Vera Lessie Abela
It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of Vera on Tuesday March 5th , 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
A loving Grandmother, Mother, Wife and friend to many.
Vera overcame many physical challenges over the years.
She was determined to live, and die, on her own terms. She was courageous and a fighter.
Vera in her 71st year, leaves behind her beloved husband Walter. Adored mother of Samantha, Nicholas and Daniele (Eric hooper). Cherished grandmother of Taylor, Georgia and; Kennedy.
Sister of Donald, Christine, Tania and predeceased by Joey, Johnny, and Patricia and her parents Nadia and Josip.
Vera will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all of her extended family and many friends.
Vera was an active member of the community. In better days, she volunteered her time between her parish St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Oshawa Garden Club and Hearth Place Cancer Centre over the years.
She loved crafting with her friends and playing in her garden. She cherished walks with her beloved dogs, Makwa and Mowgli.
She was an avid reader and had a wonderful imagination. When she could, she loved to bake.
“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything” CS Lewis
Please join with the family for a Memorial Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 1314 Oxford Street, Oshawa on Saturday March 23rd at 11am.
A private family interment of ashes at Resurrection Cemetery to follow the gathering at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Vera to Hearth Place Cancer Centre or St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family.
For online condolences, please visit armstrongfh.ca .
Victoria Thomas
December 20, 1933 - February 22, 2024
The family of Victoria Thomas is deeply saddened to announce her passing on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Victoria was born in Northern Iraq and grew up in Basra, Iraq.
Victoria was married in 1953 to Abdul Messih "Tom" Thomas and traveled shortly afterwards to the United States to be with her husband while he was studying to become an engineer.
In 1967, Victoria with her family immigrated to Canada where she raised her six children.
Victoria was quite accomplished. Victoria was fluent in four languages: Aramaic-Chaldean, Arabic, French and English. She was an amazing cook and seamstress.
She loved to garden and go on long walks in the community.
Anyone who entered her home was welcomed and fed and treated with love as if they were her own family.
Victoria lived in Ajax since 1969 and was a proud parishioner and building supporter of St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Parish and Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral in North York.
Victoria was very happy to have celebrated her 90th birthday with her family in December. Victoria passed peacefully in hospital, surrounded by family.
She is predeceased by her husband, Tom, of 43 years; her brothers Paulis and Tawfiq Shano; and son-in-law, William Levine.
She is survived by her six children: Roy, Helen, Rex (Catherine), Rhonda (Patrick), Linda (Ron), and Joyce (William). As well as her nine grandchildren: Logan, Michael, Christina, Victoria, Valerie (David), Michelle, Peter, Hailey, and Luke. She also had two great-grandchildren: Atlas and Evelyn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honour of Victoria to Diabetes Canada.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Deer Creek Club House Located at 2700 Audley Road North Ajax, ON L1Z 1T7 t: (905) 427-7737.
Arrangements with SIMPLE ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL CENTRE .
Viena Maria Whalley
(Longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, Oshawa, retired from the Cooking School at Pineridge Secondary School, Pickering)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Viena Maria Whalley (nee Tuomisto) in her 88th year, on February 24, 2024.
She was born in Alavus, Finland on October 4, 1936.
Viena is survived by her loving husband Robert Tumey, daughters Eva Gainer (Jonathan Asmus), Lea Somers (Jack), and Lisa Talvak (Bill Agnew), grandchildren James Gainer (Candace), Sara Gainer (John Shields), Aaron Somers (Emily), Kailee Rembosz (Mike), Brandon Somers (Anna Francesca), Eric Agnew and Lauren Agnew, great-grandchildren Cameron & Hannah Gainer, Carter & Chase Shields and Benjamin Somers, as well as her half siblings in Finland: Karina Tuominen (Raimo), Leila Korpimaki (Leo), Maija-Liisa Perala (Taito), Tarja Kuusela (Markku), Rauno Tuomisto (Suvi-Paivikki), Ilpo Tuomisto & Harri Tuomisto and their families.
Viena was predeceased by her sister Lili Purves (Bert), brothers Asser Tuomisto (Aini), Eero Tuomisto and Timo Tuomisto, husband Robert Whalley, son-in-law Don Gainer and grandson Bryan Gainer.
Viena emigrated to Canada in 1954, at the age of 18, and lived with her aunt and uncle in Toronto. She joined Bethlehem Finnish Lutheran church.
After moving to Oshawa, she became a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving on the Ladies of Grace, Altar Guild, Seminary Guild and Evangelism team.
While raising her children as a single mother, she worked as a babysitter and house cleaner.
