With deep sorrow we share news of the death of Kathryn Elizabeth Smith McCarroll in her 82nd year at St Joseph’s Villa in Dundas, ON. Born in London ON, May 19, 1939, she died March 13, 2021, peacefully in her sleep after many years of shining her light, even through dementia. Beloved wife to Paul, Mother to Pam (Harris Athanasiadis) & Wendy, Grandmother to Naomi, Caleb & Amado, Step-Grandmother to Mark & Hannah (Ben), Sister to Barbara Corbet & Ruth Norman, Sister-in-law to Peter (Sherry), Auntie to Heather (John), Ann, Geoffrey, Jen, Jill (Brian), Brent (Nickie) & Cam (Gosia), several wonderful great nieces and nephews and a friend to many! Much loved and fondly remembered, also, by Aaron Gallegos, Tim Butler and the Athanasiadis clan.
“Kath,” as she is commonly known by those who love her, was a High School teacher in the Hamilton Board for nearly 40 years and spent the last few decades of her work life at the Lawrence Alternative Program. She loved her students and colleagues and was deeply committed to the possibilities for publicly funded education. As a member of congregations of the United Church of Canada and the Presbyterian Church in Canada, she volunteered for many years in church-based outreach programs supporting refugees and marginalized folk through advocacy, community building, music making, and practices of hospitality. In her presence, people felt heard, loved and safe no matter their circumstance. Even until her last day, she welcomed people into her midst with a grin and arms open wide for a hug. She had a wonderful capacity to laugh at herself and to find joy in people and the gifts of God’s creation. With her sure and certain hope in the resurrection, we are better because Kath loved us and taught us how to follow the call to love justice, do mercy and walk humbly with our God.
We are so grateful to staff from Senior Support Services of Southern Ontario (Spencer Coombe and Taylor Campbell) for mediating our relationship with Kath through these pandemic times, for loving and caring for her and allowing her to continue to be a teacher of love, gratitude and grace over the last years. She loved you deeply. We also raise up gracious thanks to the Nurses (especially Karen and Noemi), wonderful PSWs, cleaning and management staff at Oak Grove, St Joseph’s Villa. Even in this time of terrible underfunding and pandemic, you have been beacons of hope.
If you wish to honour our beloved Kath please consider donating to the Emergency Support Committee for Refugees through Canada Helps or by regular mail ESCR c/o Nora Melara-López, Compass Community Health, 438 Hughson St. N, Hamilton ON, L8L4N5.
A service of witness to the resurrection and celebration of her life will take place at some point in the future when pandemic restrictions are lifted and we can do it in Kath style.
After a tough, well fought battle, Rob has gone to join his beloved “best bub” Petronella. He will be sorely missed by Jesse (Angela), Robin (Kris) and Elizabeth (Alan) as well as his grandkids Lucas, Mila, Ezekial and Ayla. Rob was a gifted guitarist, avid gardener, so-so golfer and a most excellent friend to sit at the end of the bar with and shoot the breeze kind of guy. His distinguished career as Supreme Computer Nerd (systems analyst) reflected his patience, diligence and love of puzzles. Special thanks to Dr. R. Sender, Nurse Kelly and Nurse Jennifer. There will be no Service but maybe go have a pint and watch a ball game.
Passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on March 8, 2021. Wife of Marvin Sheppard and step-mother to Tracey Brake, sister of David Parsons. Predeceased by brother Robert Parsons and sister Ruth Kenner. Joan retired as Principal of Fisherville Elementary School in 1997. Cremtion has taken place.
Passed away peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital on Thursday, March 4, 2021 in his 85th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife Aafje (2009). Loving father to David, Linda (Amandeep), Edward (Laura), and Laura (Mark). Caring grandfather to Edison, Abigail, Lindsay, Lauren and Evelyn. Brother to Henny Stryker (John – predeceased), Bernie (Hilda), Teresa Brokking (Joop), Dieny Brunsveld (Bill), Johnny (Claire), Harry (Liz). Predeceased by his parents Arend and Jantje as well as his brother Albert (Helen). Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Tuesday, March 9, from 2-4p.m. and 7-9p.m.. Please visit the obituary on the Funeral Home’s website to RSVP as per the COVID-19 restrictions. A private Funeral Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross.
