December 20, 2021- Died peacefully at St. Peter’s hospital after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Charlotte was born in Kitchener on April 7, 1946. She moved to the Hamilton area as a teenager and has called Dundas home ever since. She enjoyed travelling, playing cards with friends, gardening and swimming at the community pool in her retirement after a long career at Scotiabank. Charlotte was known for the gift of gab and being quick to laugh. Charlotte was greatly loved by her children Travis (Margot) and Jonathan (Angela), and grandchildren Seth, Amelia, Josephine, and Vivienne. Charlotte will also be missed by her sister-in-law Arlene Real (Greg) and many close friends. Per Charlotte’s wishes there will be no funeral service. If desired a donation to Canadian Cancer society or Dundas Community Services can be made in Charlotte’s memory.
Dog lover, avid reader, world traveller, and accomplished public servant, Sheila died suddenly in Hamilton on December 6th, 2021, in her 76th year. Sheila is survived by nieces Emily (Todd) and Sarah, nephew Jonathan (Karen), her six great nieces and nephews, her many cousins and loyal friends as well as her beloved English Cocker Spaniel Dancer.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Sheila was a long-time resident of Ottawa during her career in the public service and in retirement returned to her birthplace of Hamilton (Dundas).
Sheila completed an Honours BA in Political Science at McMaster University in 1967. She went on to graduate studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
After returning to Canada from Nigeria in 1969 Sheila began her career in public service with the World University Service of Canada and from there went on to work at the newly formed NGO Division of the Canadian International Development Agency. At CIDA she developed lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues. Sheila continued in increasingly senior roles in the Government of Canada and in 1987 was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of National Revenue. Following this she was appointed the Commissioner of Patents. As Sheila began contemplating retirement, she was looking for one last career challenge and went to Geneva to work for the World Intellectual Properties Organization and in 1997 was elected as Chair of the General Assembly of WIPO. She was the first Canadian and first woman to occupy this influential post.
In retirement Sheila continued her lifelong education and returned to McMaster to take courses in literature. Sheila also travelled to many countries including Brazil, France, Uzbekistan, and Iran. She also took the opportunity to visit and host her many relatives and friends.
A private graveside service will be held for the family.
Peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on Friday, December 17, 2021 in her 73rd year surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents Douglas and Ruth Guild, and her father-in-law, George Frank. Survived by her husband Bruce and her children Paul (Cheryl) and Catherine (Mike Walker). She will be missed by her brother Paul Guild (Inta) and her sister Nancy (Ian Bendall), as well as her mother-in-law Hilma Frank. Eleanor spent over 30 years working at McMaster University as Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Jesse Solomon of St. Peter’s Hospital for his compassionate care during her final days. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday afternoon from 2-5 at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. To attend Eleanor’s visitation you must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination and identification. A private interment will take place at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honour to Juravinski Cancer Clinic would be appreciated.
With great sadness we announce the death of Diana Jean Beatty (nee Wilding) who died suddenly at home on November 18th, 2021 in her 86th year. Predeceased by her husband, Michael Beatty with whom she shared 35 happy and loving years and her brothers Thomas Wilding and Bill Wilding, she leaves behind step children David Beatty and Carol Ackerman, step grandchildren Chris and Chas Beatty, sisters Sherry Wilding and Beverly Hutchison, sister-in-law Marjory Wilding; nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends, who will remember her for her gentle nature, adventurous spirit, and passion for the outdoors. As a teenager, her Bishop Strachan School choir travelled to England to sing at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and after graduating from Nursing College, she was an attending nurse at the first heart transplant performed in Canada. She was an avid skier but she is most renowned for achievements in training and breeding field trial champion Golden Retrievers. Diana loved dogs her entire life. At the age of 4, Diana was given a cocker spaniel named Rusty – her first in a lifetime of dogs and a passion for field trials that grew and established Diana as a leader in the sport. Whether a Field Trial, a Sunday Picnic Trial or Nationals, Diana was always there. Her dedication to her dogs and the sport is legendary. She was the first woman to judge a Canadian National Field Trial. She was renowned in her day for breeding Golden Retrievers and had a national champion winner in 2021. There are Goldens today that can still be traced back to her bloodlines and national champions. She will be sorely missed by her training partners and all who knew her in the sport. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held at a later date. Donations to your favourite dog charity would be greatly appreciated.
Mierzwa, Edward (Mud) – With great sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of a dear brother and friend to many, one week short of his 72nd birthday. Predeceased by father Alex, 1967, mother Katherine, 1994, sister Mary, 2017, nieces Kristine and Rosemary. Like a Dad to Rebecca, grandpa to Sarah, Megan and Emma. He will be sorely missed by sister Helen Willsie (Gary) of Michigan, niece Tina White (Brian ) and their children Garrett, Ian and Ed (his namesake) of Texas and niece Nadine Dunaway (Rob) of New Mexico. Ed retired from Stelco after 38 years of service. He enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest and had many special friends. During his younger years, he loved playing baseball (Mud 21) Waterdown Rangers and playing hockey. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Turner Family Funeral Home, Dundas Ontario. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
COYNE, Gaye Gwendolyn – Gaye passed away with grace surrounded by her loved ones on December 9th 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. Her sister Pat, a St. Joe’s nursing graduate, held her hand. Preceded by her parents Loyal and Evelyn, and her sister Beverly. Her sisters Pat and Doreen were with her. Also survived by her sister June. A very special Aunt to her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and now great-great-nieces and nephews. She was proud of her career at John Deere, to the delight of many nephews and nieces who loved diggers and tractors. Formerly of Caistorville, Dundas has been her home for 20 years. She loved to play cards, and cheer on her sports teams. Favourite trips were Hawaii and Ireland where she twice went to visit the Coyne roots. A very special thanks to the nurses and doctors of St. Joes who went above and beyond to deliver compassionate care in these trying times. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring to honour her 90th birthday. Donations to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation would be appreciated.
