Gloria A. Pyle, 86, lifelong resident of Hamilton, departed this life peacefully from her home on August 7th, comforted by her beloved husband of 59 years, Doug. Lovingly remembered by her daughter Terri-Ann (Dave), son Allen (Tawnee), sisters June, Susan, Pearl, Bonnie and Anne. Predeceased by her parents, Tony and Anne Baxter, brothers Warner, Tony, George, Ed, and sisters Joan and Grace. Gloria was a very proud Grandmother to Thomas, Tamara (Mitch), Tanner, Makayla and Cyanne. She cherished her large family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
After raising her children, Gloria went back to school and received her GED. She trained in sales and bookbinding and managed Coles Bookstore in Jackson Square. She truly enjoyed her time learning and was proud when her devotion paid off. Once decided, she rarely changed her mind.
Sister’s weekends were an exciting time over the years, with giggling mischief the prime objective, drawing attention wherever they went. She especially loved hosting Boxing Day celebrations with her large family. She prized their close sibling bonds and loved to talk about her large family and their accomplishments any chance she got.
Throughout the years, she kept and treasured reading cards from her loving friends and family. The sappier the better, reflecting her affectionate and nurturing side. A proud Hamiltonian, she was a Tiger-Cat fan her whole life. From pottery and painting to watching the NFL, she could out predict most of her peers with her knowledge of the game.
Her passion for socialization and bringing good food to those around her was apparent throughout the years at The Cow, The Air Force Club in Dundas and Captain Jack’s. She was also known to enjoy a brewski or two with her friends and family, often bringing lively singing and dancing along with her to places like The Continental and The Wee Dram. She had a special talent for bringing people together.
She was a masterful matchmaker responsible for both lifelong friendships and relationships. She was a great listener with a kind and caring heart that would happily take on the role of honourary Grandma for anyone in need. Her spirit was contagious, her sass endless and she was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Gloria could not help being herself, truly and authentically. She will be dearly missed.
Gloria loved to be the life of the party, a Celebration of Life will take place to honour her at TURNER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 53 Main St. Dundas (905-628-6412) on Saturday August 16, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. Internment will take place at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery on Monday August 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Garden of the Good Shepherd. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Saint Elizabeth Health, with a special thank you to Bernice. The family request those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to their favourite charity in Gloria’s name.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hans Posthumus, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by love. Born on December 22, 1951, in Holland, Hans immigrated to Canada as a young boy, where he would grow into a man known for his warmth, creativity, and joyful spirit.
Hans had a lifelong passion for music—playing, writing, and sharing it with others. His harmonica was his constant companion, and through it, he brought smiles and comfort to many. He also had a deep love for the outdoors, finding peace and wonder in nature’s beauty.
Above all, Hans cherished his family. He was a proud and loving father to Chris (Sarah) and Erin, and a devoted Grandpa to his grandchildren while he adored- Greyson and Beau. They brought endless joy to his life. Hans was one of nine siblings, and his bond with his brothers and sisters was a constant source of strength and laughter.
Hans lived with a unique zest for life, always the eternal optimist, even in difficult moments. His optimism, kindness, and warm presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Family would like to express their eternal gratitude to Dr. Goffin, Dr. Johns, and the caring staff at Margaret’s Place for the compassion they demonstrated to Hans in his final days.
In Lieu of flowers, family is asking for donations to be made to Margaret’s Place Hospice and to pay forward an act of kindness in his memory. A Celebration of Han’s Life will take place at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St, Dundas on Wednesday, August 13 from 5-7p.m.
Irene Whyte (née McAlpine), and for over 30 years, Irene Cizikas, before the death of her husband, Vince, in 2016, and “Greenie” to her grandkids when they were little, passed away peacefully at her home in Lynden on July 23rd, 2025.
Petite, blonde, and tough as nails (hers always beautifully manicured), Irene was Scottish to the core. She fought a years-long battle with cancer to the bitter end. William Wallace, that Braveheart guy, had nothing on her.
