Grace Evelyn Hopkins
November 10, 1921 - December 15, 2022
Passed away in Oshawa on December 15th, 2022 at the age of 101.
Predeceased by her husband John Hopkins (2005).
Loving mother of Jim Hopkins of Ashburn and Bill Hopkins and his wife Debbie of Severn, Scott Hopkins and his partner Lisa of Stouffville and Barb Schunk of Oshawa.
Predeceased by her daughter Sharon Jean Emm (2015).
Survived by her son-in-law Tony Emm of Oshawa.
Grandmother of Jason (Jenny), Lindsay (Doug), Cherie (Cory), Jamie, Fran (Nicole), Toni (Ben), Amanda (Jason), Leanne (Calvin), Scott, Carley (Furqan), Elizabeth (Lawrence), Mitchell, Andrea and predeceased by John.
Great Grandmother of 16.
Dear sister of Shirley Hamilton (late Bill), Carol Monghan (Brian).
Predeceased by Bill and Vera, Ross, Jim and Wilma, Betty and Bryce, Barb and Jim, Fran and Jack and Jean and Gordon.
Visitation at BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 5295 Thickson Rd. N. Whitby on Wednesday December 21st from 1 pm until time of Service in the Barnes Chapel Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 pm.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Thorntonview for your compassion love and care for our mother is deeply appreciated.
We are especially grateful for the support, kind words and hugs during her last week with us. You are very special people. To Judy, her roomy, friend protector and friend, Thank you!
In memory of Grace memorial donations to the Salvation Army.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com .
Gabriel Merkac
MARCH 9, 1932 – DECEMBER 5, 2022
Of Mitchell Corners, at the age of 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday December 6, 2022.
Devoted husband to Petronella (Ronny) Merkac (Garrels). Daughter, Cindy Stirling (Merkac). Her children and his dearest grandchildren Molly, Drew and Jaslan Stirling and many foster grandchildren.
Daughter Debbie Merkac-Robinson. Her children and his dearest grandchildren Dr. Tyler Robinson, Dr. Trevor Robinson (Justin Pope) and Tanya Robinson. Daughter Sylvia Lang (Merkac) and her husband Steve Lang.
Their children and his devoted grandchildren Denise Lang, Michael Lang and Nicole Lang. Great Grandchildren (Denise Lang) Meadow and Micah Forsyth. Daughter Linda Merkac.
Her children and his dearest grandchildren Kurtis, Alyssa and Mitch Paddison. Son Greg Merkac and his wife Laura Merkac.
Children and his beloved grandchildren Sierra, Gabriel, Gavin, Isabella and Michelle. Son Justin Merkac and his wife Pamela Merkac. Their children and devoted grandchildren Devin, Zion and Justus Merkac. Gabe was born in Sele Yugoslavia, (now Slovenia) into a family of 7 children. He immigrated to Canada as a young man with only a small suitcase and could not speak English.
He met the love of his life Ronny Garrels, married, and they built a wonderful life together. He started a successful small business, built his own home in Mitchells Corners and a cottage near Maynooth, Ontario. Gabe and Ronny ran a repair business of large appliances for many years and worked together tirelessly to ensure it’s success.
When the girls were young, they helped him put an addition on the house for a garage, 3 bedrooms and another bathroom for their growing family. We needed more room in the family home as mum was expecting Justin and we already had 7 of us living in a 3-bedroom house.
Gabe and Ronny were married almost 65 years, an amazing milestone!
Gabe volunteered in many organizations including soccer, baseball, hockey as well as the local Boy Scouts organization. He put his two boys in competitive hockey and travelled all over Canada and even into the US to compete. When a firehall opened in Courtice, Gabe trained and became a volunteer firefighter.
He served for many years with a dedicated team. He also was involved in building the rectory and church at St Therese’s parish when it arrived in Courtice. Gabe’s interests and pastimes over the years included collecting and repairing pocket watches and clocks, working on his model T car and spending time at the family cottage with his large family.
He could not sit still and was constantly puttering with something and was very proud when he managed to fix the item. Poppa was very proud of his children, grandchildren, foster grandchildren and great grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He loved to spend time with them listening to what they were up to and telling stories about the past. He was a jokester and would shake with laughter sometimes while telling stories.
Gabe was very knowledgeable and was the go-to person for advice on how to repair anything. In later years, he often supervised others to ensure things were done properly and to his specifications.
Our Dad will be remembered for his great sense of humour, regular advice, ability to fix anything he set his mind to and dedication to his family. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fire Hall #4’s CHARITY of choice.
Clarington Project option from the link below: Donate Now - Community Living Oshawa/Clarington (canadahelps.org) or the Scouts Canada - 27th Oshawa Scout Group or your Local group. Say Yes!
And Donate to Scouting! (scouts.ca). He will be held close in our hearts, always loved, and never forgotten.
