It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing on February 17 of our brother Marty. Predeceased by parents John and Rose Zuliniak. Brother to Terry (Linda), Bill (Debra), Jean Quigley (Pat), David (Karen) and Lora Lynn Sharfenberg (Les), as well many cousins, nieces and nephews. Marty was one of a kind and lived life his own way. He was known for his Ravine Bashes, Sucker Sunday and Carp County Open to name a few. He promoted his home town of Dundas all the time and talked to as many people as he could. A special thank you to Blackadar Continuing Care and St. Joseph’s Hospital for their care. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will happen whenever A Hearty Handshake is permissible.
Mary Ann McNamara (Seemann) June 17, 1926 – February 13, 2021
It is with sadness and solace that we share the passing of Mary Ann at the age of 94 at St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas, Ontario. She was a long time resident of Hamilton, Ontario enjoying her retirement years in Dundas, Ontario at St. Joseph’s Estates Condominiums with her loving and faithful companion of 67 years, her late husband Michael (Al).
She was also predeceased by her parents Benedict and Ann Seemann (Miller), brothers Charles Seemann (Jean) and Peter Seemann, sister Helen Seemann, son Brian Peter McNamara, daughter Teresa Pataracchia, brothers in law Jack McNamara and Michael Boyle. Survived and fondly remembered by her children Michael (Christina), Ann Marie (Alan Humphrey), Maureen Hubert(Glen), Paul (Tammy), Colleen Sayer (Christopher); son-in-law John Pataracchia (Diana); grandchildren Rachel, Angela (Fidel), Michael (Megan), John, Jason, Danny, Christopher (Ali), Benjamin, Alex (Candace), Caleb, Stephanie and Aaron; great-grandchildren Jade (Darren), Jordyn, Jazmine, Jewell, Sebastian; sisters-in-law Mary Boyle and Helen McNamara, Aunt Halvetta Kelly; cousin families, in-law families, godchildren, many nieces, nephews and their families, friends and neighbours.
Mary Ann was proud of her Prairie and Canadian Heritage. She developed the values of family connection, community spirit and hard work from her early years living on a Prairie farm in Mazenod, Saskatchewan. With a positive, determined outlook on life and a sense of humour she raised the spirits of those around her.
She came to Ontario for her education in Nursing and settled in Hamilton to marry Michael (Al) and raise their family. She was a kind, caring, resilient woman devoted to her family and supporting others. The doors at her home were always open, welcoming and full of life, sharing with everyone her stories and wisdom.
As a nurse Mary Ann was a champion for those with mental health issues and passionate about preserving the history of mental health care and nursing.
Following over 40 years of nursing in various roles at the former Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital she continued as a volunteer at the now St. Joseph’s Healthcare West 5th Campus in the Hamilton Museum of Mental Health Care. She enjoyed many lifelong friendships through the nursing alumni, Quarter century club, volunteering and the community at large. She supported the needs of women and children through her volunteer work with the former Quota Club Hamilton.
Mary Ann was a parishioner of both Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Augustine’s churches in her lifetime and was a member in the Catholic Women’s League. Much spiritual comfort was found in the guidance her spiritually, prayers and church communities gave her.
It was an honor for her to have received the recognition awards given by The Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton Mission Legacy, The Hamilton Wentworth Heritage Association, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Volunteer Association and Quota Club.
Her works of art included many sewing, crafting, cooking and baking projects all made with love and shared with family, friends and community. She enjoyed the outdoors and adventure through a love for gardening, camping, fishing and travel.
A debt of gratitude is recognized for Gerset her loving, loyal caregiver. With Gerset at the helm of Mary Ann’s wheelchair they were often seen adventurously wheeling about the town of Dundas. In appreciation to Sharon, Elaine and Iris for your attentive caregiving.
Thank you to Dr. Shankardass, the staff of Willow Grove, Father Mike and the community of St. Joseph’s Villa. Your dedication and heartfelt caring will always be remembered. God bless you for the work you do every day during these pandemic times. She enjoyed the friendships with the residents at the Villa. She had a good home at the Villa to live out the final chapter of her life. Also a note of gratitude for the ongoing care of the many heath care services in the community. Your wonderful and supportive care gave her comfort and stability in her senior years.
Mary Ann will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community. May we always feel the flutter of her angel wings in our hearts. Be at peace Mary Ann. Your work here is done!
