Obituaries

 

Johanna “Anna” Byvelds  passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Woodland Villa Nursing Home in Long Sault where she had been a resident for the past 12.5 months. She was in her 93rd year.

Anna was born in Erp, Netherlands, on July 22, 1921, to her parents Gerard and Petronella Pepers (nee Cleerdin). She was the sixth child out of three brothers and seven sisters.

Anna married Albert Byvelds when she was 27, and shortly after they started a family with three sons.  In 1953, Anna made a difficult decision to leave her entire family behind and move with Albert to Canada. She was not able to speak or write one word of English.  

Anna and Albert lived with Albert’s family in Boucks Hill for a year and then purchased a farm east of Brinston. It was at the farm that their daughter was born. It was the farm, that Anna would call home for 55 years.

Anna worked very hard along with Albert on the farm. She had many tasks: barn chores, feeding calves and cats, keeping the milking equipment clean. Whatever was needed, she got done.

Anna loved flowers and she had them inside and out.  She was always very proud of her flower bed.

She loved company, and always had time for coffee and cookies.  Sundays were special as they included church service followed by breakfast afterwards in Morrisburg or Cardinal.  Then it was home for a quick nap, before a drive through the countryside to enjoy the scenery, an ice cream cone, shopping or just to drop in on a friend or relative.

For many years, Anna was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and Matilda Helping.

As her health declined, Anna moved to the Hartford Retirement Home in Morrisburg, where she lived for 3.5years before moving to Woodland Villa Nursing Home.

Anna was a devoted loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  

She is survived by her children Peter (Faye) of Brinston, John (Joanie) of Oshawa, Jerry (Wendy) of Brinston and Joanne (Wayne) McGill of Lunenburg.

She will be fondly remembered by her two sisters Jans Linders and Paula v.d. Velden both of Netherlands; by her grandchildren Peter, Chris, Lori, Jason, Allison, Trent, Benjamin and Scott; and by eight great-grandchildren. 

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Anna was predeceased by her parents Gerard and Petronella Pepers, her husband Albert and her siblings Johan, Miet, Stien, Jan, Jaan, Dora, Antoon and Martina.

Relatives and friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg, on Monday, March 17th, at 11 a.m. with Father Chisholm officiating.

Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Morrisburg. 

Pallbearers were grandchildren Ben Byvelds, Jason Byvelds, Lori Byvelds, Allison Merz, Peter Byvelds, Chris Byvelds and Scott McGill.

Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, CHEO or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

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A longtime resident of Morrisburg, Mary “Jane” Gale nee Denihan (formerly Sheasgreen) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2014.  

Jane will be greatly missed by her beloved husband William “Bo” Gale, by her sons Brian and Barry (Jeanette) and her daughter Carol Sheasgreen.  

She will be lovingly remembered by her dear sister Jessica (Wayne) (Heather) Robinson, loving brother Michael (Barbara) Denihan, Keli (Scott) Pepin, Sue D’Amore, nieces and nephews Mary-Lynn (Doug) (Steacy) Huff, Blair (Daina) (Natali) (Matis) Robinson, grandchildren Scott and Garrett Sheasgreen, Lana (Cory) Moffatt and many family and friends.  

Jane was an avid reader and enjoyed a good mystery. She had a keen interest in politics and was known for her great love of animals.  

Home was very important to Jane.  She had a smile and a warm welcome for anyone who came to her door.

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg, on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

Spring burial will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Morrisburg. 

Pallbearers were Gary Gale, Robert Annable, Jim Annable, Scott Diegel, Ralph Duvall and Adam Hogan.

Memorial donations to the OSPCA or Canadian Cancer Society gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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At Wellington House Nursing Home on Monday, March 3, 2014, Lois Sheila (Prosser) Merkley passed away with her daughter by her side.  She was 77. 

Lois was born October 6, 1936, to Gilbert and Mae Prosser in Cardinal. She was the sixth child out of eight brothers and sisters. She attended public and high school in Cardinal.