The family appreciates all your support during this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted with COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL .
Grace Elaine Benson
It is with great sadness that we share with you the peaceful passing of Grace Benson on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 in Keswick, Ontario.
Loving mother of Lynn Marie “Pix” Benson (Tom).
Cherished daughter of Mac and Maud Middleton.
Beloved grandmother to Lisa-Marie Seeley and fur grandmother to Nelly. Dear sister to Joan Madill (Cliff), Marion Benson (Stan), Ken Middleton (Rose).
She was also a proud Aunt to many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She will be missed dearly by all of her friends and extended family.
A funeral service will take place at Low and Low, Uxbridge Chapel on Friday, December 16, 20222 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Claremont Union Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Claremont Legion following the graveside service.
Gloria Concetta Nigro
1933 - 2022 It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Gloria Concetta Nigro, on Tuesday December 6th, at the age of 89, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
She is pre-deceased by her husband Michele, brother Michael and sister Filomena.
She leaves behind her loving sister Lina.
She will be greatly missed by her sons Frank (Leslie) and Tony (Karen), her grandchildren John (Susana), Aprile (Mike), Charlie, Amanda and Nicholas, as well as her great-grandchildren Justin, Anthony, Danika, Emma and Brielle.
Her extended family will also miss her as she welcomed them into her life many years ago.
Step grandchildren Michelle (Mike), Shawn (Kristen) and step great-grandchildren Taylor, Matthew, Adelyn and Cohen are saddened by her loss.
Gloria was born in Italy and moved to Australia when she was married. Her sons Frank and Tony were both born there before the family moved to Canada in 1962. Gloria loved to cook and was often complimented by friends and family for the wonderful food she would make.
Family was a large part of her life and she welcomed everyone to her home with open arms and a feast of wonderful food.
Arrangements with McEachnie Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
Grace Richardson
It is with deep sadness we share the news of our mother, Grace Richardson (nee Loshaw) passing.
She died Saturday, December 3rd at the Wynfield Long Term Care.
Residence in Oshawa in her 98th year.
Beloved wife of the late Wilfred. Cherished mother of Linda Hyland(Ralph), Debbra Butson(Dan), Paul(Tracy) and Harry(Paula). Loving nanny to Kristina, Michelle, Sarah, Steven, Matthew, Julie, Adam, Lucas, Kyle and Jeff, and dearly remembered by her 15 great-grandchildren.
Dear sister of Reta Zubowski and Dan Loshaw.
Predeceased by her sisters Pearl, Ruth, and Eleanor, and brothers Donald, John, Arden, George and Clarence.
We will remember her sense of humour, her love of music, her devotion to our family, her kindness and selflessness. Her grandchildren described her legacy as Love.
We are at peace knowing she is with our dad, her beloved Wilfred. Her Loshaw family will be singing and playing their instruments to the gospel music she so loved as she joins them in heaven.
Rest In Peace Mom.
Visitation will take place at Morris Funeral Chapel(4 Division Street, Bowmanville) on Saturday, December 10 from 11AM until time of service in the funeral Chapel at 1PM. At the request of the family, masks are recommended, however they are not required. Burial to follow at Pontypool Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations to either the CNIB or the Salvation Army are greatly appreciated by Grace’s family.
Glenyce Elaine (nee Simpson)
March 10, 1943 - December 4, 2022
After a life devoted to those she loved and of selfless service to her community, Glenyce MacDonald passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the age of 79.
Born and raised in Ashton, ON, she was the beloved wife of the late Les.
Devoted mother of Walter and Wendy.
Dear sister of Wilma (Bob), Marilyn, and Robert (Al).
Predeceased by her parents Allan & Ruby Simpson and her brothers Donald and Ross (Hilda). Glenyce will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
All those who knew Glenyce appreciated her limitless capacity to care, her wonderful sense of humour, and her random acts of kindness. She was a lifelong quilter, lover of nature and friend to all animals.
Glenyce and Les were a special team. Life partners and best friends, they served the community together. She tirelessly supported Les’s many businesses and adventures including automobile dealerships, a car leasing business, and a van conversion business as well as many memorable family celebrations.
A veteran of the Auxiliary of Lakeridge Health Oshawa for over 20 years, she worked in the coffee kiosk, fracture clinic, and gift shop. She also served as Auxiliary president, chair of the Volunteer Council and Director of the Gift Shop.
She was an active Rotarian for several years and more recently volunteered at St. Vincent Palloti Kitchen. Glenyce was a proud supporter of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 151 Squadron.
Visitation will be held at ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME (124 King St. E., Oshawa) on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Chapel at 1 p.m followed by a reception.
A livestream will also be available. Interment will be at Ormond Cemetery in spring 2023.
