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.
Carolyn Jean (nee McCartney) James in her 88th year passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton on May 31st, 2025.
Carolyn was born August 3rd, 1937, to Ken and Edna McCartney. In 1956, she married Arthur (Art) James, and together they settled in the village of Rockton to raise a family. They spent 64 years together, each year filled with love and dedication, until Art’s passing in 2021.
Carolyn is survived by her son Kevin (Paulette) James of Rockton, and daughters Janice (Paul) Mitchell of Uniondale, Ontario, Joanne (Barry) Dawson of Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan and Kristine (George) Leach of Mount Hope.
Loving grandmother of Vicki and Kirk (Wendy) James; Effie (Mathew) Koshy, Russ, Keith Mitchell and Natalie (Mauro) Domingos; Justin Dawson (Maggie), Ryan (Mickalua) Dawson, Amanda (Shad) Gulbranson and Ashlee (Kyle) Gurr; Branden (Liz) and Tyler (Lindsay) Leach and by 12 great-grandchildren.
Carolyn is also survived by sister Karen (Mike) Landers, brother Ken (Chris) McCartney; sister-in-law Myrna James as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her infant brother David, brothers and sisters-in-law Bert (Dorothy), Carl “Rusty” James, Marion (Ken) Hood, and Dorothy (Alec) Mackenzie.
Carolyn was very active in the community, as a member of the Rockton United Church UCW and the Rockton World’s Fair. She was especially proud to receive an Honorary Life Membership in the Rockton Women’s Institute. She supported Art in his 40-year career as a volunteer firefighter, which saw him rise to the rank of Fire Chief at the Rockton Fire Station. She will be remembered for her caring and generous spirit.
Carolyn assisted Art and Kevin by “doing the books” and was gofer for KevArt Construction. Her artistic talent shone when she had wool, fabric, thread, and needles in her hands; cross-stitch was her favourite needle craft.
Carolyn’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bertram Place of Dundas and the many caregivers which assisted in the last few months of her journey.
Visitation will take place at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. A private family service will follow the next day.
Passed away peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital on May 1, 2025 at the age of 75. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Bill, our rock, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 19th at the Juravinski Hospital at the age of 84. Bill leaves behind the love of his life Susan ( Peters), his prized possessions; daughter Lezley, sons Tim & PJ (Melissa), and daughter Robin (Derek). Loving Grumpa to Gabrielle, Julia, Tara, Michaella, Aiden, Hazel and William. GG to Grace and Elliot. Loving son of Dick and Lily McGinley (predeceased), son-in-law of Archie and Marion Peters (predeceased). Brother to Shirley (predeceased) and Jane. And will be missed by many more loving family and friends. A Visitation will take place on Friday, June 6, from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, June 7, at St. James’ Anglican Church, 137 Melville St, Dundas at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
John entered into the presence of his Lord on May 13, 2025, having served in the ministry of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, for over sixty years. Loving and beloved husband of Anne, they were the best of friends, and faithful colleagues in ministry. He is predeceased by his parents Marion and Frederick Hibbs, and brothers Robert (Bob), and Donald.
Surviving him is his sister-in-law, Virginia Hibbs, related nephews and nieces, and many close friends who “walked the talk of their faith” with him, over the years.
Prior to his being ordained to the ministry, in his home congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Galt, (Cambridge), Ontario, John was a Cost Accountant for Babcock-Wilcox of Canada in that city. A graduate of Galt Collegiate Institute, and the universities of Waterloo (Western), McGill, Brock, and Knox College (Seminary) in Toronto, he also did post-graduate studies at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, on a scholarship from Knox College.
John served in three pastorates, Iroquois/South Mountain, Ontario, Edmonton, Alberta, and Hamilton, Ontario. He entered the Interim Ministry Program of Princeton Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian in the U.S.A., and as a graduate served in this ministry of having seven congregations in Ontario, looking at re-imaging their ministries for their future. And this ministry also saw him serving in the national office of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on the Board of World Mission, and its successor, the Life and Mission Agency.
John’s pastoral ministry within the Church, showed his deep expression of love for the people he served, as with Anne, and in their local congregations, and their wider ministries within the Church. In his retirement years he continued to serve the local and wider Church in what he called his “recycled years”. He and Anne were serving as Ministers in Association, and elected Elders, in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ancaster at the time of his passing.