Due to the pandemic a private family visitation and mass will be held at this time with cremation following. Internment and a celebration of life will be at a later time. The mass will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021 and can be viewed on the funeral home’s website.
With profound sadness and joyful remembrance, the friends and family of Janet Breitmaier share our loss after a lengthy and fiercely battled contest with illness took her from us too soon. Our Valentine’s baby was born on a sunny Sunday in 1960 to two loving parents, Gordon Reinhold and Elfriede Breitmaier (both predeceased) of Kitchener, Ontario and one elder sibling Rein (Char) Breitmaier of Wingham, Ontario. Janet also leaves behind nieces Robyn (Luigi) Bruni and their children, and Taryn Breitmaier and her son.
Janet was in her lifetime a wife, a school teacher, an avid traveller, a life coach, a sister and a friend. Her last days were spent quietly at home, in the tender care of two childhood best friends Loraine Gubbels and Linda Benedikovic, along with a small army of visiting nurses and personal support workers who made Janet’s palliative care possible.
In keeping with Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, in keeping with Public Health guidelines. Memorial Donations may be registered with Hamilton’s Royal Botanical Gardens or with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
It is with sadness we announce the passing of June Winnifred Charlette Wilcox (nee Brunskill) on February 8th, 2021 at Wentworth Lodge in Dundas at the age of 84. Beloved wife of 55 years to Michael Wilcox. Loving mother to Robert (Marianne) Wilcox, David (Letitia) Wilcox, and Catherine (Ben) Sanderson. Proud grandmother to Robert and Megan Wilcox, Lindsay, Ainslie and Kylie Wilcox. June was born in Barrie, Ontario to James and Ethel Brunskill.
After growing up in Utopia, Ontario, June moved to the Hamilton area and graduated from Toronto Teacher’s College in 1956. She went on to teach with the Hamilton-Wentworth School Board for over 30 years. A long-time resident of Ancaster, June cultivated many friendships, and was actively involved in her community. She loved to garden, read, and entertain on a regular basis. Family was always her top priority, and the highlight of each year was the annual family trip to Lion’s Head.
Her family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff at Wentworth Lodge for their compassion and patience. Their contribution to her quality of life will never be forgotten.
Due to current COVID restrictions, the funeral service for June will be private. However, an online virtual service for June will be held on Friday, February 12th at 11:00 am, care of Turner Family Funeral Home.
Austin, Stephen Laurence – It is with great sadness that the family of Stephen Austin announce his passing February 4, 2021, in his 85th year, peacefully, at the Juravinski Hospital after a brief illness. Predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Esther (nee Chappell) in 2015. Wonderful loving father to David, (Katherine) and Carolyn (Tom Barbeau). Adored Poppa to Jessica (Jordan), Jonathan (Shannon), Candice (Benjamin), Andrew (Molly), Michael (Sarah) and Joel. His grandchildren were a source of pride, he supported them in their sporting events, theatre productions, graduations and weddings. He was a great-poppa to Zachariah, Austin, Wyatt and Naomi and two new arrivals this summer. Also survived by brothers Norman, Paul (Mary) and Alvyn and many nieces and nephews. Steve was born in Tushan, China to missionary parents (John and Lillian). He attended Chefoo schools until the family returned to Canada in 1951. Steve taught himself to play the piano by ear by playing on a piano that was attached to the missionary house near Toronto Bible College. He was an avid photographer, taking many pictures (and 1000s of slides) of family and of his many travels. With his young family, we travelled across Canada and the USA, pulling a trailer behind us. Then with Esther, they travelled the world with groups of travelers that Steve organized. They visited Canada, USA, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Peru, Easter Islands, Chile , China to name a few and he hiked the Grand Canyon too many times to count. A trip highlight was a family cruise in 2013, Steve and Esther and their two children/spouses and 8 grandchildren/spouses cruised the Caribbean over New Years. His faith was important to him. Esther and Steve were long time members of Chedoke Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and sang in the choir. Steve attended London Bible Institute where he met Esther and after they married, he went to Western University for his undergraduate degree . He worked as a teacher/guidance counsellor at Burlington Central High school for almost 25 yrs. He coached girl’s soccer and assisted in the drama productions. Esther and Steve had many dear friends , many friendships lasting for decades. Many fond memories of “ the group”. Steve especially enjoyed spending time with extended family every Christmas where four generations of Austin family members would gather for our annual “Chinese Turkey”. Steve will be remembered as a quiet, thoughtful man, a true gentleman. He loved to laugh. He loved his God, he loved his family and he will be missed. Many thanks to the staff at Juravinski Hospital and Aberdeen Gardens retirement home, for the wonderful care given to our dad. In lieu of flowers, donations to Neighbour to Neighbour would be appreciated by the family. Friends and Family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Tuesday February 9, from 6 – 9p.m. You must sign up athttps://signup.com/go/KTcEAkX. A private family Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 10 at 11:00a.m.