At 16 years of age, Lois started her working career at Caldwell Linen Mill sewing towels in the Sewing Room. There love blossomed between her and Gerald and on October 6th, 1956, on her 20th birthday, they were  married in the Morrisburg United Manse. She then became a dear sister-in-law to Dorothy Reddick.

They started out their married life living beside Gerald’s parents, then, in 1958, they moved their little house to Stampville Road north of Iroquois and over the years added to the size of it to become the house that Gerald still lives in today.  

There they enjoyed many years living beside the Hodgson’s, Carkner’s, Gillard’s, Sypes’s and Perkins.

Lois became “Aunt Lois” to many neighbourhood kids with one of the Hodgson daughters being named after her.

In August of 1964, a special little boy was born to occupy Lois and Gerald’s time, her nephew Mark Prosser.

Lois’s career at Caldwell came to an end in May of 1970, for a very special reason.  After 13 years of marriage, Gerald and Lois welcomed their daughter Laurie to their family.  

Lois then started her career of babysitting. One of those kids was a very special little girl, Tricia (Gillard) Bilmer who she baby sat from infancy to the time Tricia went to school. 

When Laurie was older, Lois returned to Caldwell for what was supposed to be only part time work, but ended up lasting approximately 10 years before she retired for good.

Lois was a talented seamstress.  She loved watching television, reading newspapers and magazines, and her Sunday drives with Gerald.  Every Saturday night you could find Lois and Gerald at the Iroquois Legion listening to Reg Reid.  

In December of 1987, Lois and Gerald made their dream come true of travelling to Florida with Lois’s brother Marvin, sister-in-law Myrna and nephew Scott to visit Lois’s sisters Jean and Verla.  

 

In September of 1996, Laurie and Pierre were married.  Lois then became a step-grandmother to Stephane.  She was also “grandma” to Laurie and Pierre’s cat “Tabatha” then “Abbey”.

In May of 2011, because of failing health, Lois moved to Wellington House Nursing Home in Prescott where she made many friends. 

There she enjoyed regular bus trips to Walmart. Her shopping list was always for earrings and nail polish. Lois started playing bingo and horseshoes (similar to Snakes & Ladders). Everyone was dear or sweetie and she kept everyone laughing with her comical personality.  

Lois is survived by her husband Gerald, her daughter Laurie (Pierre) Ouimet and step-grandson Stephane (Brittany).  

She will be lovingly remembered by her brothers Stanley (Myrtle) Prosser of Brockville and Marvin (Myrna) Prosser of Cardinal and by her Sister Jean Salepakos of West Palm Beach, FL.  

She will be sadly missed by her sister-in-law Dorothy Reddick and by her nieces and nephews. 

Lois was predeceased by her brothers, Dwayne, Gerald and Dale and her sister Verla.

Family and Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, March 7th at 10 a.m. with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.

Spring Internment will be at Dundela Cemetery.

Donations to Wellington House Activity Fund or Charity of Your Choice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A long time resident of the Iroquois area, Winston Brent Lapier passed away Sunday, March 2nd , 2014 at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

Brent was born May 14, 1942, to his parents, Harold and Tressa Lapier. He spent many hours of his life involved in sports, such as fastball, hockey and golf. A large portion of his spare time was spent playing euchre and bridge with his friends. 

Brent’s work at the grain elevator in Johnston lasted for 41 years. He cash cropped soybeans and corn for a number of years. 

He knew many people and was friends with them all. 

Brent is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marjorie, his son Kenneth (Deborah) of Sarnia, and his daughter Pam (Mark) of Iroquois. 

He was much loved by his grandchildren Kim, Megan and Lucas and his great-grandson Olivier. 

Also mourning his loss are brothers Ronnie (Sheila), Gary (Cheryle) and by his sisters Joan (Brian) and Judy (Rick), also several nieces and nephews.