Later, she worked in the cooking schools at Vanier and Pine Ridge Secondary Schools. Viena enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, travelling, reading and baking - especially for family and friends.
Viena was kind and caring and always had a beautiful smile for everyone! The family would like to extend our appreciation to the staff of 5C at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and all off her PSWs for their kind and compassionate care of Viena.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend at McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558) on Monday, February 26, from 3 – 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 540 Cromwell Avenue, Oshawa, on Tuesday, February 27 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. A Luncheon will follow the service at the church.
Donations in memory of Viena to Grace Lutheran Church or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be shared at makfuneralhome.com
Valerie Anne Wahl
February 7, 1981- February 23, 2024
Valerie lost her valiant fight against cancer on Friday February 23rd.
She was a loving wife to Kevin Wahl for 19 years.
A proud hockey mom to her three boys, Logan, Lincoln, Leland, and her fur baby Ryder.
Born in Scarborough to Mike and Heather Braun. Loving sister to brother Petro Stasios (Catherine) and Michael Braun (Sherry). Fun loving Aunt to Nicholas, Mattie, Blake, Ryleigh, and Victor.
She will be dearly missed by her surviving in-laws Ed and Debbie Wahl, Jane Carstens, as well as the many Aunts and Uncles too numerous to list.
Valerie had a beautiful smile and the personality to match. Her kind nature was balanced out by a ferocious loyalty. Valerie had just begun her second career as a PSW working out of Hillsdale Terrace.
Her compassion and loving nature was a delight to the residents where she was a favorite of many. She was frightened of those tiny terrors called squirrels, and disliked cheese. Her passions were running, gardening, watching her boys playing hockey and Kevin cleaning the pool.
She will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a brilliant star that burnt out too soon.
Visitation will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 209 Cochrane Street, Whitby on Tuesday, February 27th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at the Church at 12:00 p.m. A Reception will follow at the church.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Head and Neck Research or Saint Andrew’s Church.
Vincenzina Pitaro
Vincenzina Pitaro is now reunited in heaven with her husband, Salvatore “Sam” (†June 5, 2018) Pitaro.
Born on July 12, 1939, in San Vito Sullo Ionio, Calabria, Italy and passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Pickering.
She is survived by her loving children, Mimmo, Lisa (John) Gaspar, and Joe (Janet) who meant the world to her.
Vincenzina was the proud nonna of Janelle and Jenna. She is dearly missed by her sisters Caterina (late Vito), late Rosina (late Giuseppe) and late Pasqualina (late Giovanni), her brothers Antonio (Immacolata), Domenico (Rosa) and Vito (Olga), her sisters-in-law Chiara (Domenico) and Caterina (Antonio) and brothers-in-law Antonio (late Maria Teresa), late Francesco (Fiorina), and late Giuseppe (Maria).
She will be fondly remembered by many of her nieces, nephews, family and friends. Vincenzina spent her early years in Italy tending to her family's farm and learning valuable life skills like cooking and taking care of the little ones.
In December 1962 she married Salvatore Pitaro and together they immigrated to Canada via Halifax with 8-month-old Mimmo in 1965.
A devoted member of the Roman Catholic faith, Vincenzina embraced her religion and spread love among her family and friends through her good works.
Vincenzina's love extended beyond her family, touching the lives of many nieces, nephews, and friends. When not attending to her family or creating culinary delights, Vincenzina enjoyed reading her Bible, saying the rosary, watching Italian soap operas, gardening, baking, and sharing enchanting stories about her formative years with her adoring children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the McEachine Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 2 – 4, 6 – 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church (796 Eyer Dr., Pickering) on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow.
Virginia Fusco
APRIL 25, 1938 – FEBRUARY 7, 2024
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday February 7th, 2024, in her 86th year.
Born in Italy. Virginia lived a life filled enjoying families and friends.
Beloved husband of the late Pietro.
Loving step mother of Danny (Ginette), and Maria Bianca (Marco).
Cherished Mamanon of Jessica, Ashley, Marcangelo and her great grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Rosina (late Giuseppe), Francesco (Maria), late Vincenzo (Maria). Dear aunt of Carm (Wendy).
Will be missed by all her nieces and nephews in Canada, USA, Belgium and beautiful Italia.
Virginia adored her colorful flowers and vegetable garden, finding great joy in nurturing them. She took excellent care of her husband of 35 years. Fond of baking, she treasured family dinners, always serving espresso and freshly baked treats.
Affectionately referred to as Mamanon by her grandchildren, she was a humorous and captivating woman. She was a friendly and cherished neighbour, deeply valued by our family.
Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME 847 King St., W., on Friday, February 9th, 2024 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church (214 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa). Entombment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Reception to follow at St. Gregory's Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada www.diabetescanada.ca , or the Kids Help Phone www.kidshelpphone.ca
We express our gratitude for all the support and condolences received from family and friends.
We also want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Seasons Retirement Community and the frontline workers at Lakeridge Health Hospital.
Online condolences and tributes may be shared at oshawafuneralhome.com .
Victoria Lesnick
July 2, 1933 – February 3, 2024
Predeceased by her husband Zory, and daughter Angela. Mother of Darlene Sullivan (Michael) and Zory Lesnick (Cindy, and daughters Shelby and Jamie).
Grandmother of Montana Dey (Tony) and great-grandmother of Matteo.
Sister of Violet Cook and David Zachanowich (Darlene). Sister in law of Zosia Hussey (Wayne).
Vicki was an avid gardener and long time member of the Newcastle Horticultural Society. Donations may be made to the Society in her memory.
Private arrangements have taken place with Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home.
Valerie Bray
November 24, 1944 - January 27, 2024
After a courageous and hard fought 8-year battle with cancer, Valerie Bray (Holmes) passed away peacefully at the Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry on January 27th, 2024, at the age of 79.
She leaves behind her loving sons, Mark (Jackie), Paul (Sandra) along with her grandchildren Matthew, Morgan, Brittney, Austin, and Corson.
Valerie was born on November 24, 1944, raised in York England.
She was predeceased by her father (Harry Holmes), mother (Elizabeth Holmes) and her sister (Pat).
She will be fondly remembered by her brothers Trevor (Bok), Roy (Pat) and lifelong friend Francis (Mike).
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to all the staff at Oak Ridges Hospice for their attentive care in her final days, Dr. Rothenstein and his team at Durham Region Cancer Centre, Sondra and team from Home and Community Care Support Services Central East and the numerous dedicated and caring PSW’s that assisted her in her daily living.
At her request, Valerie was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a future date.
Arrangements with BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME .
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Valerie’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry.
Vladimir (Vlade) Kimevski
May 11, 1944 – January 20, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, father, dedo, uncle, and friend Vlade Kimevski.
Vlade passed away peacefully on January 20th at Scarborough Centenary Hospital in his 80th year surrounded by his family.
Predeceased by his father Pando, mother Donka, and his sister Verga. Vlade was an amazing, loving man and we are blessed to have him in our lives.
Beloved husband of Nada (nee Gelmanovska) , brother of Ana, father of Jim (Mary-Anne) and Mike (Joanna).
He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Kaitlin, Matthew, Alessia, and Daniella. Vladimir was born May 11, 1944, in the village of Bukovo, Macedonia.
He apprenticed, and worked as carpenter and cabinet maker before being conscripted into the Army at the age of 20. After his military service, Vlade left his country in search of a better life, and immigrated to Canada (Toronto) in 1966.
He first met Nada at a Macedonian church event, and they married in 1968.
Vlade worked as a welder and steel fabricator for 30 years. He contributed to several recognizable infrastructure, building, and restoration projects in Toronto. Vlade was proud and passionate about his craft.
This paled in comparison for the love of his wife Nada, his family, and the special bond forged with each of his grandchildren. His sense of humor, great timing and quick wit was second to none…he will never be forgotten.
The Visitation will be held at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Rd on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5-8 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Nedela Macedonian Orthodox, 485 Bayly St W on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM.
In memory of Vlade, donations to the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated.
Violet Mamie Gilbert
NOVEMBER 4, 1918 – DECEMBER 23, 2023
Peacefully at Lakeridge Gardens in Ajax, on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at the age of 105.
Predeceased by her parents William and Annie, and her siblings Nora, Hazel, Myrtle, Pearl, Edward, Stanley, George and Ron.
Violet will be missed by her great nieces Raynelle Green (Charlie), Melanie Green (Barrie), Katie Wilenski (Ryan), Hilary Siebert (Andrew), Sherry Hughes (Jim), Kerri Truax (Scott), Lisa Davies (Steve), her many great nieces and nephews. Her niece Kim Sage (the late Bob) and her sons Brandon (Catina) and Michael (Kaitlyn). Her sister-in-law Shirley Gilbert Dollery, and her many extended family and friends.
A special thank you to Ian and the PSW staff on 4 west at Lakeridge Gardens, Ajax for their compassion and kindness.
Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 from 9:30 am until time of funeral service in the chapel at 10:30 am. Private family interment at Prospect Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made at oshawafuneralhome.com .