Lanznaster, Irma Elisabeth – Peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Herbert (Mausl) and beloved mother of Sylvia (Emilio), Susie (Roman) and Eveline (Julian). Loving Omi (grandmother) to 7 and great Omi to 10. Predeceased by 3 brothers and son-in-law Mike. Survived by her 3 sisters in Germany. Irma was a long standing member of the Kolping Society. A Private Family Service and burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Passed away peacefully at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, Hamilton, ON., February 28, 2021 at the age of 82. Born Kenneth James Alkerton at Casa Maria (St. Josephs Hospital), Hamilton, Ken left behind his family and many close friends and he will be lovingly missed by all who knew him well. Predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Catharine Alkerton, Ken will be remembered by his family, Karolin Alkerton (daughter), Doug Scheer (son), Pat and family; brothers, Arthur (Art) and partner Jack, Michael (Mike) Alkerton and Joan, and youngest sister Brenda MacLeod and Barrie; predeceased by sister Christine Mormul (Ron); grandsons, Kieran (Hannah) and Tristan Alkerton; nieces Michele (Mimi) Karen, Barbara, Lisa; nephews Steven (predeceased), David; first wife Charlotte and Ken’s partner Recia (predeceased); life long friend and RCAF veteran Peter Holroyd and Angie. Ken lead a storied life full of his love for jazz music and knowledge of it, travel and bad jokes. He was a marching band member during his time in the RCAF and is a veteran of 2 Fighter Wing Grostenquin, France. Ken found his calling after retirement as a Chemical Technologist and Quality Control Manager, where his passion for Craft Beer lead him to continue working in a brewery lab and lots of taste-testing! He will be deeply missed by his many friends, colleagues and associates in Cambridge and will have left a special place in many hearts.Thank you to all the fabulously kind healthcare providers, nurses, administrators and volunteers at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in memory of Kenneth Alkerton are greatly appreciated.
77, of Hamilton, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 25, 2021. Wayne is missed and survived by his daughter Lisa Syms (Norman MacNeil) and son Michael Syms; partner Lynda Fletcher-Hanley and sister Christina Begley. In his youth, Wayne served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. For most of his career he worked at Stelco/Canadian Drawn Steel. At the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 in Dundas he was well known for his snooker playing prowess. Wayne will be remembered for his quick wit and sarcastic nature. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday afternoon from 5 – 7 p.m., by signing up online only on the funeral home website. All covid-19 regulations will apply. Wayne’s family will be holding a private Service following visitation. If you so wish, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place and an interment will be held at a later date. Please share a memory of Wayne or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.ca
Was born on May 26, 1925 in one of the beautiful northern provinces of the Philippines named Solano Vizcaya. A city with rich and lushious nature, and several national parks with eco tourism, and lovely people who are hospitable, kind and hardworking. Since Spaniards were governors in the past, it had influenced the culture and language as well. Juanita lived with her parents and siblings Andres, Antonio and Julita. Unfortunately she lost her father at a young age. After a few years her mother Margarita remarried, and through that she gained two more siblings, Junior and Victoria.
Juanita grew as an independent and strong young lady, as she pursued a bachelor degree in education, she began working as a high school history teacher. Probably this was creating the path she would have begun for the future. She met a young handsome gentleman, Mr. Olympio Ventura Ancheta, who was the chief of the US surplus in the Philippines. They fell in love and decided to start a new life together in marriage. Juanita and Olympio were gifted with three daughters, Elizabeth, Corazon and Judith and Olympio Junior, their son. She left teaching and became employed at the YMCA. She was so passionate about her community work that not so long she became the Community Administrative Officer, and during her time as an officer some of her plans were achieved:
1. Family Planning was introduced to young women. They were educated and empowered in starting their family and awareness of their healthcare and childcare. 2. National Cottage Industries Development (NASIDA), introducing and training ladies how to weave bags with natural materials, paper macheas, hand made natural decoratives and crafts. 3. Kindergarten for children in Quezon City communities 4. Leadership programs for high school students, through seminars and annual meetings, camping, trainings. 5. Sports such as swimming and basketball, and organizing tournaments. 6. Outreaches: free infant milk, clothes, feeding sessions in indigent areas.
In 1977 her first grandchild was born from her beloved eldest daughter Elizabeth, which made them all happy and joyful; their migration to Canada took place the same year. A new chapter of Juanita’s life began. In Canada they lived in Hamilton, Juanita and Olympio had happy news of their second coming grandchild, from their beloved daughter Corazon who lived in the same city with her husband.
Community work never stopped for the couple. In a short period of time, they pioneered and established the first Filipino school in Ontario and this led to organizing Hamilton’s Filipino community, which held many activities like filipino folk dancing, beauty pageants, outreaches and many more. She made the costumes for the dance group. Juanita’s skills were so good that she sewed a wedding gown for her beloved daughter Judith, which she has kept dear to this very day.
