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.
Underhill, Barbara Isobel (formerly Kish) (nee Young) – at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Friday, February 19, 2021, in her 87th year. Predeceased by her first husband Zoltan Kish (1975) and her second husband Reverend Bruce Underhill (1999). Loving mother of David Kish (Brenda) of Caledonia, Ronald Kish (Raeanne) of Hamilton and Margaret Mills (Greg) of Brampton. Beloved grandmother of Bryan Kish, his partner Amanda and daughter Esther, Nicholas Kish (Christine), Amy and Andrew Mills and great grandmother of Colten. Predeceased by her brother Dr. Douglas Young and sadly missed by her brothers Robert Young (Elaine), James Young (Jean) and sister-in-law Pamela Young. Barbara was a longtime member of Binkley U.C., lifetime member of the U.C.W, played with the Thursday afternoon singers at St. Paul’s U.C., was a volunteer with the VON, and played organ at Bethesda U.C and St. Paul’s U.C. A Private Family Service for Barbara will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at St. Paul’s United Church in Dundas. To join in the livestream of the Funeral go to www.stpaulsdundas.com or the Funeral Home website. Interment will take place in Mt. Hamilton Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Thili, Audrey Mae (nee Glass) – Passed away peacefully at Wentworth Lodge on
February 18, 2021 in her 88th year with her daughters by her side. Beloved wife of 64 years to the late Ralph John Thili (2015). Loving mother to Louise (Ron) Rodgers of Dundas, Dianna (Terry) Dunnigan of Woodstock, Cheryl of Dundas and predeceased by sons Michael and Brian. Audrey is also survived by her older brother Bud Glass in PEI, her younger brothers Ed (Carol) Glass and Jim Glass in Ontario along with numerous nephews and nieces. Caring grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Audrey married Ralph at the age of 17 and gave birth to 5 children in the next 6 years. Her legacy will live on in her children, amazing grandchildren, incredible great-grandchildren, and the generations to follow. Audrey worked as a manager at the CNIB in Hamilton for a number of years where she was highly thought of by those who knew and worked with her. A special thank you to the staff at Wentworth Lodge and in particular Maple Lane, who always went above and beyond in their care and support. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place when permitted. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice would be much appreciated.
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.