He was an avid hockey and baseball fan (Toronto and Edmonton). He loved singing in his congregational choirs, and with his wife Anne enjoyed their community ministries, and were patrons and supporters of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. And they thoroughly enjoyed their many travels in Canada, the United States, Europe and Israel, over the years.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23rd at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 31 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, at 10am, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11am., with committal in Grove Cemetery, in Dundas at 2pm.
It is with very heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Jamie Balardo at the age of 57, on May 13, 2025. Born and raised in Dundas, Ontario, Jamie was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He had an unmatched willingness to help others, and his presence brought laughter, insight, and strength to everyone around him.
Jamie is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Trish, and his cherished children Chris (Morgan Vandriel) and Sean (Abby Entwistle). He will be deeply missed by his siblings Linda Watters (Bill), Mary Lynn (Mike Trainor), Mark (Anna), Paul (Tammy), Anthony (Sharon), Dave (Justine Best) and his many nieces and nephews who loved him. Jamie was predeceased by his loving parents, Rose and Tony Balardo.
A proud Desjardins Insurance Agent—like many in the Balardo family—Jamie built his career on trust, respect and a strong commitment to good customer service. He was an Insurance Agent in Paris, Ontario for over 20 years. Jamie was known for his sharp wit, boundless resilience, and ability to banter about absolutely anything. Whether it was boating on a sunny day, planning the next travel adventure, or just holding court at a family gathering, Jamie lived fully and loved fiercely.
Jamie was the toughest and funniest guy we’ve ever known. He always seemed to have the answer to life’s toughest questions and never failed to keep his family on their toes. He has gone far too soon and far too young. His absence will be felt deeply, but his memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.
To honour Jamie’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held with family. A Celebration of Jamie’s Life will take place on Wednesday, July 30th, please see the details below.
The family would like to thank the staff at Juravinski Cancer Centre and Juravinski Hospital for their care and compassion.
Until we meet again, Jamie—your spirit will remain forever in our hearts!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Jamie Balardo
May 8, 1968 – May 13, 2025
We invite all who knew and loved Jamie to drop in and join our family as we remember and celebrate the life of Jamie Balardo on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Flamborough Hills Golf Club. The Golf Club is located at 71 Hwy 52, Copetown, ON. Please come and share your memories with us.
Cornelia passed away on May 8, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas, ON. She was predeceased by her parents, Katie and Joe Wallick, her husband (Gerry), sisters Emily (George) Danylewich, Nettie (Walter) Johnson, her brother Steve Nykolski and nephews John Danylewich and Carl Johnson. She is survived by her nephews, James (Wilma) Johnson, Glen Johnson, Danny (Terry) Johnson, David (Madeline) Danylewich, Liz Danylewich and many great-nephews and nieces. She was born in Winnepegosis, Manitoba and later moved to Vancouver to further her education. She worked many years for various departments of the Canadian government in Manitoba and Ontario. Cornelia totally believed in the promise Jehovah God gave to all right hearted ones of a resurrection and a new world on earth promised to us. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 370 Brock Road, Dundas, ON. We wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the St. Joseph’s Villa for the excellent care given to Cornelia, it was very much appreciated by the family.
It is with deep sadness we announce Lenore Castle (nee McCarty) passed away very peacefully with grace and with family by her side, March 21, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton. She was in her 92nd year. Lenore was born in 1933, and grew up as one of five sisters, living on the family farm on Sulphur Springs Road, Dundas. Her stories from those days are truly incredible, involving gunpowder, pitchforks, stolen trucks and bedpans.
After somehow surviving to adulthood, and upon graduating from Hamilton Teachers’ College, Lenore became an elementary school teacher with the Hamilton Wentworth School Board. Her career began at Copetown Public School—a genuine one-room schoolhouse—and after teaching at several elementary schools in and around Dundas, she spent the last 20+ years of her career at Yorkview Public School.
She was passionate about the importance of quality education and maintained that conviction throughout her teaching years and beyond.
Lenore was a popular and highly respected educator, known for being strict yet fair and committed to her students’ academic progress. She was also known for the luxurious fur coat she wore during winter recess yard duties, when it was common to see her adorned with numerous children clinging onto her like baby opossums.
