Obituaries

 

John Alexander “Jack” Shaver died peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the age of 94 years.  

Born in Matilda Township, on June 28, 1917, to Frank and Clair Shaver, Jack is a lifelong resident of South Dundas.  

Jack worked on the family apple farm just outside of Iroquois, and for Caldwell Linen Mill before going to work for Ontario Hydro during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. He worked for Hydro One until he retired. 

Jack married Elsie Millard on June 13, 1942, and together they raised three boys Ed, Art and Robbie.

Jack cared deeply for his family especially his wife who he cared for after her arthritis became too much for her.

Jack was a member of the Iroquois United Church Cemetery Board for over 52 years and the Iroquois Masonic lodge for over 60 years, holding various positions.  

He loved cars, fishing, playing euchre in Morrisburg and Iroquois, shuffle board twice a week at the Matilda Hall and golf.  Jack was seen playing daily at the Iroquois Golf Club during the summer.

Jack is survived by his sons Ed and his wife Debbie of Morrisburg, Art of Iroquois and Robbie and his wife Cindy of Iroquois. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Ashli, Christina, Jessica, Sheri and Stacey and by eight great-grandchildren. 

He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Perdue of Winnipeg and sister-in-law Ruth Shaver of Ottawa.  

Jack was predeceased by his wife Elsie and brother Allen.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 11 a.m. until time of the service at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Janet Evans officiated.  

Donations to the Arthritis Society are gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Spring Interment will at the Iroquois Point Cemetery.

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A lifelong resident of South Dundas, Anna Casselman-Nicolier passed away peacefully, following a brief illness, on Friday, February 17, 2012, at the Carefor Hospice Cornwall, with her loving family by her side. She was 69 years old. 

Anna was born in Matilda Township, on March 12, 1942, to Dwight and Grace Strader (nee McIntosh). She was the third youngest of nine children.

Anna’s enormous brown eyes and infectious smile made her stand out, yet it was her inner beauty that radiated with such a glow, that she left a mark on everyone she encountered. 

She was a truly remarkable lady and well respected. She took great pride in her ongoing community involvement with the Morrisburg Legion Branch #48, Ladies Auxiliary, Upper Canada Playhouse, Eastern Ontario Health Unit Flu Clinics, The Iroquois Good Companions, and the Morrisburg United Church.

Anna had an enormous heart filled with passion, compassion and empathy. She was always the first person to want to help anyone in time of need, and to comfort those who were going through a difficult time. 

Anna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, a cherished sister, favourite aunt and a dear friend to many. She had an unrelenting sense of perseverance and a strong ability to forge ahead, regardless of what life dealt her.

As a single mother raising two young children in the early sixties, she faced many adversities which she overcame with great dignity and pride. She was a working mom well ahead of the times. Her devotion to the health and well-being of her children was truly extraordinary. 

Anna drew great delight from spending quality time with her grandchildren as well. Her love, devotion, and spirit will live on in each of them, and her influence will be eternal. 

The dignity and grace by which Anna sailed through life, left a wake of beauty across the many hearts she touched. She spent her entire life dedicated to her family, friends and community. 

Anna will be fondly remembered by many who rode on her school bus, had the pleasure of shopping at the Becker’s Store she managed for 25 years, dined at Minnie’s Coffee Shop, or enjoyed her passion for the Ottawa Senators hockey team.

She would want us to celebrate her life and her legacy; as the amazing person that she was and always will be.  

Anna is survived by her husband René Nicolier, her daughters Angie (James) Lavigne of Long Sault and Leslie (Tom) Irwin of Cornwall and her siblings Ken Strader of Morrisburg, Edna Disheau (Arthur Jackson) of Toronto, Lorna (Ernie) Lascelle of Inkerman, and Willie (Audrey) Strader of Cardinal. 

Anna will be forever loved and cherished by her grandchildren Colin and Sarah Mackler. She was dear stepmother of Corinne (Tim) Heisel of Prescott, Nathalie (Gary) Hart of Prescott and step-grandmother of Kyle and Jennifer. 

She was predeceased by her parents Dwight and Grace Strader (nee McIntosh), her sisters Margaret Barkley and Jean Jensen, brothers Glen and John Strader, and her late husband Gordon Casselman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Friends attended the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday, February 19, 2012, to pay their last respects to Anna. Funeral service was held at the funeral home, on Monday, February 20, 2012, with Reverend Dan Hayward officiating. Eulogies were given by her daughters Angie Lavigne and Leslie Irwin; as well as her grandchildren Sarah and Colin Mackler.  Pallbearers were Sarah and Colin Mackler, Jennifer Hutt and Kyle Heisel. 

A beautiful luncheon was provided by the Morrisburg Ladies Auxiliary, at the Morrisburg Legion Branch  #48, following the service.

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A resident of the area for the past 50 years Gerry Oosterhof passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, January 22, 2012, following a brief illness.  He was 95.