Born and raised in Paisley, Renfrewshire, just west of Glasgow, in 1950 to Jenny and Hugh, she was a sister to John, Janet, Betty and Marion. Irene trained as a hairstylist from the young age of fifteen and brought her considerable skills to Canada in 1973 when she emigrated with her husband, Will, and their young son, David. When he was born, she took one look at her red-headed dumpling and thought, “Well am nae daein thaat again!”
An independent business woman, Irene opened her own hair salon in the 90s called Kuts For Kids. She often didn’t need a salon, though, to fix your terrible haircut. Anywhere would do, kitchen, living room, or back deck. Irene, and her scissors, were always sharp and at the ready.
Irene was also an amazing gardener (weeds never had a chance), flower arranger (fresh from the garden, of course), cook and preserver (Her dill pickles were the best. Sorry, Mr. Bick).
At home she seemed to take literally the saying “You can eat off the floors.” But why would you want to when she had set the most beautiful dining table for special occasions and non-occasions alike? Life was to be celebrated, even on a Wednesday.
Always a wee bit of a glamour girl, Irene loved to put on both her face and a frock and go party. If it involved Rod Stewart, haggis, tartan, dancing, and a cold glass of white wine, so much the better.
Irene was a loyal friend, sister, and aunt. Friends were made in all of the many places she lived throughout Ontario. Her best friend was Nancy, for over fifty years, much of that time, long-distance, but no matter. Thick as thieves doesn’t even begin to describe these two. True friendship like true love endures. Someone who wasn’t a friend or even an acquaintance was Brian Cox (the scientist, not the actor). She hated him. Was it his haircut? We’ll never know. (Sorry, Dr. Cox).
As an animal lover, many cats and dogs accompanied Irene throughout her life, including Sandy, the ginger cat, and other beloved felines: Kate, Meg and Nellie, as well as dogs: Blue, Ladybird and crazy Bart. All were much doted upon and much yelled at. Grey, her last and perhaps favourite kitty, sadly passed away mere days before Irene, a fact that she will never know. Grey, as far as she is concerned is still out in the yard chasing chipmunks and entertaining the neighbours. It’s true what they say about timing.
A great history buff, Irene read voraciously those small print, five hundred page tomes on every known and obscure character from the past, particularly the monarchy. The early Scots and the Victorians always captured her imagination. She didn’t have as much time for this latest bin-bag of royals; Charles III was no match for Charles I in her estimation. Irene would have been a terrific history teacher.
Cancer is a beast. It takes away so much and causes so much hardship. Cancer, though, did not know who it was messing with when it decided to torment Irene. Tiny but mighty, she never once gave in to it. She fought it with everything she had. She made every moment as memorable as possible. She didn’t take life for granted.
Many outstanding people helped with Irene’s care from the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer to her very last moments, in particular, the amazing nurses at the VON, the many PSWs, Dr. Peter Ellis from the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Dr. Bernadette McNeil, and Dr. Carol Gideon, doctor, landlady extraordinaire, and above-all, wonderful friend to Irene. David, her son, Jayne, her daughter-in-law, and Arthur, her partner, would like to thank all of them for providing comfort, understanding, support and respect to this feisty lady who was so full of fun, snark, gossip, bossiness and laughter. She was Irene, always. We will miss her terribly.
So, like the hit song says, from the year you were born:
Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene,
We’ll see you in our dreams.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St, Dundas, ON on September 14th, 2025, 2-4pm.
In lieu of flowers (even though they were her passion) a donation to the Victorian Order of Nurses would be very much appreciated.
With heavy hearts, we announce the tragic loss of Julia Smith, aged 30, and her daughter, Grace Smith, aged 10. Grace passed away on July 6, 2025, followed by Julia on July 14, 2025. Their untimely departure leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved them.
Grace was a radiant young girl, full of imagination, laughter, and a kindness beyond her years. She brought light to every room she entered and will forever be remembered for her sweet spirit and infectious smile.
Julia was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She lived with a heart full of love and a passion for making the world a better place. Her courage, warmth, and deep devotion to Grace were the foundation of the beautiful bond they shared.
