RAFFERTY, Pat

RAFFERTY, LOIS PATRICIA “PAT” (nee LEAHY) Passed peacefully, at The Donway Place, North York, Ontario, on Friday, May 10, 2024, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of the late Jim. Loving mother of Michael and his wife Tracy. Special Nana to Jessica and Nicholas. Predeceased by siblings Susie (James McClintock), William “Bud” (Helen), and Thelma (Lloyd Gillard). Friends are invited to visit with the family at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10 a.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 a.m. The family would like to express their gratitude to neighbours, family, friends, and the staff at Donway Place, for the level of care, support and respect provided to Pat and her family over the past year.

REYNOLDS, Lennie

REYNOLDS, GERTRUDE EULAINE “LENNIE” (nee McLEAN) October 6, 1932 – February 21, 2024 After a long struggle with cancer, Lennie passed away in hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her older brother, Jack McLean; and all six of her children: Sue (James Dewar) Reynolds, Doug (Anne) Reynolds, Steve (Carol) Reynolds, Mahina (Jim Ferguson) Rose, Patti (Mark) Jennings and Sandy (Andrew Thornton) Reynolds; her grandchildren: Cam; CJ and Will; Heather, Marc and Michelle; Lyrica, Liam, and Phaelin; Breum and Indianna; as well as by the next generation of great-grandkids; and many furry grandbabies, both cats and dogs. Born and raised in Toronto, Lennie got her BA at the University of Toronto, where she also met her beloved life partner, Tom (1929-2011). She will be remembered for her boundless hospitality, and her quality of loving presence with family and friends and will be deeply missed. Condolences may be left at: chapelridgefh.com Cremation. A Celebration of Life is planned, but date is not yet set. Lennie sponsored a wide range of charities. Donations in her name to your choice of charity are appreciated.

SCOTT, Barbara

SCOTT, BARBARA JEWELL (nee CONNELL) Sadly, we announce the passing of Barbara Jewell Scott on December 27, 2023. Barbara, a former nurse at the Toronto East General Hospital and Covenant House, passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the physicians and staff at Sunnybrooke Hospital for their kind and attentive care of Barbara. Barbara was married to Charles Scott for 63 years and they have four children, David Scott, Jo-Anne McKellar, Jennifer Wilde and James Scott, who will miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Jubilee United Church on Saturday, January 6th. Visitation at 1 p.m., service at 1:30 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation made to Jubilee United Church (www.jubilee united.ca) or a charity of your choosing would be greatly appreciated.

BAYLEY, Thelma

Thelma Helen Bayley

DECEMBER 5, 1929 – NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Thelma Bayley passed away peacefully in her sleep November 3rd, just short of her 94th birthday.

Predeceased by her loving husband Fred. She was greatly loved by her children Doug (Nancy), Don (Susan), Joan (Doug), Brent (Jane), grandchildren Rob (Erica), Jenna (James), Jeff, Richard, Daniel, Tom, Erica (Sean), Ryan, Aaron, Gavin, Madison, 4 great grandchildren, and nieces Karen (Ian) and Carol. Together with her parents, Thelma started St. Clair Ice Cream, which thrived for 3 generations, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. She will be tremendously missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or Grace Christian Reformed Church of Scarborough through Canada Helps.

BRAY, Ellen

BRAY, ELLEN MURIEL Peacefully, at home, on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the age of 91. Ellen (nee Milnes) was predeceased by her husband, Gord; survived by her children: Doug (Joy), Paul (Ann), Maureen, and Tom (Michele); grandchildren: Greg (Shannon), Nicole (Teal), Christopher (Beth), Tara (Anthony), Payton (Joanna) and Logan; step-grandchildren: Alberto and Carlo; and great-grandchildren: Zepplyn, Riley, Landon, Alessia, Liam, Jaxon and Amelia. Visitation to be held at the Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, Ontario, on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service in the Ogden Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ellen’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto would be appreciated.

TAYLOR, Norma

Norma Audrey Taylor (nee Turner), age 95, died peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on July 12, 2023.

Norma was born on February 3, 1928 in Toronto. She lived in Toronto, Don Mills, Scarborough (Guildwood) and most recently in Barrie.

Norma was considered the matriarch of the Taylor/Turner clan and loved family gatherings.

She is predeceased by her husband Herb Taylor, daughter Julie Ashdown (Tony), brother Stan Turner and sister Violet Anderson. She is survived by her son John Taylor, daughter-in-law Shelley Taylor (nee Moisey), grandchildren James Taylor (Natasha), Robert Taylor and Shannon Taylor (Connor). She also leaves behind her nephews Gary Turner, David Turner (Barbara) and Steven Turner (Judy).

Cremation has taken place. The family will hold a graveside memorial at a later date.

In Norma’s own words, to her family and many friends, “Just raise a glass of cheer and remember me with a laugh and a smile”.

