Elizabeth Turner, loving wife of Robert Dunn, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023 in Brantford, Ontario. She was born August 14, 1941 in Hamilton, Ontario to Kenneth and Constance Turner. Elizabeth leaves behind her beloved husband and high school sweetheart Robert, as well as three children, Kimberley, Wylie (Monika) and Jared Rogers, and two stepchildren, Adam (Heather) and Tom (Melissa) Dunn.
Elizabeth was the oldest of four children and started her career as a nurse in Hamilton in the 1950s. She moved to the Woodstock, New Brunswick area in the 1960s to raise a young family on a 700-acre farm on Belle Lake, and returned to Dundas, Ontario in the early 1980s. Throughout this time she continued as a nurse, before retiring to summers on Beaver Lake near Kearney, Ontario and winters in Sebring, Florida.
Elizabeth was a selfless partner, parent and friend, and instilled in her children a passion for everything from the environment to sports and literature. In her years in the Maritimes, she demonstrated a keen understanding of how to raise both Irish Wolfhounds and Appalachian horses. As her friends during those years will remember, she was also a very good gardener, canner and maker of preserves, helping her family eat well during many long, cold winters. Later in life, Elizabeth was a small business owner alongside nursing and a regular volunteer at McMaster Hospital and the Salvation Army. Elizabeth continued to enjoy tennis, golf, skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and bridge, and loved to travel. She read voraciously and enjoyed “happy hour” on the dock at Beaver Lake with family and friends, reminiscing about her travels with Robert through North America, Iceland, Europe and Asia.
Elizabeth will be dearly missed by many, including her surviving siblings John (Nancy) Turner and Mary (Mike) Murray. She is predeceased by her youngest brother David (Trina). Loving grandchildren include Alexandra Rogers, Alia and Luca Rogers, Caitlyn Rogers, Connor and Lyndsy Dunn. A celebration of life with drinks and snacks will take place on April 22, from 2-4 p.m. at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, ON.
With incredibly broken hearts, the family announces the passing of our dearly loved and treasured stepfather Tom, at the age of 87. Welcomed into paradise by his soulmate and loving wife of 36 years Nina, he is predeceased by his parents James and Ludella, his sister Phyllis, brother Edward and step granddaughter Sarmie Jurcich. Tom will be dearly missed by his sisters Muriel, Margaret (Bruce), brother Len, and sister-in-law Jane. Deeply loved and adored stepfather to Kathy (Kelly) Fleck, Carol Jurcich (Alex), Liana (Wally) London, Fabian Peretin, daughter-in-law Sandra Carranza and devoted fur papa of Holly. Grandpa Tom was cherished by Natalie (Jeremy), George (Mallory), Joshua, Candy-Anne, Amber-Lynne (Ashton), (Johmar), Michael, Wally Jr (Calla) David (Vanessa), Nick (Samantha), Katrina, Kaitlyn, Jayden, Samantha (Donny), and his 17 great grandchildren. Uncle Tom was loved by his nieces and nephews Calvin, Clinton, Ronald, Kathy, Tammy Lynn, Jason, Amanda, Judith, Kevin, and Brenda, as well as his great nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in rural Ancaster, and growing up at the Merritt Hall fair grounds, Tom’s parents instilled in him steadfast values and morals of respect, honesty, integrity, and hard work, which he carried with him throughout his life.
Coming into our lives when we were adults, Tom quickly formed unbreakable bonds and loving connections with each of us in his own unique way. He welcomed us into his heart with unconditional love, affection, and open arms. Never having children of his own, he showed us that family is thicker than blood, and never failed to comfort, support, or encourage us.
Fiercely dedicated and strong willed, Tom’s hard-working ethics lead him from working at Dofasco where he learned how to weld, to becoming one of the most respected and admired welder and hydraulic mechanics at CP Rail; subsequently gaining the well-deserved title as “one of the best welders in the world”. Following his retirement from CP Rail, Tom never rested; he continued to share his skills and talents for the next 15 years at Action Hydraulics. When he was 80 years old, Tom finally hung up his welding helmet for good after a stellar career.
