Sheppard, Marvin Ross

September 8, 1941 – June 22, 2023

With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the death of Marvin Sheppard, who passed away peacefully at Extendicare Hamilton surrounded by the love of his family.  A true gentleman, Marvin remained courageous and determined in the face of countless health challenges late in life and his kindness and gentle spirit never wavered. 

Cherished husband of the late Joan Breckles (d. 2021).  Loving father of Tracey (John Brake) and proud grandfather of Sarah, Kathryn and Mikayla.  Son of the late Benjamin (d. 1982) and Ella (d. 1982) Sheppard. Brother of the late Dr. Douglas (d. 1987) (Willemien Sheppard), Frances (Zigmund Parkin), Ruth (John Hughes), Kenneth (Nora Sheppard), Helen (Fulvio Michelazzi), Madlyn (Dr. Leslie Bradley) and Doreen Johnson.

Marvin was a career teacher and school administrator with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.  He was beloved and respected by colleagues and students and he provided them with support in difficult times while celebrating their successes.

The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to all of Marvin’s caregivers at Extendicare, the Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital for their exceptional care during Marvin’s lengthy illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Turner Family Funeral Home at 53 Main Street in Dundas, Ontario from 2-4 pm on Tuesday, June 27th.    All are welcome to come and share their fond memories of Marvin.

Farkas, Angelina

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Angelina (Angie) Antonia Farkas at age 78. 

Born on Feb 26,1945 in Hamilton, Ontario. Angie passed away on June 18, 2023. 

She is now on her journey to reunite with her husband Andrew (Andy) Farkas Jr. in heaven. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have met this wonderful woman, especially her children Jeff Farkas and Nadine Pozer, also her grandchildren Audrey Elizabeth Pozer and David Andrew Pozer. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and sweet grandmother. May she rest in peace.

Covert, James Ross

After a long and courageous fight against dementia, James Ross Covert passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas.  He was born on Feb. 20, 1946 in Campbellford, ON and always regarded this spot on the Trent River as God’s country.  He is predeceased by his parents Jim and Jean (Hendy) Covert, his younger sister Cathy (Rick) Court, and his first wife Gisela (Frank) Tobiens-Sherman.  He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Marie (Bethune) Covert, his daughter Rebecca Anne (Becky) Covert, and his sister Sheila (Bob) Wilson.

He leaves behind nieces and nephews and even 8 ‘greats’, as well as many friends and neighbours.

When James (or Ross or JR) left Westinghouse/Camco, he started his own tax business, Romarco Consulting.  This work gave him many years of satisfaction as he felt he was able to help people with their tax questions.  He became friends with many of his clients and even did free pick-up and delivery of tax forms.  He loved this ability to serve and be part of his community.  He was a ‘life’ member of the Hamilton Air Force Association and the Dundas Legion, Branch #36.  For many years he volunteered with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association on the Fundraising Committee and coordinated many events; he loved the people interaction and knowing that the funds would be used for a good cause.  Similarly, he chaired a golf tournament (in conjunction with the HAFA) for several years for Rygiel Homes and once more enjoyed the camaraderie of the golfers and the generous cheque for this favoured charity.  

Visitation prior to the funeral will take place on June 19, 2023 at 11:00 at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West, Dundas.  The funeral service will follow immediately after, at 12:00.  Interment to follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery near Campbellford  at a later date.  He will rest with his grandparents, at the feet of his grandfather whom he adored. 

A reception will follow the service and will be hosted at the Dundas Museum and Archives, 139 Park Street West, Dundas.

Special thanks to Dr. Boyd and the amazing staff of Orchid Garden at Saint Joseph’s Villa where Ross has resided for the past 7 years.  They have shown a great capacity for kindness and care  which has been much appreciated during these difficult times. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton Halton or St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas. 

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home at 53 Main St., Dundas, if that is your preference.

McColeman, Mary-Anne

Mary Anne McColeman 1923-2023

It is with deep sadness, that the family of Mary Anne McColeman shares the news of her death on Thursday June 8th at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Centre in Hamilton at the age of 100 years young. Anne passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her beloved husband Lorne 1993 with whom she enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Loving mother of Lynne Loher and Robert McColeman (Christine), and devoted grandmother to Michelle (Jon), Jason (Melanie), and Andrew. And devoted great- grandmother to Lucas and Drew.

Anne was the second youngest of 8 children, born to Vincent and Helena Mallia born in Toronto, Ontario. She was predeceased by her siblings, Andrew, Charles, Anthony, Grace, Mary, Joseph, and Theresa.