Words of condolence may be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca

BRIDE, Marianne

Marianne was born on the 20th of May 1934 in the hospital in Walkerton, Ontario. Her parents were Edna Somerville Butchart and Harold Lawson Doig. Their farm was located just outside Fordwich, Ontario. Marianne was raised there with her older brother Edward (b. 16 June 1930 – d. 25 November 2022). She attended schools in Fordwich and Listowel. Teaching was her profession of choice. She attended Normal School in Kitchener and had her first teaching job in Scarborough.

The love of her life was Harvey (b. 03/02/1930 – d. 09/08/2019), four years her senior. Harvey was raised on another farm outside Fordwich. From all accounts they were each other’s one and only. Married on April 20th 1957 they moved to Toronto where Harvey took a teaching position at R.H. King Collegiate. Their son Peter was born in June of 1958. Daughter Miriam was born in October of 1968. Granddaughter Emily was born in November of 1993.

Harvey taught high school French in the Scarborough educational system in Toronto. He enjoyed a truly productive and rewarding career as a well-respected and well-loved teacher. He retired in 1988. Marianne returned to work for several years after that as a teaching assistant also in the Scarborough system. From 1993 onward they enjoyed a wonderful retirement. They were very active members of Bethesda United Church. Bethesda merged it’s congregation with two others to form Jubilee United Church in 2001. Marianne and Harvey were stalwarts of both congregations. Marianne attended her last service on May 27th of this year. She attended all subsequent virtual services through June 25th.

Marianne received the sad news of her terminal diagnosis mid-October of 2022. She was given three to six months to live. Never one to give in easily she was a model patient. She fought the disease with discipline and determination. As was her wish, she passed peacefully at home with great dignity and serenity surrounded by loved ones. Not surprisingly it was on a Sunday and just after church. She leaves her granddaughter Emily, daughter Miriam, son Peter and sister-in-law Joyce Doig of Atlanta. Sisters-in-law Merle McIntosh and Rosada Bride and their families are much appreciated. Marianne enjoyed good, positive relationships with each and every one of you.

The family would like to extend our special thanks to her principal personal support worker Jesabel and her cousin Zenaida, dear friend Elda Scott and the Reverend Norm Seli. All of the excellent home care would not have been possible without her palliative care doctor, Sandy Buchman. He was her champion from the day they met. Under his supervision she had an unbroken boulevard of excellent therapists, a first class nurse practitioner (Dusanka) and the talents of superb support staff and clinicians at North York General Hospital. Marianne always liked to attend her appointments at the hospital. She was able to do so until two weeks before she passed. Recent visits from Dr. Buchman at home were unhurried and a huge comfort to her. Our sincere thanks to all the relatives, friends and neighbours who made time to call, write and visit in person during the last few months.

Any donations in her name would be appreciated and well deserved:

https://www.nygh.on.ca/FreemanCentre

https://www.jubileeunited.ca/

BRADBURY, Violet

JUNE 23, 1932 – JUNE 22, 2023

Violet (Vi) Bradbury departed this earthly terrain one day short of her 91st birthday. She went home to celebrate with her family in heaven, her sister Iris, her mother Laura and father Bill Jones.

For Vi, all pain and suffering, fear and terror of the Alzheimer’s Disease had ended. She is at peace with Jesus. Praise God!

Vi was also predeceased by her uncle Bill Owens and her husband John Bradbury.

Survived by her well loved friend, life partner, and spouse, the Reverend Dale Young and her family, Douglas (Tracey), Barbara, Andrew(predeceased), 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Sandy (Dierk) Neugebauer and their 3 children and 7 grandsons.

Also survived by her beloved God-daughter Tammy (Arv) Senkus, Kaitlyn, Kristina, her husband Tyler (Deering) and their three children. Dearly remembered by Bryon Millar and Anthony Roberts.

Also left to mourn and celebrate her life are her many friends and acquaintances whom Violet gathered amongst the many organizations that she belonged to and usually lead over her many years of service to the Timmins-Porcupine and Northeastern Ontario communities.

Vi was presented with the National Volunteer of the Year Award in 2001 by Senator Isabelle Finnerty for her contributions and service to Northeastern Communities.

She was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of the Porcupine in 2002.

Huntington University, Sudbury (United Church of Canada) installed her as a Huntington Fellow for all her dedication, devotion, and care for the people of Northeastern Ontario in 2003.

Vi was a Life Member of the United Church Women, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Rebekah Lodge and the McIntyre Curling Club.

Violet was born in a humble miner’s home in Kirkland Lake, the second child of Bill and Laura Jones, who with baby Iris, had immigrated from North Wales. She began her early education in Kirkland Lake Public School and moved to the Dome Mine Property School in South Porcupine when she was about 9 years old, after her father ‘Big Bill’ took a position of Mine Supervisor with the Preston Dome Mine.

Her mother Laura saw to Vi’s spiritual education, first at Kirkland Lake United Church and later at South Porcupine United Church. At 11 years of age Vi attended Camp Waskesui as a camper. There, as she has told us many times, Vi began her lifelong career as a volunteer, helping the Cook in the kitchen. Every summer Vi returned to Camp Waskesui, as camper, Leader and eventually Camp Director for many years. Fondly known as “SKIPPER”, many northern Ontario adults would joyfully shout out her name and rush to give her a warm embrace at any gathering of people in the north.