Retirement saw Lenore busier than ever, with regular travel, an active social life, and abundant volunteer work. She prioritized her contribution to St. James Anglican Church, where she attended for most of her life and where she maintained a deep connection until her death. Lenore’s faith supported her through tragic losses and challenges, and she lived her life with unrelenting gratitude. Lenore will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, quick bold wit, and fierce love for her granddaughters, for whom she will always be ‘Pumma.’
Lenore is predeceased by her first husband, Ivan Bristol (1953); her husband of 58 years, David Castle (2016); her sister, Jacqueline (2015); and many treasured friends. She is survived by her daughter, Tonya; her two beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth and Charlotte; her sister, Audrey, and three generations of nieces and nephews.
As per Lenore’s wishes, cremation has already taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at St. James Anglican Church, Dundas, on June 19 at 1 p.m. A reception in the church parlour will follow the service. Interment will take place the following day, June 20, at 1 p.m. at Mount Zion Cemetery, Copetown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal rescue or the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.
Finally, the family thanks the staff and volunteers on Wentworth Lodge’s Lilac Lane for the care and compassion they showed Lenore until the end of her life.
Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Amica Retirement Home, Dundas on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in her 89th year. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Jack and the two were married and joined together in love in 1956. Once again, they will now be reunited in heaven forever. Shirley will be missed dearly and was loved every day by her daughter Jacqui Kynast (Randy) who was always at Mom’s side since losing Dad, and helped so much for her to continue to live a happy life until joining Dad again. Shirley was also dearly loved and will be missed by sons Larry (Carrie) and John (Annette). Shirley was Gramma to Kellie, Samantha (Rob MacDonald), Tawnya, Laura and Emma; as well as 7 great grandchildren.
Predeceased by brother Wayne Wickens and sister Gloria Brown as well as many close brother and sister in-laws on the McCarthy side of the family. Shirley was also known as a caring Aunt to many cherished nieces and nephews of her large, combined families.
Shirley had a successful life of happiness as she raised her family with Jack. She always spoke proudly of her family. She managed to touch the hearts of every person she ever met with her kindness, understanding love and fairness to everyone.
The family would like to particularly thank the entire staff who cared for Shirley in every way at Amica Retirement Home, Dundas, second floor assisted living area. Your interactions and love shown in the last week of her life will never be forgotten and will leave a mark in our hearts forever.
For anyone wishing to donate in Shirley’s name, the family has chosen Northern Animals Rescue and Sanctuary www.northernanimalsrescuesanctuary.ca as Shirley’s charity of choice.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. A short reception will follow at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will take place for immediate family only after the reception.
George passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, on April 14th, 2025, a day before his 75th birthday. Beloved husband of Joanna (nee Olejnik). Loving father/tatuś to Thomas (Nadine), Jack (Jackie), and Mark (Alicia). Caring grandpa/dziadzia of Nate, Matthew, Simon, and Claire. George joins his parents, Michael and Zofia, and his beloved sister Mary, in the embrace of God’s loving arms, reunited in eternal peace and surrounded by His grace. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Eve and Krissie (Casey), brothers Adam (Ruthanne) and Alex (Christine), and many other relatives in Canada and Poland.
George was born in Paczków, Poland on April 15th, 1950, and moved to Hamilton in 1966 with his family. He met Joanna on a visit back to Poland, and after a long-distance courtship, they married in 1972. George never ceased adoring Joanna through their more than 50 years of marriage, and in his final years was grateful to receive her loving care. He was a devoted father, never failing to show his sons the pride and love he felt for them. In addition to raising his three sons, he was also a devoted caregiver to his nephews Mike and Adam. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy than his beloved grandchildren. George was a proud Polish patriot, and a long-time member of the Polish National Union (Burlington branch). He was a die-hard Hamilton Tiger-Cats fan, and a proud steelworker, working at Frost Fence for decades until its closure in 2002, proudly serving as a steward for USWA Local 3561.
Our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas for their attentive care. Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 2 PM to 4 PM, and 7 PM to 9 PM, for a visitation, with a Rosary Prayer Service at 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, 714 King Street West, Hamilton, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10 AM, followed by a celebration of life at the Polish National Union Hall on 2316 Fairview St., Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory to the St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation.