Tom’s passions included a love of trains, the golden oldie days of steam engines and showboat cars, travelling, road trips, diesel trucks and trailer days, but his greatest pride and joy was building his house in Brantford that he dearly loved. Always helpful, someone you could always rely on, full of patience and class, Tom was genuinely one of the “real good guys.” He had the biggest heart and the kindest spirit. Tom’s remarkable strength and determination carried him through his toughest challenges, especially in his darkest days.
With a pep in his step, and a twinkle in his big blue eyes, a smile bigger than life, and an adorable sense of humour, our fun loving, most handsome, beloved Tom, will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all those who have been blessed to have shared this life with him.
Special thank you to Dr. Mark Moores, for his continued dedication; the dialysis teams at Goderich and University Hospital London for their compassionate care, and to Wingham Hospital for the dignity, respect and kindness lovingly provided in his final days. Deepest gratitude to loving and caring neighbours Marie, Susan and Ray for their endless comfort, friendship and support, during his most difficult times over this past year.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 5th, 2023 from 6 – 9 pm at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St Dundas. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday April 6th, 2023 at 12:00 pm at the same location. Interment to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, 1324 Concession 2 Rd W, Hamilton. Reception to follow. For those who wish, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Dad was born on Victoria Street in Dundas and has lived in town his whole life. For 38 years, he was married to Shirley Joan (née Pyett), until her death on June 22nd, 2003. He is survived by his grieving sons, Paul (at home), and Thomas (Toronto) & his wife Joanna. Their children, Lindsay, Emma, and Jacob were the lights of his life. Remember that Grandpa’s love will never die.
Don was a teacher and principal at Caistor School #5 (one-room school – Shirley was at #6), Central Public Dundas, University Gardens Dundas, Fessenden Ancaster, Dundana Dundas, Balaclava-Victoria Carlisle, and Millgrove. His students sought him out and brought their kids and grandkids to meet Mr. Chappel. Dad’s staff at University Gardens (1965-1972) still get together when they can; it is a very tight and loving family.
A life member of St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas (and choir). We want to thank Rev. Jim Cairney for his faithful visits that have meant so much. In his retirement, Dad served as organist at Rock Chapel United Church, and St. George’s Reformed Episcopal Church, Hamilton. At Rock Chapel he founded and led his Kazoo Choir which involved about half the congregation. It was amazing. He played for and sang with the Afternoon Singers seniors’ choir. For over 50 years, Don was very active in and served as organist for the Valley Lodge A.F.& A.M. No. 100 and was a Distinguished Recipient of the William Mercer-Wilson Medal. He was also organist for Temple Lodge No. 324.
Predeceased by his sister, Betty, Don is survived by his brother- and sisters-in-law Lloyd & Phyllis Pyett and Margaret Pyett, and his cousin Douglas & Heidi Mawson. Dad loved his nieces and nephews very much, and enjoyed seeing them, even when it was many years between visits.
He leaves too many friends to name, but Lenore Castle, Warren & Joyce Gedcke, Rod & Joan Jeffress, Cecil & Gladys Hamilton, Judy Smith, John & Gillian Ferns, Marilyn dePass, Joan Morris, Gerry Magnish, and his niece Pauline Wright were especially close. Neighbours were always special to Dad: Brigitte & Ziggy, Andy, Michelle, Rob, John, Mike & Maureen and especially their sons Erik & Ryan who meant the world to him. Paul’s great friend Ryan Jackson, and Scott Lehane were also loved very much by Dad.
Dad will rest at the Turner Family Funeral Home, Dundas, on Friday, March 31st from 3-6 pm followed by the Masonic Memorial Service. A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm; Paul will officiate and it will be live-streamed (turnerfamilyfuneralhome.ca). Reception to follow at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West. Dad didn’t want people to feel they had to dress in dark, formal clothing, so please wear what you like. Interment will be Monday, April 3rd at 10:30 am at Grove Cemetery, Dundas.
Memorial donations in Donald’s honour, if wished, to the Royal Canadian College of Organists, or, as Dad did so often, take a friend out to dinner, or give some money to a friend in need. Dad was a life-long giver who found it incredibly difficult to accept others’ time and help, but their love he always cherished.