Both Julia and Grace will be dearly missed by their family, friends, and everyone whose life they touched. Their memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew them, and their love will continue to inspire.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation has already taken place.
In honor of Julia and Grace, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Thomas Ferretti (1938 – 2025), in his 87th year after a brief stay at Joseph Brant Hospital. Joe is predeceased by his parents Guiseppe and Ettorina, his brothers: Phil, Tony, Reno, his sister Maria and his first wife Sandra. Joe is also survived by his wife Karen, his sister Lena, children Joe (Lisa), Sherry (Paul), Steve (Lorraine), step children David (Erica), Dan and Lindy (Jeremy). Loving Gramps to Jamie (Miriam), Dustin (Bree), Stephanie (Colin), Samantha (Brayden) and Nonno to Mason, Alessia, Shayla and Fawn. Joe loved visits from all of his family and always looked forward to our yearly Ferretti family reunions in the summer and at Christmas. Joe had many careers in construction, real estate and working with disabled adults at Amity Goodwill. He also loved the many fishing trips he did at the hunt camp as well as the fly-in trips to Nakina. He enjoyed the Toronto Blue Jays and his beloved cats. The family would like to thank the staff at Joseph Brant Hospital on the 6th floor who made his last couple weeks very comfortable.
Friends and Family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas, on Sunday, July 13th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. for visitation. A service will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home on July 15th at 11 a.m. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA or Alzheimer’s Society (Dementia) of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton.
Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’ s Hospital on June 30, 2025 in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Donna (nee Francis) for 57 years. Loving father of Kim (Simon) Idoine. Caring grandfather to Lucas and Joshua. Predeceased by parents Peter and Thelma Zess and sister Marie (Omer) DesRoches. He will be missed by special friends Caroline and Fred Pearson and goddaughter Christine Pearson. Ted was a Lead Hand with the Town of Dundas for over 40 years. He was also vital team member of Turner Family Funeral Home (formerly Cattel, Eaton & Chambers) for over 20 years. Ted umpired and coached women’s baseball in Dundas for many years. He was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council 6579. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of Flowers, donations to the Canadian Lung Association would be greatly appreciated.
Hansina (Boersma) Otterspoor passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025. She was in her 103rd year. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Johannes (John) Otterspoor in 1991. Beloved mother of: John (Joby) Otterspoor (predeceased 2022) and Rosalynn Heuer, Berdianna and Andrew Czerwinski, Frank and Joanne Otterspoor.
Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Gregory Otterspoor, Melinda Otterspoor and Jon Clark, Daniel and Cylena Czerwinski, Nicholas Czerwinski and Deborah Gillmor, Christopher and Leanne Czerwinski, Erin and Mark Gardner, Tyler Otterspoor and Natalie Reid, Allen and Kimiko Otterspoor and 13 great- grandchildren.
Hansina was born in Utrecht, The Netherlands, in 1921. She served as a Nurse during WWII. She married in 1950. Mom, Dad and Joby (2 years old) immigrated to Canada in 1954.
They first settled in London and later moved to Hamilton. Mom actively supported numerous initiatives of The United Church of Canada and was a devoted member of Binkley United Church and St. Paul’s United, Dundas.
Mom excelled at embroidery and was known by her family as Dr. Stitch. She designed and created many intricate and stunning pieces including banners donated to various churches. Mom was always willing to help. She had a welcoming smile and endless patience. She will be forever loved and truly missed.
Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Southlake Residential Village, in Newmarket, for the wonderful care they provided.
Please join us for a Memorial Service at St Paul’s United Church, 29 Park St W, Dundas, on Saturday July 5th at 1:30 pm, followed by a reception in the church parlour.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Wesley Urban Ministries (Wesley.ca) would be appreciated.