A celebratory service was held at Marsden, McLaughlin funeral home in Iroquois, Wednesday March 5, 2014.

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Society or to Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged.

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Keith Russell died peacefully  on February 11, 2014, at Winchester District Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Keith was born in Carp, Ontario, January 3, 1929, and the family later moved to Russell, Ontario, where Keith spent his early years. 

There he met and married Lois Smith, and together they raised two children, Doug and Donna.

After Lois’ passing, Keith moved to Morrisburg with Norma, where he enjoyed the benefits of abroad circle of friends and family.

While his professional career was spent with the Hudson Bay Company and Becker’s Stores, Keith’s passions were sports and music. As a young man he was a well known fast ball pitcher, a curler, and a sports coach. 

As a member of the Russ Hay Orchestra, and later the Don Morrell Orchestra, Keith loved playing piano and the company of his band mates.

Sports remained an interest for Keith his whole life, and he could often be found at the baseball diamond or the arena, cheering on the kids. He always enjoyed a good conversation about last night’s game whether it was hockey, football, baseball or curling.  

Keith will be sadly missed by his wife Norma;  children and stepchildren Doug, Donna (Wayne), Wayne (Vicki), Dale (Nancy), Faye (Garth), and grandchildren/great-grandchildren Brent, Lee Ann, Noah  and Jenner as well as Jennifer  (Mark) and Ben.

A celebration of Keith’s life is in the planning and will be announced at a later date.

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A longtime resident of the Morrisburg area, Bill Barclay passed away suddenly at home on Friday, January 31, 2014.  He was 69.

Bill was born in Morrisburg, on June 7, 1944, to his parents Alex and Mary Barclay (nee Murdock). During his school days, Bill was an avid football player.

Following some years away from the area, Bill returned to Morrisburg to start his family and build a successful business.

Bill was a proud member of the community. He was a man of strong faith and character, a kind-hearted man who touched the lives of all the people whom he encountered on his journey of life. 

Bill was always an optimist, always willing to pitch in and do whatever was needed, all the time truly believing that things would work out in the end. 

He was a guiding light. He set the example of what a good husband, father, pop, and friend should be. He always did his best to be patient, kind and loving with all those who crossed his path. He was a true gentleman.

Bill loved life and always wanted to see what was over the next hill. He enjoyed many of the pleasures that life had to offer. Whether it was playing with his grandchildren, enjoying a bottle of wine, travelling to new exciting locations, sharing a laugh at the lunch table with the boys, playing golf at mens night or spending time at the Indian River Hunting Camp, one could see that Bill lived life. 

This adventuresome spirit led him to many areas of the world with his beloved Karen. He never let the dust settle under his feet.

Bill is survived by his wife Karen, his son Will (Kristen) of Iroquois, and stepchildren Steve (Trish) Morrow of Morrisburg and Jen (Jamie) Carr of Cornwall.  

He was the much loved pop of Rory, Emma, Kai, Sammy, Charlotte and Mitchell and dear brother of Barbara (Alex) Cummings of Kemptville and Bob (Linda) of Morrisburg. 

Bill was dear son-in-law of May Jarvis of Morrisburg.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral service was held at St. James Anglican Church, Morrisburg, on Wednesday, February 5th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Sue McCullough officiating. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown.  

Pallbearers were Allan Bell, Sam Laurin, Gord Hawn, Gord Spearman, Mike Barclay and Jeff Barclay.  Honorary pallbearers were Ted Jarvis, Roy Brister, Doug Bush, Bob Steele, Bob Ruddock, Earl Hummell, John Bell, Gerry Crowder, Steve Crowder, Ron Latimer and Steve Penner.  

Donations to C.H.E.O. would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Marjorie Marie Gray (nee Hornblower) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at the Dundas Manor Nursing Home in Winchester, at the age of 96.

Born in her family’s home, in Doon Village, now Kitchener, Ontario, on December 13th, 1917, Marge was the second youngest of seven children to William John and Edith Louisa Hornblower (nee Peacock). 

