Obituaries

 

Rev. Dr. Peter Praamsma

1939-2014

With sadness we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Peter Praamsma at Cornwall Hospice on November 5, 2014. 

Beloved husband of Christine Martell (nee:Blok), son of the late Wietse and Elizabeth (nee:Soeting) Praamsma, father of Naomi (Franck) and Andrew (Barry),  stepfather to Susan Jane (Peter), Ian (Debbie), Heather (Kevin), Michelle (Rick), Daniel (Lucinda) and Tim (Heather), as well as uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and beloved brother of  Auke (Cathy), Hilde (Eddy), Augustina (Arend), Sannie (Nico), and Lucy (Jim). 

Peter was first married to Elizabeth Faulkner until 1982. In 1987, he married Reeta L. Cooper (nee: Reeta L. Langley who predeceased him in March, 2008) and in June 2009, he married Christine.

A resident of Morrisburg since 1987, Peter was born in the Netherlands, and in early 1954 came with his family to Hamilton, Ontario. While working in Stelco’s steel mills and attending church youth groups, Peter felt drawn to Christian ministry and in 1960 started the preparation that led to ordination in the United Church in 1967. 

Peter received his B.A. (1964) from Hope College in Holland, Mi., his B.D. (1967) from McGill University and his M.Div degree from United Theological College, Montreal. 

A continuing education enthusiast, he received an M.A. (1971) from Ottawa University and his Doctor of Ministry (1988) from Drew University’s Theological School in Madison, NJ. 

Peter served churches in: Gagnon, QC, Fitzroy Harbour, ON; First United in Waterloo, ON; Trinity in Cobourg, ON; Rothwell United, Ottawa, ON (1976 to 1987); Glengarry (part-time with the Rev. Al Rose, 1994 to 1997), and an interim ministry at Trinity United in Chesterville ON, in 2006-7.

Peter was much involved in pastoral care and counselling with the sick and disabled. In 1981, he chaired the Ottawa Committee for the International Year of the Disabled, and completed its task with an ecumenical celebration on Parliament Hill attended by the Governor General.

His book reviews and brief reflections were published in ecumenical ministry journals such as the Christian Ministry and the Clergy Journal. He also published a book of meditations titled A Different Drummer (1986) and the research and assessment tool, Your Pastoral Care Profile.

From August 1987 to September 2000, Peter was interfaith chaplain at the Cornwall General Hospital and much involved in spiritual care training, palliative care, and as a counsellor and group therapist in mental health. 

Besides gardening, piano playing and reading, Peter enjoyed being a part of the Seaway Valley Singers. He was an avid sailor and could often be spotted on the St. Lawrence, especially with his favourite first mate, grand-daughter, Lindsay. 

Sadly missed by his family and friends, his ashes will be placed at the Columbarium in the Iroquois United Church Cemetery (near the Locks). Friends will be received at the Parker Funeral Home, 28 Sir James Morris Drive, Morrisburg on Wednesday from 7-9- p.m.  

A memorial service, led by Rev. Janet Evans, will be held at Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. with a reception after the service. 

Donations either to cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital or Cornwall Hospice are much appreciated. Condolences may be left at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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A resident of the Park Drive Villa in Williamsburg, for the past year, Bill Tait passed away at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Thursday, October 9, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 82.

Bill was born in Scott Township, Ontario, on September 11, 1932, to his parents Morris and Evelyn Tait (nee Carnegie).

On November 25, 1950, he married his longtime sweetheart Dorothy Cummings at her parents’ home in Uxbridge, Ontario.  Together they had three daughters, Lynne, Cathy and Clara.

Bill and Dorothy raised their family in Toronto, where Bill worked as a labourer and maintained equipment at Canada Packers.

In 1967, they moved their family back to their home town of Zephyr, where Dorothy retired from her job and started raising veal calves while Bill continued to commute to Toronto.

In 1973, Bill and Dorothy decided to make farming a full-time career so they packed up their family once more and moved all of their animals and equipment to the farm on Barkley Road in Williamsburg Township. 

There they ran a successful dairy operation for 16 years even through the hardship of losing their home in a devastating house fire in 1991.

Bill and Dorothy belonged to the Old Time Fiddlers, and they attended weekly dances without fail regardless of how tired they were or the weather conditions. They made numerous life-long friends.

Upon retirement, Bill and Dorothy took up their passion for travel. They hitched up their 5th wheel trailer and toured all through Canada going in all four directions, and to parts of the U.S.

Bill loved to play cards with his family, and he taught all of his girls how to count by showing them how to play cribbage. Many hours were passed playing Canasta and Rummy with his family. 