Peacefully passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the age of 79. He is now with his beloved wife Trudy (predeceased 2005). Loving father of Wayne Jr., Lance (Sheri-Lynn), Randy (Lisa), Elizabeth and Sean. Grandfather to Sheena, Sabryna, Matthew, Ashley, Alycia, Daniel and Jake and many great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his sister Colleen (Ron) and sister-in-law Pat Arnett. Cremation has taken place. If you so wish, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Lethbridge, Richard Roy (Rick) July 23, 1958 – Jan 25, 2021 Passed away suddenly, in his home in Greensville, Ont. He was a life long resident of Greensville. For many years he worked in the gravel industries and enjoyed restoring classic cars and trucks. He had a wicked sense of humour that will be missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by both parents, Roy and Lorna Lethbridge. He is survived by his sister Sharon Patton, (Ross), his sister, Suzanne Lethbridge (Randy), nephew Tim Patton, niece Jesse Harwood, niece Chelsea Anthony and his cat, Molly. There will be no services as he requested, and he will be interred at White Chapel Cemetery where both his Parents and Grandparents rest. In lieu of flowers donations to The Canadian Mental Health Association, The Hamilton Burlington SPCA or Flamborough Animal Adoptions would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Suddenly, the Lord took unto Himself, my dearly beloved husband, Bill. Predeceased by our infant son, Shaun. Predeceased by his parents, William Wiersma Sr. and Ebeltje Terpstra. Brother of Elco & Ann Wiersma, John & Jane Wiersma and sister, Sylvia. Brother-in-law of Ria & Theo TerHorst, Corrie & Mark Zylstra, Sim & Truusje Berkelaar, Coby & Bill Zandbergen, John & Marylin Berkelaar, Henny (deceased 2020) Berkelaar & Dave Feronni, Anita & Henry Hogeveen, and Gilbert Berkelaar & Sheri Getz. Loved Uncle of all of his nieces and nephews. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held by invitation only at Turner Family Funeral Home, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1:00p.m. Livestream details will be on the Funeral Home’s website. Private Interment at White Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to World Renew or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Floyd, Murray John – Passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2021 in his 91st year with the love of his life and family by his side. Beloved husband of Bess (nee Shaw) for over 69 years. Predeceased by his eldest daughter, Christine (Bernie). Loving father to Barbara (Laverne), Donna (Brian) and Beverley. Proud Papa to 8 grandchildren and their spouses as well as 17 beautiful great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Murray served in the military for 25 years, serving in the RCASC Battalion 2 and was a long-time and well known member of the RCL Branch 36. A private Memorial Service will take place on Friday, February 5th at 11:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the RCL Branch 36 would be appreciated.
Klaus passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario in his 86th year. Beloved husband to Lorna for almost 52 years. Loving father to Norbert (Teri) of Dunnville, Kevin (Kim) of Dundas and Kathryn (Patrick) of Dundas. Cherished Opa to Jayce, Jennifer (Dylan), Katelyn (Alex) Keely, Korey, Kearan and Kole. Double Opa to Kyla and Aliyah. Predeceased by his brother Herbert Janitz. When Klaus first came to Hamilton from Germany, he worked as a Lithographer at Paper Board Boxes, then a few years later at Reid Dominion Press and retired from Howell Packaging. Klaus and Lorna met at the Germania Club in Hamilton and raised their family in Dundas, Ontario. A sincere thank you to the staff at St Joseph’s in ICU West, especially Dr. Cook and nurse Rachel for their caring support. Arrangements are entrusted with the Turner Family Funeral Home in Dundas, and a private family service will take place on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 1 p.m. If desired, donations to HBSPCA or Doctors Without Borders would be appreciated. A live stream will be available during the funeral and after the service.