Marge moved to the area in 1964, after transferring between Best Foods Factories from Ayr to Cardinal and stayed a most valued employee at Casco-Best Foods, routinely in the Corn Starch section, until her full retirement in the early 1980’s.  

To remember her, the average observer might have been fooled by the stoicism or integral approach to avoid gossip and melodrama, in thinking she was a bit crusty or the type to put on airs. But to those who knew her best, it was Marge’s reserved sincerity, compassion and generosity for others that was truly under that stern exterior. 

Indeed, it was her sincere humanitarian nature, her continuous thirst for knowledge and the intense desire to travel the world that her family will remember of her best. 

Her splendid wit and humour, her tales of travel across Canada, the continental U.S. and Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, England, and her phenomenal memory for detail (especially Depression era song lyrics) were joys and experiences most prominently shared with friends and family.  

Whether it was during a healthy discussion of politics over the euchre table, or during passionate banter about some controversial move that the Toronto Blue Jay’s made to the starting line-up, Marge could be easily coaxed into adding her two cents (or anything upwards of 10 dollars) worth of ideas on a vast array of subjects at the drop of a hat.

And yet, over her lifetime, Marge’s proud, stubborn independent attitude saw her complain little about her tireless routine of (at times) three jobs a day to support the six children in her care.  Through those physically and emotionally draining decades, it was her easy-going, consistent attitude to the duty of motherhood and breadwinner, combined with a dedicated and reliable work ethic that continues to endear her to family, colleagues and friends. 

Indeed, her story evokes extreme pride from the women of her family in that she never burdened others with the discrimination and horrors endured for simply being that of a woman and wife, and particularly that of a single mother at a time when separating or divorce was a stigma hard to live down in any small community. 

Nannie, as her family called her, was an incredible role model, who instilled integrity, honesty, and respectful standards in all she met.  And although she hated losing control of her body these last few years, Nannie left a legacy to approach life, love, work, friends and family with the highest level of ethics, wisdom, respect and resilience.

Marjorie is fondly remembered by her children, Florence (Jim) Brennan of Perth, Ralph (Helen) of Cambridge, Gordon of Medicine Hat AB and by her granddaughter Lynn Runions (George) of Iroquois and her brother Jack of Detroit;.

Marjorie was predeceased by a daughter Marilyn Coulter, a son Ernest, a grandson James and several brothers and sisters.  

She will be sadly missed by 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Marge is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home Iroquois on Saturday, January 11, from 11 a.m. until time of the service. Funeral service was held at the Funeral Home at 1 p.m.

Donations to Iroquois United Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Lorne McKeown passed away at the Dundas Manor on Monday, January 27, 2014, at the age of 87.  

A kind, caring person with a twinkle in his eye, Lorne always had a quick joke or pun to try out on you – some better than others!

Lorne was born in Montreal, on May 10, 1926, to the late Ethel (nee Strong) and Richard McKeown of Verdun.  

He met his partner for life, Ellen Patterson of Gaspe in Montreal, through the youth group at the Anglican Church. They married and settled in Pointe Claire, where they built a house and made it a home for their three children for twenty-five years.

Lorne worked at CIL in the engineering department in Montreal for almost 25 years. He   transferred to Toronto for a few years, and finished his working career at the Cornwall CIL plant.

Ellen and Lorne had bought a farm in the Morrisburg area eight years earlier, and with retirement Lorne could finally putter to his heart’s content. 

Lorne had a “can do” approach to things, and liked a challenge. He went so far as to build a sail boat in his basement, having to dismantle it to get it outside! And yes it did sail well!

Lorne and Ellen always enjoyed travelling.  They took their young family travelling and camping for years.  After the kids left home they made annual trips south to Florida for the winter for some twenty-three years. With two of their children living in BC, they also crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada often to visit. 