In his leisure time, Bill loved being in his workshop where he built and constructed furniture, toys and lawn ornaments.  His lawn was always adorned with seasonal decorations much to the delight of his grandchildren. 

Bill is survived by his daughters Lynne Casselman (Graham) of R.R.# 1 Williamsburg, Cathy Tupper (Philip) of Boucks Hill and Clara Erdman (Blair Cooper) of Orleans, and by his sister Lorna Mills (Henry) of Cannington. 

Bill will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Adele, James, Wendy, Adam, Chad, Leslie, Courtney, Ryan, Christian and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his brother Austin and his sisters Wilda Sinclair and Aldeen Esau.     

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.. The service was conducted by Rev. Janet Evans.  Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville. 

Pallbearers were James Garlough, Chad Garlough, Ryan Casselman, Adam Erdman, Christian Cooper and Dan Ramer.  

Honorary pallbearers were Courtney Garlough, Leslie Erdman, Wendy Casselman and Adele Cowan.  

Donations to the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A lifetime resident of the area, Freida O’Neil passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. She was 54.

Freida was born in Winchester, on September 27, 1960, to her parents George and Nellie Hitsman (nee Markell). She attended Dixons Corners Public School and Seaway District High School.

On December 24, 1981, Freida married Bob O’Neil and together they had two children, Wanda and Jeff.

Freida was a pleasant lady who was always smiling and who took care of anyone in her neighbourhood who needed help. Family was Freida’s number one priority, and she had a big influence on everyone in her inner circle.

Freida enjoyed crafts, painting, scrapbooking and crocheting.  She was an avid poker player and, when they were younger, she and Bob enjoyed going to dances.  Country music was her favourite kind of music, and Elvis Presley was her favourite entertainer.  

When her children were small, the family enjoyed camping at the Delta campground, but in more recent years she enjoyed her trailer at the Upper Canada Campground. 

Freida is survived by her husband Bob O’Neil, her children Wanda Thompson (Art) of Morrisburg and Jeff O’Neil (Linda) of Morrisburg, her parents George Hitsman (Eunice Bovin) of R.R. #1 Iroquois and the late Nellie Hitsman.  

She was the dear sister of Gloria O’Neil (Dalton Gibbons) of Winchester, Joe Hitsman (Rose) of R.R.# 2 Brinston, Kim O’Neil (Allen) of R.R.# 2  Iroquois and John Hitsman (Bonnie) of Shanly. 

Nanny will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Dylan and Cole Thompson and Brianna, Sierra and Aliesha O’Neil. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

Freida was predeceased by her great-niece Lacie O’Neil, her great-nephew Brodie Hitsman, her brothers-in-law Rick and Ralph O’Neil and her father-in-law Richard O’Neil.     

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Funeral Home on Friday, October 10th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.  

Interment followed at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston.  Pallbearers were Jeff O’Neil, Joe Hitsman, Dylan Thompson, Donald Barkley, Rick Shaver and Richard Sloan.  

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A lifetime resident of the area, Michael DeJong passed away peacefully at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Monday, October 13, 2014, following an eight month battle with cancer.  He was 34.

Michael Daniel DeJong was born in Winchester, on June 28, 1980, to his parents Barrie Pemberton and Alice DeJong. 

Michael grew up on a dairy farm. He enjoyed being outdoors, and, actually, he preferred it. He loved being around the animals – sheep, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats and of course the cattle. 

He was a good worker and enjoyed farm life. 

He began driving a tractor and truck from an early age, which developed into his later skill fixing cars up for demolition derby – right up until last year.

Michael attended Elma Public School, Maple Ridge Public School and Seaway Secondary School. He went to Cubs and he loved sports. He started playing hockey in Morrisburg when he was five years old and he eventually played Junior B for the Morrisburg Lions. He also played baseball in Williamsburg. 

Michael was very strong willed, and he never gave up. If you asked him to do anything, he’d do it. If you needed something, he would be there. He was very unselfish. He deeply appreciated his family and loved them, which says a lot about the way he was raised.

Michael and his loving wife Margaret whom he married on August 1, 2003, were blessed with three children: Madisyn, Montgomery and Maverick.

To help support his family, Michael worked for Norwell Dairy Systems. He was a “jack-of-all-trades” doing whatever he was called to do. He was smart–more than he let on. He would surprise people with what he was able to do. At home, he took pride in his lawn, his fishpond and his garden. 

What was really amazing about Michael is how he came to accept each day and appreciate all he had in his loving family; his wife and children, his parents, his sisters and grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends. 

His battle with cancer changed him. He became a stronger, even better man through it all. And in the end he came to accept the inevitability of his own death. “What will be, will be,” he said. He carried his courage and dignity to the end. 