Peacefully at home, on March 25, 2023, in his 82nd year, Peter entered into the presence of his faithful Lord and Saviour. Predeceased by his cherished wife Nell in 2005, and two precious grandsons, Byron Kloetstra in 2006 and Warren Dendekker in 2015. Beloved father of Audrey and Jim Koopman, Sheryll and Rick Kloetstra, Lorraine and Matt Hirst, Cyndi and Ed Laman, Peter and Sandra Dendekker, David and Cheryl Dendekker. Treasured grandfather of 29 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Special Uncle to Joleen and Richie McKinstry and family. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, March 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Maranatha Free Reformed Church, 1114 Old Mohawk Road, Ancaster. Private funeral and interment to follow. Donations to Peace Haven gratefully accepted.
“I trusted in Thee O Lord, I said Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hands.” Taken from psalm 31
Raynsford, Ashley Laureane – Suddenly at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in her 33rd year. Loving partner to Corey Cunningham, and loving daughter to Michael and Wilma Raynsford. Ashley will be sadly missed by her sister Marissa and her boyfriend Jordan, her aunts and uncles Mark and Nadine and Lisa and Tim, her cousins Billy, Emily, Tricia and Tracey, and by all her Jamaican family. Predeceased by her grandparents Pat and Bob Raynsford. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday afternoon and evening from 2-4 & 6-8 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, where the Service for Ashley will be held Thursday at 11 o’clock. Cremation has taken place. Donations to the SPCA in Ashley’s memory would be appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank all the staff of the ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Christina Docherty was born July 12 in1939, UK, a dark and threatening time. Money was scarce but there was singing in her family home. Light entered through song.
Christina, who usually went by Chris, or Mrs. G to her children’s friends, grew up in Glasgow, Scotland and married James Patrick Gentle. They had one child, Sally, then another, James, before crossing an ocean to Canada, then the U.S., then back to Canada again. A third child, Irene, arrived in those travelling years.
There was singing in this family home, and books. Christina bestowed the joy of reading to her children, so they grew up roaming universes. In time books became her work, at the Brampton Library. A supporter of libraries to the last, a new stack entered her home the day she went to the hospital, the first in decades to go unread.
She learned to swim, dunking her head underwater for the first time in her 40s. It’s one thing to do this as a child, as an adult it’s an act of will. Those same years presented the need to drive a manual transmission. One glorious crash through the garage into the living room later, she nailed it.
An avid follower of sports and current events, she had a thought on pretty much anything. Don’t like my opinion? No problem, I have another, she’d say. And she did.
Generally practical, she nonetheless placed onions on our childhood staircases to ward off, well, who can say, really. Her leaning toward justice showed sometimes strangely, such as the head of a pro-democracy leader cut from a magazine that stared valiantly up at us for months.
She had adventures, separating from James in her 50s, moving to Nova Scotia in her 60s, before being pulled back to Ontario to be closer to her children.
She had joys, primarily her beloved grandchildren Amanda and Alyssa Drew and Charles Wallace Gentle. Her warm, kindred relationship with son-in-law Matt Jackson, her enjoyment at sharing the wonder of science and space with son-in-law Raymond Drew. And clocks. So many clocks, mostly noisy, timed a minute or so off from each other so whirs, cuckoos and gongs chime forever. She loved sparkle, glitter that cuts through dark, like her pure, unconstrained laugh.
She had sadness. The infinite loneliness that comes from being far from the country and family she was raised in. The loss of her parents, Chrissie and Harry Docherty, the loss of her brother, also Harry Docherty, and finally, most excruciatingly, of her treasured son Jim in October 2022. Her world dimmed. It was again a dark, threatening time.
She fell ill in March. Illness was new to her. She faced it, books and music at her bedside like guardians, with characteristic curiosity and courage, more incredulous than scared. I’ve had a good life, she said. I’ve no regrets, I feel lucky.
She died suddenly and unexpectedly on a day of soft rain in the same hospital her son had died in less than six months before her, their unbreakable bond made eternal.
Her loss tears wider and deeper the gap in our universe. She is fiercely missed by all mentioned above as well as Brenda Docherty, Claire, Robert, Kate, Sarah and their lovely families; Chantal Ayotte (predeceased by Jim Gentle); Ann Sachuk (predeceased by Nick Sachuk, Patrick and Jean Gentle); all who knew her as Mrs. G; her former library colleagues and more.
She encouraged us to enjoy every moment and be kind to ourselves and others. She requested no service but was always up for a song. She’d sing if she knew the words, and clap along. That’s how light enters.