Violet received her High School Graduation Diploma at Schumacher High School, and Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Timmins Business School. Her first position was in the Office of the Timmins Telephone Company when it was located on 6th Avenue and still had a plug-in board operation.

When Violet was asked to become the Manager at the McIntyre Curling Club in 1974 there was concern expressed by some lady friends about the male culture that dominated the place at that time. With the support of Rev. Sharp, an avid curler himself, Vi persevered. Bursting into tears at her first board meeting, she quietly objected to the language used by the men and cursing was banned.

Violet continued to serve as Manager for 26 years and is fondly remembered and missed by many folks.

As well as managing the day to day operations, Vi organized a crew of volunteers and hosted many important Bonspiels over the years, including several provincial Scotties Tournaments of Hearts and Men’s Briers. Hosting big banquets, cheering the Special Olympic Curlers, arranging accommodation and transportation for visiting teams and Governors-General alike, were all just part of her daily work and joy.

Somewhere along the way Vi found time to volunteer with the Cochrane/Timiskaming District of the Canadian Cancer Society, first in 1973 as Timmins Unit Campaign Chairperson. In 1978 she became Patient Services Chairperson, a roll she spoke frequently about over her later years. Vi became District President in 1986 and represented the northeast at several Provincial Annual Meetings. Vi organized the first and many Timmins Terry Fox Runs. She received a 35 year service award and later a Founder’s Recognition Certificate in 2013.

Vi was also an active member of the Order of The Eastern Star, holding many positions including Grand Matron of the Arbutus Chapter in Timmins until its closing in 2013. Transferring her membership to the Sudbury O.E.S. Chapter, Vi was presented with her mother’s pin for 60 years of service in 2014 by dear Brother Bryon Millar.

Vi was a founding member of the Rotary Club of the Porcupine that met for years at The Airport Hotel. She served as Club Service Facilitator, again organizing activities and speakers, eventually becoming President in 2001. When the Porcupine and Timmins clubs amalgamated, Vi continued her active participation for more years until the Club made her an Active Retired and then an Honourary Member.

At First United Church Vi led the Canadian Girls in Training in the ‘50’s to ‘70’s. She was a board member of the congregation and Property Chairperson as well as being active in the kitchen, eventually taking charge after Flora Osbourne retired. Vi was a Founding Member of the United Church Women in

1962 when two national women’s groups amalgamated. Vi served as local unit, local, and Presbyterial President many times over the years. Also active at the Conference and National levels, she attended many gatherings of the greatest women’s organization in the world. Most recently, she was a member of Trinity United UCW in Iroquois Falls.

When a group of folks decided to transform the abandoned Dome Hospital into a Transitional Living Centre in the “90’s, Vi joined into the work, scrubbing floors on her knees. Spruce Hill Lodge grew out of the hard work of many volunteers. Vi contributed her time and talents serving on the Board and becoming Chairperson for many of her later years, eventually being recognized as Honourary Board Member.

A Celebration of Life for Violet will be held Friday, June 30, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, North York, Ontario M3A 2J5. A Service will also be held in Timmins at a later time to celebrate her life.

Contributions in Violet’s memory may be made to:

Alzheimer’s Society Timmins, 38 Pine St North , 101 Mall Suite 107 Top Floor, Timmins, Ontario P4N 6K6,

Spruce Hill Lodge, 200 Bruce Avenue, South Porcupine, Ontario P0N 1H0; or

Canadian Cancer Society – Ontario, please use the link below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for Violet’s family.

HOHS, Vera

Hohs, Vera May (nee Barber)

Peacefully in Collingwood on March 27th in her 96th year.  Vera beloved wife of the late Charles. Will be sadly missed by her sons Brian (Pat) and Ron (Sandy), her grandchildren Courtney (Mel), Caitlin (Adam), Colleen (Mathew)and predeceased by her grandson Colin. Also sadly missed by Pat’s children Marc (James) and Daniel (Matthew). Proud great-grandmother to Emma and Leah Quigley and Lachlan Charles Hohs -Tatner

Vera will be fondly remembered by her sister in-law Marion McIntyre, many nieces and nephews, especially by Lynne Zimmer and Laurie Westlake as well as dear friends Fern Lane, Beth McCall, Iris Harris Lilian Sutherland, Madeleine Clarke, Jeanette Brown, Liz Williamson, the Sturges Family in the USA and all those in the Barber and Hohs Clans.

A traditional funeral will be held for friends and family to celebrate Vera’s life at her visitation at the Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough on Monday April 10th, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8pm. The service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 11th at 11 am with an hour visitation starting at 10 am prior to the service. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre or Hospice Georgian Triangle-Campbell House Hospice Georgian Triangle-Campbell House in memory of Vera.

Please visit Vera’s online memorial at www.ogdenfuneralhome.com

Let us not be sad but rejoice in a wonderful life lived.

Our Mother said hello to so many people in life, we invite you to take this opportunity to say goodbye.