Michael is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Madisyn, Montgomery and Maverick, his parents Barrie and Alice Pemberton, his sisters Samantha Pemberton (Norman Merrifield) of Ottawa and Melissa Mitchell (Evan) of Glen Becker, his maternal grandparents Bill and Jean DeJong of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg and paternal grandparents Glenn and Carolyn Pemberton of Williamsburg and his paternal great-grandmother Gwynneth Pemberton.

He was a dear nephew of June DeJong (Brian Alexander) of Minden, Donald DeJong (Amy) of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg, Brian Pemberton (Violetta) of Williamsburg and Kathi Duff of Kanata.  Michael will be sadly missed by cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.      

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. A private family funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, October 17th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating.  Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Pallbearers were Dylan DeJong, Donald DeJong, Evan Mitchell, Rick Thompson, Daryl Disotell, Charlie Lewis Jr., Tony Barkley and Rick Hess. Honorary pallbearer was Tim Perry.  

Donations to a fund for Michael’s children may be made by contacting the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A lifetime resident of the area, Gladys Burton passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Sunday September 21, 2014, at the age of 73. 

Born in Cornwall, on January 4, 1941, to her parents, George and Roselba Moss (nee Mondoux) Gladys was placed in foster care at the age of three.  

She was lovingly raised by Ken and Ada Gallinger of Gallingertown. Gladys attended Gallingertown Public School and later Aultsville High School.  

Upon graduation, she trained at Cornwall General Hospital.  Her career as an R.N. led her to work in various hospitals and nursing homes. 

 On June 16, 1962, Gladys fulfilled her yearbook ambition to become wife of Carl Burton.  Their married life took them to Kingston for a time, but their love of farming brought them back to their roots.  

This also afforded Gladys the opportunity to realize a childhood dream of being a teacher. It was her incredible proficiency as a student that led St. Lawrence College administration to offer her a faculty position.

Her attention to detail also prompted her to conduct extensive research on her genealogy and collect a vast amount of information on the various branches of her family tree.  

Gladys was a spiritual person who believed it was greater to give than to receive; she devoted much of her time and accounting skills to various church and non-profit organizations.

Gladys’ tremendous faith served her well in times of difficulty. She was diagnosed with Lupus at an early age and was presented with numerous health challenges yet she never complained.  

She was proud to be a part of the congregation of the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church where she made very cherished friendships.

Gladys and Carl’s home was always a welcoming place to friends and family alike; many a story and chuckle were shared in their living room. She enjoyed countless family holidays and trips and time spent with those she loved.

Gladys is survived by her husband Carl Burton and her her siblings Keatha Brayton of Addison, Sheila Morrow (Bruce) of Arnprior, Lorraine Moss-Beaudry of Montreal and Francis Gallinger of British Columbia

She will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Glenda Lafortune (Richard) of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg and her brother-in-law Kent Burton of Lancaster.   She is also survived by four nieces, two nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, September 25th at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Noordhof officiating.  

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  Pallbearers were Tabitha Marshall, Jessica Lafortune, Cassidy Lafortune, John Burton, James Burton and Melanie Burton. Honorary pallbearers were Peter Van Veen, Theo ter Horst and Clarence Haayema.  

Donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A resident of Williamsburg for the past five years, Lynn Lewis passed away at the Hospice at May Court in Ottawa, on Monday, September 22, 2014, following a lengthy illness.   She was 62.

Lynn was born in Ottawa on October 30, 1951, to her parents Keith and Raymonde Tucker (nee Proulx). 

Lynn is survived by her husband Brian, her children Keri Lewis (Thomas Sherratt) of Ottawa, Keith Lewis (Lisa) of Ottawa and Alex Lewis (Matthew Champagne) of Ottawa and her brothers Wayne Tucker (Ann) of Peterborough and Ron Tucker of Ottawa.

She will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Kaelan, Nathan, Kyah and Jakob.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

Friends called at the Harmony Community Church, Ormond, on Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., which was conducted by Rev. Bruce North.

Jean Claude and Valeria Joyal sang two of Lynn’s favorite songs, (In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross) as well as sharing about their friendship with her.  

Cathy Albert did the Eulogy. She shared her memories of Lynn including how they met, what a great mother, loving grandmother and faithful friend she was to so many.  

Alex Lewis shared memories about his mom and how she will be missed. Kyah Lewis-Harvey shared about her Nanny, with a little help from uncle Alex,

Interment was at Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa. Pallbearers were Keith, Alex, Al, Luke. Doug and Brensley.

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

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Pauline Lois Robertson, of Morrisburg and formerly of Brockville and Finch passed away peacefully at Cornwall Hospice on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. 