With the onset of Alzheimer’s, Ellen and Lorne remained home in Morrisburg, year round. Lorne had lived at the Dundas Manor for the last two years of his life.

Lorne is survived by his wife Ellen of 63 years, and their children Valerie (Dave) Skjonsberg of Cranbrook BC, Karen McKeown (Dave Bustard) of Smithers BC, and Larry (Lori, and children Alan and Lisa) of Morrisburg. 

Lorne is grandfather of Denise Bustard (Ben Domaschenz) of Calgary AB, Patrick Bustard of Victoria BC, and Jesse McKeown of Morrisburg, and great-grandfather of Kai Domaschenz of Calgary.

A private funeral service was held at Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Sue McCullough officiating. 

Memorial donations can be made in Lorne’s name to the Alzheimer Society. Condolences may be offered at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com.

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A resident of the Morrisburg area, Edward Mark passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, January 22, 2014.  He was 82.

Edward was born in Cornwall, on April 15, 1931, to his parents David and Dorothy Mark (nee Hayes). He spent his childhood in Belleville, and Williamsburg.

Times being what they were, Edward left home by the time he was 14, traveling about doing various jobs, including working on the freight liners. 

It was in Toronto, having finished his employment on the St. Lawrence River that his brothers introduced him to the love of his life – Mary Clements and they were married August 25th, 1954.  

Together they had five children Darlene, Diana, Douglas, Dorothy and David. 

Edward worked at Ken Bell Signs until moving to Morrisburg in 1977, where he took a job as a labourer for Eckel Industries, building sound proof rooms. 

He enjoyed his retirement years with his wife and grandchildren doing the things he loved which were fishing and hunting, the occasional trip to Ottawa and spending time with the people he loved most, his family. 

Edward is survived by his wife Mary and his children Darlene (Rick Lascelle), Diana, Douglas, Dorothy (John Kooy) and David (Buff).

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Cathleen, Douglas, Christa (Jeff), James, Tera (Richard), Ashley (Mark), Ryan (Sarah), Sarah (Stuart) and Alexandra, and by his great-grandchildren Austin, Emjay, Harrison, Ben, Lincoln and Jacob. 

He was dear brother to Dover–deceased (Sue), Eileen MacDonald (late Joe), Douglas-deceased (Peggy–deceased), William (Betty), Hilda Casselman–deceased (Clare), Joyce, James (Susan), Kenneth (Patricia), Archie (Evelyn), Ruth (Wellington) Casselman, Gloria Casselman-deceased (Stewart), Steven (Sherry), Robert and Allen.  

He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service was held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 25th at 2 p.m., with Edward’s granddaughter Pastor Cathleen Getchell officiating.  Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  

Pallbearers were Ryan Getchell, Doug MacDonald, Jeff Lott, Richard Lascelle, Stuart Staal and John Kooy.  

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A resident of Boucks Hill for the past four years, Michael James “Leonard” Enright passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 9, 2013. He was 77.

Leonard was born in Douglas, on December 27, 1936, and raised on the family farm along with his sister Mary.  

Leonard was a humble man, who gave unconditional love and was very patient and understanding.  He was gentle, forgiving and generous. 

He had immense faith in God and was very well thought of by the parishioners at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Morrisburg.  

Leonard is survived by his wife Suzanne Enright (nee Bordeleau), his sons Michael (Michelle) of Stratford, Danny of Vancouver and Shaun (Andrea) of Kanata and his sister Mary (Bob) Dazé of Arnprior.  

Len will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Liam, Riley, Stephanie, Michael and Georgia.  He was predeceased by his step-son Eric Bougie.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews. 

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg, on Monday, January 13th, at 11 a.m., with Father Chisholm officiating.  Cremation followed.   

Pallbearers were Michael Enright, Shaun Enright, Bill McSheffrey, Brian Dazé and Drew Dazé.

Spring interment of cremated remains will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Douglas.  

Donations to Dundas County Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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