Yet Monica Lewis remained determined to keep her business open and continue serving the community she helped build.

“I am not going to let anyone push me out,” she famously declared.

Her perseverance became symbolic of the resilience of Little Jamaica itself.

Today, Monica’s Beauty Supply remains one of the few surviving businesses from the neighbourhood’s earliest days and stands as a testament to her commitment to community and cultural preservation.

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Funeral Arrangements

The family has invited community members, friends, and loved ones to celebrate Monica Lewis’s life.

Viewing

Friday, June 12, 2026
York Cemetery and Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, North York, Ontario

Viewing Times:

• 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Service

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Revivaltime Tabernacle
4340 Dufferin Street, Toronto

• Doors Open: 10:00 a.m.
• Service Begins: 11:00 a.m.

The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Monica Lewis leaves behind a legacy woven into the history of Toronto’s Caribbean community, Little Jamaica, and Canadian music. Her influence can still be seen in the neighbourhood she helped build and in the generations of people whose lives she touched.

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