The family of Julia Ester (Sheila) MacDonald-Ross, (nee Mooney), 85, is very sad to announce her passing December 27, 2013 in Orillia, Ontario. Her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Donald, had passed just over a year ago.
Born 1928 in County Louth, Ireland and raised in the village of Ardee, she was one of 13 children, born to Julia Murtagh and Owen Mooney.
Like many young Irish people Sheila moved to England, where she met Donald at an Irish dance at the Round Tower club in London, and they fell in love. They eventually immigrated to Canada, where her older sister Eileen had moved to, and were married on Valentine’s Day in Niagara Falls in 1953.
Sheila was an absolutely wonderful mother who raised her five children with love and support throughout all of their lives. She was a great dancer, cook, gardener, reciter of poetry, and she spoke fluent Gaelic. Sheila and Donald enjoyed traveling to many places, including Europe, Malta, the East Coast of Canada, and of course trips back to their beloved Ireland and family there.
Sheila and Donald were entrepreneurs, renovating century homes, including the Sir William Mackenzie Inn and restaurant in Kirkfield.
Predeceased by her sisters and brothers and her son Ross, she is survived by her children; Sheila (Frank Lyons), Donald, Maisie (Jarvis Jewell) and Nuala (Ron Wilson), ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces who also loved her dearly.
Sheila will be greatly missed and was loved by all who knew her. No doubt she is now dancing on the Hill of Tara with her husband ‘ Donal’ by her side.
Thank you to everyone at Spencer House, Orillia, and in particular to the dedicated and loving staff on Willow Lane, for their care and commitment to our mother over the past four years.
A celebration of Sheila's life will be held at a later date. Should you wish, donations to the Alzheimer Society www.alzheimer.ca would be appreciated.
EGO, Paul Gerald
After a courageous life, Paul Gerald Ego, age 55, passed away peacefully at Hospice Simcoe on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013, to spend his first Christmas in Heaven.
Left to miss him deeply is his wife Diane (Frouws). Paul was a loving and devoted husband for 31 years. Proud and beloved father of Stephen and wife Jenna Marie of Kingston, Mark, Sarah and Jenna Mei at home. Much loved Opa (grandfather) of Aliese Rose and Abram Paul Ego. Predeceased by his wonderful parents, Gerald and Nettie Ego (Fowler) and by his nephew Charles Engelbert (2010). Loved and treasured son in law of Adriana Frouws of Barrie (and the late Bill Frouws).
Dearly loved and sadly missed by his siblings Robert and his wife Sheila Ego of Oro Medonte, Mary and her husband Henry Engelbert of Alexis Creek, B.C., Allan and his wife Joan Ego of Oro Medonte, Charles and his wife Wendy Ego of Kamloops, B.C. Also mourning their brother in law are Wilma and Ken Van Schelven of Belleville, Hank and his wife Hedy Frouws of Barrie, Peter and his wife Pat Frouws of B.C. and Martin Frouws of B.C. (Alda predeceased December 20, 2012).
Paul will be missed by many friends and extended family, including dearest friends Jennifer and Ken Kilby and Peter Gysbers who were always there for him throughout his journey.
Paul was the adored uncle of many nieces and nephews who loved coming to the farm for visits to spend time there picking strawberries, playing with the lambs, going on hayrides and making maple syrup. Paul was a farmer and then master craftsman cabinetmaker who loved to create beautiful pieces of furniture.
A service celebrating Paul’s life will be held on Monday December 30, 2013 with visitation from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Marchmont Baptist Church, 3839 Townline, Oro Medonte, followed by an opportunity to visit with the family afterwards.
In lieu of flowers and if desired, memorial donations to Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka https://gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org or Hospice Simcoe www.hospicesimcoe.ca would be gratefully appreciated.
Yankowski, Morris ‘Moe’
passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the age of 64, at Hospice Simcoe. At his side were his beloved son Spencer, his daughter Krista and his dog Stella.
Moe emigrated from Belgium in 1954 with his mother Karoline Jankowski and called Port Credit home for many early years. Moe will be lovingly remembered by friends, family and his extended brothers at the Sheet Metal Workers Union - Local 30.
The family asks friends to join them to remember and celebrate Moe's colourful life at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, 4730 Side Road 25, Thornton, ON L0L 2N0. Phone: (705) 720-2150 on Friday, December 27th, 2013 from 11AM-3PM.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Simcoe www.hospicesimcoe.ca during the service.
We also encourage you to bring any photos you may have to share with loved ones!