Pauline was the beloved wife of the late Campbell Robertson (2010) and dear mother of Gregg (Debbie) of Morrisburg. She was cherished grandmother of Chad (Neysa), Sara and Christine (Blake) and great-grandmother of Cory and Colin. She was grand mother-in-law of Michelle St. Pierre.  

Pauline was predeceased by her parents Catherine and Harold Ouderkirk, sister Melva MacIntosh and grandson Stuart. 

A graveside funeral service was held at the Finch Community Cemetery on Friday, October 3, 2014, at 2 p.m. Memorial donations to Lakeshore Drive United Church or Carefor Hospice will be gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences may be made at  parkerfh@personainternet.co

Parker Funeral Home, in Morrisburg was entrusted with the arrangements.  

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A lifetime resident of Morrisburg, Dawn Froats passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, September 20, 2014, following a lengthy illness. She was 65.

Dawn was born in Winchester, on March 17, 1949, to her parents Clayton and Eva Froats (nee Shaver).

Dawn always worked in the community, whether it be at the Dominion Store, selling tickets at the Jr. B games, Peter Mac Mens wear, Harland Veinotte Transport, Morrisburg, South Dundas, Rideau St. Lawrence Hydro or Valu-mart. 

People’s most prevalent memory of Dawn was of her pleasant smile or smirk depending on whether she was up to something. 

She loved working with the public and seeing and chatting with everyone that she met. 

After Dawn retired, she travelled out west to visit family and her dear friends Lera and Ernie.She had a great two weeks and talked about that trip often. 

Dawn was a dedicated mom, grandma, sister and friend.

Dawn is survived by her daughter Cassandra Barry (Blake) of Morrisburg, and her brother Rick Froats (Cindy) of Morrisburg.  Dawn will be sadly missed by her grandsons Riley and Cole Barry.  

She 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 the funeral home on Wednesday, September 24th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Krista Shaver officiating.

Interment of cremated remains was at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  Pallbearers were Riley Barry, Cole Barry, Adam Froats and Clayton Froats.  

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

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Beatrice “Bea” Lorraine Shaver of Morrisburg, passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. She was in her 98th year.

Bea was loving mother of Donald (Bonnie) Shaver of Kemptville and Marilyn (Percy) Salmon of Morrisburg.  

She was cherished grandmother of Barbara (Dave) Delaney, Alan Shaver, Robert (Michelle) Shaver, Trevor (Shannon) Shaver, Matthew (Erin) Shaver, Christopher Salmon (deceased) and Nicole Salmon. She was beloved great-grandmother of Adam, Mark (Rosanna), Tracy, Melissa (Dan Hutter), Cole, Cyle, Noah, Taylor, Madison, Mason, MacKenna, Ainsley, Bailey and Bria, and beloved great-great-grandmother of Xavier, Elijah, Mattias and Isabella.

Private visitation was held at the Parker Funeral Home, 28 Sir James Morris Drive, Morrisburg.  Interment followed at South Gower Cemetery.  

A memorial service to celebrate Bea’s life will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Morrisburg, on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 11 a.m.  

Memorial donations to Knox Presbyterian Church, Morrisburg will be gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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A lifetime resident of the Morrisburg area, Angela Page (nee Loucks) passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. She was 42.

Angela was born on October 8, 1971, to her parents Harry and Norma Loucks (nee Roderick).  Three years later, she became a big sister to Cathy. She grew up on the Deeks Road with her mother, her stepfather Merle Casselman, and sisters and brothers.  

Angie’s first job was at the Exxon where, as a pleasant waitress, everyone grew to love her. 

With her pleasant personality Angie developed many friendships with people young and old.  She was a warm, compassionate and vibrant woman who always went out of her way to help others no matter what. 

Angie was a proud dignified woman who had a passion for life. She fought many battles but always pulled through.  

Angela is survived by her companion Ed Sloan, her daughter Jessica Page (Clinton Hamilton) of Morrisburg and her granddaughter Kendra.

She will be lovingly remembered by her mother Norma Casselman (nee Roderick) of Morrisburg, her sister Cathy Loucks (Howard Robinson) of Morrisburg and her step-siblings Steven Casselman (Cora) of Williamsburg, Janet Duval (George) of Cornwall, Elaine Fry (Jim) of Kelowna, B.C. and Nancy Casselman of Kelowna, B.C.  She was predeceased by her stepfather Merle Casselman.  She is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Saturday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 9th at 11 a.m., with Rev. James Tripp officiating.  

Interment of cremated remains was at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Morrisburg. Pallbearers were Clinton Hamilton, Steven Casselman, Robert Merkley and Howard Robinson.  

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

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