Everyone has a principal in life, Junita’s was : “ Charity starts from home” And truly, love and charity starts from practicing it with your loved ones, relatives close or distant as it always overflows beyond.
Having a keen eye for the goodness in a person, she would express her appreciation to everyone in her special way by calling them beautiful, charming, etc. She and her husband knew how to put a smile to a person’s face. She was most famous for her sweet sense of humour, and he was for his great penmanship. Their son Junior/Jun has inherited both of these attributes.
Juanita and her husband both enjoyed traveling. The adventure would probably bring new ideas for their next projects. While traveling they would look for relatives in that country or city, and made sure they have a mini reunion together. This comes from them valuing family ties and relationships, which they passed on to their children and grandchildren.
A beautiful life lived with faith in Christ, and the knowledge that God’s love endures forever, is one of the values and manners passed to her 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Jean was born to Nellie (Betzner) and Ralph Sheldon Murray of Dundas, Ontario. She was the younger sister to Marguerite. Her early years were spent growing up in Dundas where her father was principal of Central Public School. She had lots of fun with her friend Peggy and cousin Mary-Pat. The family moved briefly to North Bay, Ontario, but returned to Dundas following the death of her father. Jean was a proud teacher for most of her working life focusing on elementary education and later as an ESL teacher. When she started teaching she only needed a certificate, but by the mid seventies she knew that to improve her income and job potential she needed a university degree and attended McMaster part-time while holding down a full time job and being a single mom. One of her proudest moments was getting her bachelor degree.
With her first husband, Walker Coveyduck, they welcomed their son, David Sean, in 1967. She returned to teaching in the Hamilton region until her retirement in 1997. In 1989 she married John Browne and they resided in Oakville until John’s passing in 2011. She then returned to her beloved Dundas, where she lived out her golden years. Even while she lived in Oakville she regularly came to Dundas to see friends. Jean volunteered at the Dundas Museum, helping to preserve the town’s history of Dundas and that of her family. In 2017, she moved to Amica Dundas, and as her dementia progressed she ultimately moved into the Memory Care area.
Jean loved to read, knit, watercolor paint, listen to music and enjoyed being around her beloved friends and family the most. While David was growing up Jean and her mom would love to take long road trips across Canada and the US to visit family and friends. They had some great adventures!
Jean is survived by her son David Sean Murray (Shelley) of Calgary and their sons Benjamin and Carson; stepdaughter Valerie (George) of Toronto, and their sons Leo and Paul; and stepdaughter Caroline (Bob) of Toronto. Her nieces Julie Port (Dan) of Calgary, Joni (Fred) of Lacey, Washington, and nephew Tom (Gillian) Johnson (Kamloops, B.C.) plus numerous great nieces and nephews, and family members on the Betzner side.
Jean was predeceased by her father Ralph, mother Nellie, sister Marguerite, brother-in-law Bob Johnston and her husband John Browne.
The Family would like to thank Vera and her wonderful Memory Care team, especially Alanah of whom Jean was particularly fond, and Doctor Macaluso for their wonderful care. Lastly, words cannot describe the wonderful friendship and support from Mary Welsh over more than 50 years, especially in the last few as Jean’s health declined. Mary was one of mom’s longest and dearest friends, and a second-mom to David. Thank you Mary.
A celebration of life is intended once COVID-19 allows us to travel. Cremation has occurred and interment will occur in the family plot in Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Donkey Sanctuary in Guelph, Ontario, or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
God has called home His precious child, Tjitske (Jessie) Jacoba Verduyn. Jessie was born in Dokkum, Netherlands May 11, 1934 and died February 22, 2021 in her 87th year in Dundas, Ontario. Predeceased by her loving husband, John in 2003. Lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren: Lawrence – Shondra, Laura and Darryl; Lloyd (Tami) – Zak and Kaitlyn (predeceased 2019); Dorothy (Ron) – John, Stephanie and Janica; Robert (Hettie) – Trevor and Chris; Simon (Elsie) – Jonathan, Dulcie and Shane; and her 14 great-grandchildren. Sadly missed by her siblings: her twin sister, Dorris, Margaret, Ann (John), Jack (Joyce), Olga (Rick) and Tony (Donna) and predeceased by both brothers Eddie, sister Corrie and in-laws Henry and Sam. Private family Service will be held on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Turner Family Funeral Home. To join Jessie’s livestreamed Service, please see her obituary on the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for their excellent care and compassion.