Memorial donations may be made to Royal Canadian Air Cadets 151 Squadron, Lakeridge Health Hospital Cancer Foundation Palliative Care or Rotary Club of Oshawa.
For online condolences and further information please visit armstrongfh.ca .
https://www.chadburn.org/donate/
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rotary-club-of-oshawa-charitable-fund/ .
George Bodashefsky
(Longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church) Peacefully at Hillsdale Terraces with family by his side on Saturday, December 3, 2022, in his 101st year.
Beloved husband of the late Erna (née Aru). Loving father of Linda, Renee, Gary, and Eldon (Tracey).
Cherished Grampa of Kirsten (Tyler) and Erin (Tyler) and Great-Grampa of Cypress and Kiana.
Brother of Alex (Ann) and predeceased by Olga Romanuk (late John), Kate Zabudsky (late John), Victor Bodashefsky (late Anne), Alice Abramoff (late Frank), and Nettie Hughes (late Len).
Predeceased by parents William and Martha.
George will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends; especially his four-legged friend Sydney.
A special thank you to the staff at Hillsdale Terraces; Lighthouse Lane, for all of their care and compassionate support.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend at McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558) on Thursday, December 8, 2022, George’s 101st birthday, from 10 a.m., until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in memory of George to a local food bank or a CHARITY of choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be shared at makfuneralhome.com .
George Charles Bertrim
Passed away in his 91st year, peacefully with Cheryl and Frank by his side, on Thursday, December 1, 2022.
George was predeceased by his wives Lorraine (Graham 1980), Margaret (Teel 2001), and long-time companion of Gayle (Bryant 2021).
Cherished father of Cheryl (Frank) Mangan, George (Deborah) Bertrim and Step-son Gary (Diane) Graham.
Loving grandfather of Chris Verbrugghe, Breanna (Jamie) Coxon, Jonathan (Megan) Graham, Whitney (Adam) Brown, Jeffrey Bertrim and Andrew (Melissa) Bertrim. Great- grandfather to Adelaide, Tate, Connor, Jordyn, and Noah.
George was the dear brother of Jean (Ken) Urwin, John (Cecilia) Bertrim, Birdie (Peter) Hood, brother-in-law to Reta Graham and Tom (Margaret) Graham and pre-deceased by his sister and brother-in-law Helen (Ron) Morrison. He will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at the Mangan Funeral Home, on Tuesday December 6th from 11:00 A.M. until time of funeral service at 1P.M. Spring interment at Zion Cemetery, 5165 Enfield Road, Hampton.
Special thanks to Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, palliative care unit Harvey 2 and to Birchmere Staff and Residence where George resided for the last year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated by the family to Sick Kids Hospital Campfire Circle (Camp Ooch Camp Trillium Corporation) campfirecircle.org for childhood cancer or to the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
Gerry Eckel
Passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in his 89th year, alongside his loving family members.
A dearly beloved husband to Patricia (nee Trew).
Loving father to Scott (Royann, deceased), Steven, and Sharon Buschbeck (Martin).
Proud grandfather to Lawrence (Santana Moore) and Angela Eckel, and great grandfather to Abel.
He will be greatly missed by his extended family members and friends.
Private arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Gayle Patricia (Prosser) Starr
October 5, 1945 - November 13, 2022
Our beautiful mother passed away with family by her side.
She was pre-deceased by her father Gerald Prosser, mother Mildred Mae Prosser and her granddaughter Amanda (Ammykins) Cooper.
She had many happy years as a loving wife to the late Donald Starr.
She had also been a wife to the late Earl Cooper from which her family stems from. She was the middle sister to Joanne (Eric) and Judy (Al).
She was the beloved mother to three children, Terry Lee Ballinger (nee Cooper) (Tony), Allan Ross Cooper and Gerald John Cooper.
She was the loved Grandma to her 5 grandchildren, Cody Edward Ballinger (Nikki), Brandon Anthony Ballinger (Holly), Aimee Lee Ballinger (Eugene), Tyler William Ballinger (Lauren) and Anthony James Ballinger “AJ”. Pre-deceased by grand-daughter Amanda.
She was Ggram to 4 extended grandchildren Michael, Samantha, Johnny and Amy Beson whom she greatly loved. She was Gigi to and adored her Great grandchildren Sebastian, Anastasia, Parker, Adelyn , Jude and Lucas. She was also a fur grandma to Six, Saosin, Rosie and Rio.
She wore many hats throughout her work years-Windfield farms boarding house as cook, Flamingo Pastries, Oshawa Times, Scholastic books and finally retired.
She will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends. Special thanks to Hellen for her constant friendship and willingness to help mom out whenever needed.
Celebration of Life to be held Saturday November 19, 2022 from 1pm –4pm at the Willow Park Community Centre. 610 Beatrice St. E #15 in Oshawa.