Anne was a business trailblazer in establishing “Kinsley McColeman Bindery” in the mid 1940’s continuing to work in the Bindery business until 1988. Anne and Lorne bought a home in Etobicoke, Ontario in the early 1950’s where she lived until 1994, at which time she moved to Dundas, Ontario. Anne was an avid euchre player and had a large network of friends with whom she enjoyed many lively conversations and lifelong friendships. Anne loved to travel in her younger retired years and spent vacations in Spain, Malta, Portugal and cruises to Panama and Alaska. Anne was a huge fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and never missed a game, having followed them since 1977! She received a letter from the Blue Jay’s Club, congratulating her on her 100th Birthday and thanking her for years of dedicated support.

Anne had a very full life. She will be missed, and her memory cherished by her loving family. The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Centre in Hamilton for their compassionate care during this difficult time.

A visitation and a short service will take place on Monday June 12th between 1-3 p.m. at Turner Family Funeral Home Ltd., Dundas, Ontario.

Cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life will occur at a future date for family.

Donations made to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Centre Hamilton in Anne’s memory would be appreciated.

Potter, Mary Lou

Mary Lou passed away on Wednesday May 31, 2023 in her 93rd year.  She is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Jack and her partner of 10 years, Art.  She leaves behind her children Paul (France), Susan (Duff), Karen, Bruce and Jean (Chris).  She is greatly missed by her grandchildren John, Tessa (Cameron), Sierra (Mike), Emily (Adam), Morgan, Kally (Xavier) and Teagan, and treasured by her great grandchildren, Jack, Gavin, Rhys and Harper.

Mary Lou raised five rambunctious kids in a very busy household; beginning in Niagara Falls, and then five years later on Little John Road in Dundas.  Mom dedicated herself to her children and our life together.  We lacked for nothing and fondly remember the simple things and the profound life lessons she shared with us.

As one of the earliest members of St. Mark’s United Church, mom and dad served the church as their family grew.  We remember mom serving in the United Church Women organization, St. Mark’s nursery school, daycare and choir.  She was always ready to lend a hand whether at a rummage sale or the children’s movie day.  

Mary Lou was an avid quilter, bridge player, square dancer, swimmer and world traveller.  She was never idle and enjoyed cottage life, whether in Niagara-on-the-Lake as a child, Lake of Bays, or most recently Kennisis Lake in Haliburton with all of her children and grandchildren.

In more recent years, mom resided briefly at Creekside Condominiums in Dundas, then the Arboretum in Guelph with her former high school sweetheart, Art Hemstreet.  We feel blessed that she and Art shared 10 wonderful and adventurous years together until Art’s passing 3 years ago.  Most recently, mom resided at Burlington Gardens in Aldershot where she took on the job of ‘official welcomer’ to new residents.  She enjoyed the new people she met and made many wonderful and cherished friendships.

Mom leaves a legacy of caring and loving kindness toward the people in her life; whether it was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, or husband Jack, partner Art, or all her sons and daughter-in laws.  She demonstrated continuous devotion for our well being and happiness.  We are all blessed to have had such a wonderful person in our lives.

The family would like to thank the Stroke and Palliative Care Team at the Hamilton General Hospital for their professionalism and care so that mom could pass peacefully and with dignity.

A celebration of life at St. Mark’s United Church in Dundas will take place at 2pm on Saturday June 24, 2023.  A visitation at 1pm will precede the celebration of life, and a reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers we ask you to consider a donation to Men’s Street Ministry at www.menstreetministry.ca

As we release you into God’s care we want you to know that all of your family is in a good place and we are grateful for having you in our lives.

…And I will dwell 

in the house of the Lord

forever

Psalm 23

Laviolette, Leo

With great sadness we announce Leo passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 25th, 2023.

Leo is survived by his cherished wife and best friend, Paula, who shared countless beautiful moments and memories throughout their lives together. He was a loving father to his son Steve (Francine) and daughter Cindy (Andrew). Leo’s devotion to his family was unwavering and he held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Adam, Steffi, Matthew, Nicholas and Nathan. He will be missed by his sister-in-law Karen, nephew Vincent, niece Laura (Brandon) and great nephew Isaac. He will also be missed by many family and friends.

He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and John, sister Marie and brother-in-law Romano. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the visitation and Celebration of Leo’s Life on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, from 2-4 pm at the Turner Family Funeral Home located at 53 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario.

Leo was a proud graduate of the faculty of Applied Science (Civil Engineering) at Queens University, Kingston in 1959. He was an avid curler, golfer and Scotch connoisseur. He will forever be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, willingness to lend a helping hand and making a positive impact on the lives of those he touched.

The family would also like to thank the medical team at St. Joesph’s Hospital, CTU 5MG and the exemplary care and compassion he received from all staff, especially nurses Meghan and Josh. We will forever be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wellwood Cancer Resource Center of Hamilton.