Passed away peacefully on June 16th in her 97th year. She had a long, esteemed career at McMaster University and was a proud, loving and strong single mom to her daughter Pam (Howie Keown). She was a caring and supportive grandmother to Stephen (Jenna), Chrissy and Sandra and nanny to Dom, Jon, David, Grayson, Lydia and Norah, all of whom she adored. She had a full life of travel and winters in Florida and will be greatly missed. A huge thank you to the Willowgrove staff who cared for her so attentively during her time there.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful and recent passing of Joyce Katharine Aylward (nee Easton) in her 98th year at St Peter’s Hospital, Hamilton on May 22nd, 2025. After a heroic battle with cancer during the past year, Joyce slipped away with her family by her side. Loving wife of husband Harry (1921-2014) for 66 years. Joyce is survived by her three children Katharine, Gary and Barbara as well as grandchildren Chelsea, Thaddeus, Samantha (2009) and Renee.
Joyce was born in Winnipeg in 1927 during the tumultuous years between the World Wars. Surviving those times instilled a strong will to survive as well as the passion to live a full and rich life with limited resources. During the unstable years of WW2, Joyce contributed to the mass war effort building aircraft radios at Aerovox in Hamilton. Following the war, she married Harry, and they began a new chapter in their lives together in Hamilton’s east end.
After settling into married life, they proceeded to build their house as well as their family. Joyce’s talent for design and sewing found her as a valued costumer for the Hamilton Theatre Company and Dorothy Hurst’s Dance Studio and was responsible for sewing many iconic costumes for classic musical theatre. As well during those years, she attended Mohawk College and upon graduation, continued at the Saltfleet Campus as an executive secretary for many years. After retiring, she took up painting and became an excellent water-colourist as well as continuing to actively design and sew when opportunities arose. Joyce loved to travel, be it camping in the tent trailer that she and Harry designed and built, lazy weekends with family at their Georgian Bay cottage or flying off to different destinations to explore and experience new countries.
Joyce and Harry were both active members of St Columba Presbyterian Church during which time she designed and constructed numerous banners and projects for the church. Joyce was a passionate and devout Presbyterian throughout her adult life, singing in choirs as well as taking an active roll in church affairs and banquets.
Later years found them settling in Dundas where they continued to live full and rich lives while making new friends, singing in choirs and artfully spending their days together.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the hardworking and sensitive staff at Juravinski Hospital, McMaster Hospital, as well as St Peters during her final days. Enough cannot be said of their tireless efforts in the face of the challenges that our hospitals experience daily.
A celebration of life will take place during the coming year. Time and location to be forthcoming.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry Vriend (neé Hurley), cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. After a valiant fight with cancer, Sherry passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, with her family by her side. She was 57 years old.
Sherry was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. In 1998, she married her best friend and loving husband, Mike. They moved to Dundas, where they raised their children, and her pride and joy, Emmali and Sam.
Sherry lived a life filled with courage, determination, resilience, and kindness, and she paved the way for and inspired many. She was the first in her family to attend university, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from York University in 1992. Sherry was a fierce advocate for people in need. Family, friend, or stranger, she was always willing to lend a hand and offer support. Most of her career and volunteer work focused on supporting and advocating for children and youth in crisis, and victims and witnesses of violence. When her children were young, Sherry was also a volunteer for youth hockey and figure skating clubs.
Sherry amassed a devoted ‘village’ of family and friends, which is a testament to the person she was, and the life she lived. She enjoyed making people smile, sharing fun times with her village, doing interior design and home renovations, travelling (especially to a tropical beach!), and playing and watching hockey.
Sherry was blessed and grateful to have her village by her side and lifting her spirits during her final cancer battle. She was also thankful for the compassion and care from her healthcare team, especially Dr. Zbuk, Deb Evans, Jamie Lynn, and the nurses and staff at Bayshore and Juravinski Cancer Center and Hospital.
Sherry, and her beautiful smile, will be missed by all who knew her. Her inspiring legacy is one of strength, courage, hope, and faith, and it will live on in those she leaves behind. May she rest peacefully knowing that she will be forever loved, cherished, and remembered.
Sherry is predeceased by her beloved mother, Jean Hurley. She leaves behind her husband Mike, daughter Emmali, son Sam, dog Goose, mother-in-laws Marlene and Barb, brothers Jim and Terry (Tracy), sisters Sandy (Bill) and Pattee (Joel), sister-in-law Pam (Anthony), and many loved nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of Sherry’s life will be held at a later date.
