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.
The family sadly announces Anne’s passing on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Villa in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of Gordon (deceased), sister to Edmund (Florence), mother of Brenda (John), Daryl (Katherine), Janice, Valerie, and Ellen (Wayne). She will be missed by her 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Anne was employed at the Sears store when it used to be at the University Plaza in Dundas, followed by her employment at Mohawk College (retired in 1987). Thankfully, Anne and Gord never waited until retirement to travel. They enjoyed the many wonderful adventures that they had while travelling together. Some of Anne’s community volunteering through St. Augustine’s Church included: past president of the CWL (Catholic Women’s League), church ministries-member, assisted with the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), Eucharist minister taking holy communion to residents who were home bound or in retirement homes, and team member for CORE (Christians On Retreat). She especially loved her involvement as the coffee shop “barista” at the St. Joseph’s Villa Tuck Shop. Anne and Gord served as a host family for exchange students from Japan and Africa. Anne had a full life filled with love and many long-time friends. From the “Bridge Club” ladies, the “Knit-Wits” gals, neighbours, and dear friends she spent many hours over pots of tea and sweets. Our thanks to those exceptional people for surrounding Anne with love over the years. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday afternoon and evening from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Masks and social distancing are required. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham Street, Dundas on Wednesday, December 15th at 10:00 a.m. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following the Mass will be attended by family only due to Covid 19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society or St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation would be appreciated. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for the loving care they provided to mom while she resided on Balsam Trail.
A life well-lived with no regrets. February 5, 1962 – December 6, 2021
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Jeffrey (Jeff) Witt surrounded by love at his home in Dundas, ON. Jeff fought a heroic battle and lived every day to the best of his abilities, despite a cruel brain cancer diagnosis received in September of 2021. Jeff’s pride and joy were his family, including his adored children and their spouses Jennifer & Kevyn Murray, Jordan & Katelyn Witt and Stacey Witt. His family was expanded in 2007 to include his cherished partner Pamela Mirehouse and her daughters and their spouses Kirsten Brown & Michael Gropp, and Hana & Evan Eckert. In 2016, their beautiful family began to grow even more and now includes much loved grandchildren that called him ‘Papa’ – James Murray, Lillian & Madelyn Witt, and Aubrey & Oscar Gropp. Jeff lived a life supported by his loving parents, Florence and Elden Witt and his dear sisters Katherine Waldron (Harry) & Patricia Baptista (Eddie-2011). Uncle Jeff (UJ) showed that same love and support to his many nieces, nephew and their families. Jeff was close with his cousins and cherished the time he spent with them. Jeff was proud to have been born and raised in Pembroke, ON, where he spent much of his early years with his large extended family, creating joyful and lasting memories. His love of sports also began early on and he became well known for his athletic ability, excelling in hockey, basketball, football, refereeing and more. He graduated in 1985 from Queen’s University with a degree in Applied Science. Jeff was a true engineer at heart and would go on to spend his entire 35 year career at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, ON taking on many different roles. Throughout his career, Jeff had a relentless energy to continuously improve anywhere he went. He leaves behind a legacy of improvement throughout multiple areas of the company, and he also applied these same principles in his daily life. He was known amongst his peers as “Mr. Dofasco” and was truly proud to have worked for this company. He happily retired in late 2020 from his last role as the Coach in the Transformation Office. Jeff was an avid supporter of the Dundas and Hamilton community and volunteered through his work and other organizations. A true lover of food, he was always on the lookout for new restaurants to try, breweries to visit, and attractions to see. He was a regular blood donor and made a personal commitment to giving life to someone else in need, exceeding 75 donations throughout his life. A man of the people, he would run into an old colleague, friend, or former classmate everywhere he went. His active lifestyle kept him busy at home and he was always working to improve his and Pam’s award winning garden. Jeff lived life fully as a leader, traveller, storyteller, family man, and during his journey he touched many lives as a good friend, well respected mentor, and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held on April 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., followed by the celebration of life at 5:00 p.m. at the FlamboroughHills Golf Club, 71 Hwy 52, Copetown, ON. Event details can be found at:
Marie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2021 in her 91st year. Predeceased by her husband George. She will be missed dearly by her family, friends and neighbours on Chatham Street. Marie worked as an accountant for many years at McGregor Clinic and taught Sunday School at St. John the Evangelist. She had a caring heart, adored her many pets, enjoyed traveling, and loved her plants and garden. Marie was sweet and feisty right until the end. Her friends and family would like to thank the wonderful staff and caregivers at Wentworth Lodge these past few years and especially in her final days. As per Marie’s wishes, there will be no public memorial.
Passed peacefully the morning of December 2nd, in her 87th year, at Juravinski Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her children: Diane Lassaline (William), Michael McClure (Heather), her grandchildren Samantha, Andrew, Joshua, and Amy. Also survived by her sister Dorothy Sipocz (John), her brother Larry Hayhurst (Joan), and her many cousins, nephews and nieces. Mom’s favourite hymn was Blessed Assurance which continues, “Jesus Is Mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.” Rest peacefully, Barbara, in the fullness of God’s divine glory and love. There will be a Time of Remembrance held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the Canadian Cancer Society would gratefully accept your donations.