Madeline McRae
October 28, 1914 to December 8, 2007
At Bluewater Health - Norman Site on Saturday, December 8, 2007, MADELINE ALICE (WILLIAMS) McRAE, age 93, of Sarnia, beloved wife of the late John A. McRae and the late Alfred Hutchison. Dear mother of Gloria Perry and her husband Dick of Point Edward. Loving grandmother of Julie Ann Moriarity and her husband Vince, Janice Smith and her husband Bill, Jeff Perry and his wife Robin, Debbie Baker and her husbnad Kenneth, Kevin Gallie, Bonnie Vasquez and Georgina Johnson. Also survived by a son-in-law George Dunseath in Texas and nine great-grandchildren. A lifelong Sarnia area resident, Mrs. McRae was pre-deceased by a daughter Diane Dunseath, three brothers Clarence, Patrick and Ed Williams and two sisters Beatrice Logan and Gladys Hamilton. A private family graveside service has taken place at Lakeview Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Palliative Care Unit of Bluewater Health (cheques only please). Funeral arrangements entrusted to the D. J. ROBB FUNERAL HOME.
Helen Gyurki
August 10, 1941 - January 10, 2010
GYURKI – Helen Magdalena Gyurki, who made it her mission to live long and strong throughout her illness, died Sunday, January 10, 2010 at London Health Sciences Centre in her 69th year. Diagnosed in July 2009 with lymphoma, Helen survived through many illnesses related to her cancer and was a miracle and inspiration to her doctors and those around her. Helen was born August 10, 1941 in Bright, Ontario and lived her life in Woodstock. Left to mourn her loss are Edward, her husband of 48 years, son Stephen and his wife Christine, daughter Joanne, her beloved and cherished grandchildren Jonathan and Emily, sister Hilda Kornaker and her nieces, nephews, family and friends. Relatives remain in Germany as well. Helen is predeceased by her parents Lorenz and Hilda Kornaker, brothers Joseph and Lawrence, and her sister Elizabeth Braun. Helen loved to walk each day and shared a special friendship with Judy Carson. Another great enjoyment was her daily workouts at Curves and the social relationships she had with her many friends there. Involved in the real estate world for over 40 years, beginning as the secretary for the Woodstock Real Estate Board, she later became a Broker in the business. Helen served her community as a trustee for the former Oxford County Roman Catholic School Board for over 25 years, and filled the role of chairperson during several terms. She sat on the Board of Directors for the Oxford Child and Youth Association as well. She was a life long active member of Sacred Heart Church in Princeton, St. Mary’s and St. Rita’s churches, now Holy Trinity Catholic Parish where she served as parish council chair until her illness. Her many talents included knitting, and she enjoyed creating handiwork for her family and friends. Dancing was another passion for Helen and over the years she attended many Polka Festivals with her husband and made lasting friendships there. Their enjoyable travels and yearly trips to Acapulco for over 35 years also established a strong group of friends in that setting. A highlight in her life was in October, 2008 when Helen realized a life long dream to travel to the Holy Land, a trip that brought her even deeper in her faith. Her strong bonds of friendship and caring for others were appreciated by all who knew her, and she will be sadly missed. Friends will be received at the Smith-LeRoy Funeral Home, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock on Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Parish prayers at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 904 Dundas Street, Woodstock on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 11:00 am. Interment later at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to the Holy Trinity Building Fund or the London Regional Cancer Program would be appreciated. Smith-LeRoy, (519) 537-3611.
Mary Burns
1927-01-06 to 2007-12-06
It is with great sadness that the family of MARY KATHERINE (AYERS) BURNS, age 80, of Sarnia, announces her passing on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Bluewater Health - Mitton Site. Predeceased by her husband Joseph Michael Burns and survived by her children Paula Marie Boomsma (John) of Brights Grove and Peter Joseph Burns (Dianne) of Oakville. She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Scott and Ashley Boomsma and Matthew, Carolyn and Kathleen Burns. Predeceased by her children Michael Francis and David John Burns. Mrs. Burns was a longtime dedicated Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sarnia and was a member of the I.O.D.E. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from SACRED HEART ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, December 8th at 11:00 am with Father Len Desjardins, the Celebrant. Interment to follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Visitation will be held at the D.J. ROBB FUNERAL HOME, 102 Victoria St. N., Sarnia, on Friday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday at 6:15 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
David Hughes
April 4, 1931 - January 9, 2009
HUGHES – Peacefully at Woodstock General Hospital on Friday, January 9, 2009, David F. J. Hughes of Huntingford. Dearly loved husband of Pam. Father of Robin Hughes (Bonnie) of Woodstock, Dan Hughes of Woodstock and the late Dale Hughes. Grandfather of Matthew, Patrick and Richard. Also remembered by Pam’s family, Melanie Donaldson, Ian West and Richard West, all of England. A Memorial Service will be held at the Smith-LeRoy Funeral Home, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock, on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Ed Bastian officiating. Cremation. The family wish to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Dialysis Unit at Woodstock General Hospital and to Dr. William George. If desired, memorial donations to the Woodstock Hospital Foundation – Dialysis Unit would be appreciated. Smith-LeRoy, (519) 537-3611.
