Gloria Fildalia Lewis-Straker - March 24, 1933 – September 10, 2024

Gloria Lewis-Straker passed away peacefully on September 10 following a long illness.

Gloria was charitable, kind, independent and driven. Growing up with four brothers and living modestly, she aspired to carve her own bright future. She travelled to England as a young woman to study nursing, where she learned to become a midwife and cycled around the boroughs in a cape and cap, bringing babies into the world. Upon returning to Trinidad, her work took her around the island, visiting new mothers and offering advice and care. She then moved to Toronto to become a Registered Nurse where she had an exemplary 40-year career including long stretches in the ER and Trauma units, applying her skills as a Surgical Nurse, and ultimately taking on a management role.

She spent her well-earned retirement relaxing at her home in Pickering, touring Ontario and travelling overseas, including trips back to Trinidad and jaunts to Europe with her son. Family was always close to Gloria’s heart, including her much-adored mother, Madeline, with whom we hope she has reunited. She held deep love and pride for her son Stephen (Suzanne) and grandchildren Melaina (Jesse), Gabrielle, Isaac and Madeline. She also has three great-grandsons (Garrett, Emmett and Oliver) who carry her zest for life and learning.

In addition to her mother, Gloria was predeceased by her eldest brother (Julian) as a child, father (Elliot Essau) and then her remaining brothers later in life (Anthony, Fitzroy and Philbert). She was widowed in her 20’s (Alvin) and was also pre-deceased by Stephen’s father (Herman) with whom she had decades of love and friendship.

Thoughts to Gloria and the family are much appreciated at this time. In lieu of flowers, we would be grateful for donations to Ed’s House in Cobourg, Ontario. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E362347QE&id=2

The hospice and its incredible staff and volunteers were an immense gift to Gloria and her family in recent weeks, and anything that can support their work would be an honour to her memory. Gloria was a charitable and giving woman to the end and would be pleased to know that remembrance of her could help others in need.

"You left us beautiful memories
Your love is still our guide
and though we cannot see you
You are always by our side."

LEYES, Brian J Leyes - 11 January, 1942 – 17 August, 2024

Passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2024 at the age of 82, with his family and dedicated caregivers at his side. Beloved husband of Sami for nearly 54 years, and loving father to Christian (Emily), Mike (Jen) and Josh (Laura). Special Grandpa to Brady, Myanna, Brody, Colton, Gage, Lola & Paisley. Brian will be deeply missed by the Leyes and Honda families and his many nieces and nephews. Brian was born in Kitchener, Ontario on January 11th, 1942 to Leo and Josephine Leyes (nee Hoffarth). Predeceased by his parents and older brother Paul.

A true entrepreneur, Brian blazed a trail and moved to Oshawa, Ontario in 1962 to open the first pizza stores in the city. Pepi’s Pizza had 5 locations across the Durham Region over the next 20 years and had a large impact on popularizing pizza in the area. Due to ongoing health issues, Brian retired from the pizza business in the early 1980s.

Brian spent his remaining years a dedicated family man, giving back to the community whenever and wherever he could. Whether he was taking his sons on road trips to baseball stadiums across America, hosting countless social gatherings with Sami, or volunteering for the Arthritis Society, and running their charity bingo games, Brian always did right by people, making a positive impact wherever he went.

In his remaining years, Brian moved to the Village of Taunton Mills. Despite his deteriorating physical health, Brian always had a positive outlook and did the absolute best with the hand he was dealt. He continued his passion for business and started managing the General Store at Taunton Mills. His desire to follow his passion and serve people didn’t go unnoticed, as he received the Ontario senior achievement award in 2018. Many thanks to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Taunton Mills for their loving care and support.

In accordance with Brian's wishes, instead of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held at Courtice Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Sept. 7th from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm, with tributes commencing at 2:00 pm. The Chapel is located at 1587 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Courtice, L1E 2R7. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

LAFRANCE, Sarah Lynne - 29-Oct-1999 - 29-Aug-2024

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Sarah Lynne Lafrance announce her sudden passing on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the tender age of 24 years. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her parents: Sheila and the late Mike; her sisters: Connie (Shawn) and Lisa (Rich); Proud Grandmother: Wilma McGregor. She will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Friends.

Sarah is predeceased by her Grandparents Bob McGregor, Rod Tinworth, Lucille Lafrance and Great Grandmother Joan Weales as well as aunts, uncles and special friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Cobourg Emergency Services, Police and Dr. Emery for your support and compassion during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held at Mount Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21 Garrard Rd. Whitby, Ontario on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 from 12noon until the time of the Chapel service at 2pm. A reception will follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Durham Region Mental Heath Services or Durham Region Humane Society would be appreciated.

Sarah has left this world too soon and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We hope you have found your peace.

“Until we meet again”

For those of you that unable to attend the service but wish to watch it via the Livestream, please click the following link and register: Funeral Service Link

LANGMAID, Charles Stephens Langmaid  -
June 7, 1925 - August 15, 2024

Aged 99 years

Peacefully at Glen Hill Strathaven, Bowmanville

Beloved husband for 62 years of the late Alma (Goyne).

Loving father of Sally (Tom Barrie), Tom, Faye (Paul Laing) and predeceased by daughter Marlene (1956).  Cherished by his Grandchildren Jessica (Stewart McDonough), Kate (Craig Hyatt), Gillian (Jason Buckley) and Stephen (Christie Stevens) and his Great Grandchilden, Anna, Sam, Henry, Andrew, Sarah, Alma and Edie.

Pre-deceased by his parents Roy and Katie, brother George and sister Muriel Lunn (late Orville) and Alma’s siblings Ray Goyne (Hazel), Garnet Goyne (Wilma) and Viola Ashton (Bill).   Survived by his sister Helen Preston (late Lloyd) and remembered by several nieces and nephews and cousins.

A graduate of Kemptville Agricultural College (’48), Former member and longtime treasurer of Eldad United Church, Solina community supporter, soccer player and fan, farmer, avid reader, curious, witty and kind.

Sincere thanks to Glen Hill Strathaven staff and in particular the home area Spruce caregivers who provided such considerate and compassionate care for Dad.

A visitation will be held on Friday August 23^rd, 2024, from 12pm to 1pm with a memorial service to follow at 1pm at Northcutt Funeral Home, Bowmanville. Interment at Zion Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Durham Region or Cystic Fibrosis Canada.