Gerry was born in Ouderhorne, The Netherlands on February 8, 1916, to his parents Bonne and Sjoerdje (nee Degroot).  He met his wife Hendrikje while working as a farm hand; they married in May of 1940  and subsequently had three children during the Second World War, one child died as an infant.  They had one more child in the Netherlands before joining the wave of immigration to Canada in 1952.

Once in Canada Gerry and his family lived in Morrisburg where he first worked as a farm hand for his sponsor family and then worked in construction during the creation of the Seaway.  After his time on the Seaway project was completed he moved on to work as a builder on the Dupont site at Maitland.  When the Seaway went through the home in which they lived was in the path of the water and the family moved to a farm north of Iroquois where their youngest daughter was born.

His final 12 years of employment were spent at Upper Canada Village where he worked with the animals.  He drove a team of oxen during the summer months and helped take care of the animals in the barn during the winter months.  He enjoyed talking to people and particularly liked to surprise visitors from the Netherlands by answering their questions in Dutch. Following his retirement Gerry continued to farm north of Iroquois until 1986 when he and Hendrikje moved back to Morrisburg.  

Never one to sit still he transformed his back half of his property into a large garden that fed not only themselves but all of his family, friends and neighbours as well.  It was only this past year that he decided that the garden was too large and he made it smaller.  

Gerry was a combination of many things, a hard worker, helpful to his friends, and loving to his family.  He had a wonderful dry sense of humour, a ready smile and wee bit of temper.  He loved music and dancing and he especially enjoyed polkas and waltzing.  

One of the blessings that Gerry had was the ability to make friends and he made many during his lifetime.  

Gerry is survived by his children Jean (Bob) Christie of Ottawa, Bonna (Bertha) of R.R.# 2 Brinston, Sue Roos (Ken Whitfield) of Ottawa and Helen (Doug) Tupper of Stampville.  He was the Proud Papa of Julie and Mark Christie, Stephen (May) Roos, Michael (Lindsay) Roos, Peter (Louise) Oosterhof, Lynn Oosterhof (Bucky Markell), Christopher, Nicholas and Lesley-Ann Tupper.  Papa’s legacy continues in his great-grandchildren Emily Hitsman, Cameron, Tristan and Trinity Oosterhof.  He was the dear brother of Geertje of Holland.  He was predeceased by his wife Hendrikje, an infant son and sisters Sjoukje and Anneke.   He is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, January 25th from 10 a.m. until time of the service at 11 a.m. which was conducted by Rev. Arlyce Schiebout.  

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  Pallbearers were his grandchildren Peter Oosterhof, Lynn Oosterhof, Julie Christie, Stephen Roos, Lesley-Ann Tupper and son-in-law Doug Tupper.

Donations to the C.N.I.B. or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A longtime resident of the Iroquois/Matilda area, Mabel Swerdfeger passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2011, at the Bayfield Manor in Kemptville. She was in her 99th year. 

Mabel was born in Williamsburg Township, on July 27, 1913, to her parents Charles and Viola Stata (nee Servage).

Mabel was involved in farming her entire life. She began working for her cousins George and Luella Beckstead when she was in her teens. It was at that time that she met her future husband, Ernie Swerdfeger. They married and started their life together farming in shares at Morewood.

It was at the Morewood farm that their eldest daughter, Shirley was born. Soon they rented a farm in the Dixon’s area, and there they had Betty. 

In 1946, they bought a farm at Haddo, and Glenn came along  a couple of years later. 

It was at Haddo that Mabel and Ernie spent the rest of their lives together, farming and raising their family, until Ernie passed away in 1971. Mabel continued to live on the farm with Glenn and his family, until the fall of 2008.

Mabel lived for her family, farming, and gardening. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family. She always had after school treats for her children, grandchildren and their friends. Mabel was an outstanding cook and could make a delicious meal on the spur of the moment. 

She enjoyed cheating at euchre, dancing, laughing, and travelling with her sisters and special friend Walter Ouderkirk.

Mabel is survived by her children Shirley (Arnold Foster), Betty (Jim Locke) and Glenn (Margaret Waddell). She will be lovingly remember by seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  

She was predeceased by her husband Ernie in 1971, as well as her siblings Ernie, Lyle, Grant, Ruby (Hall), and Gladys (Hutt) and a great-grandson David McGill.

Her work ethic, family values, along with her sense of humour and outstanding memory made it a pleasure and honour for anyone who was fortunate enough to have known her. 

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Richard, Margaret Mary (nee Meikle)

Peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Beloved companion of Roland Smith, Maggie is survived by her sisters Catherine Diguer (Bernie) and Grace Lundy and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home 1255 Walkley Rd. (East of Bank) Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel. Interment to take place in the spring at her birth place, Morrisburg, Ontario. Donations to the Ottawa General Hospital or the Elisabeth Bruyère Palliative Care Unit appreciated.

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Dawne Franklyn, of Morrisburg, Ontario, passed away peacefully, at home on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011.  Beloved mother Susan and Doug Peters of Iroquois and Richard and Tricia Parvin of Keller, Texas.  Cherished Grandmother of Ashley, Mark, Krista and Melanie.  Great Grandmother (GG) to Tyson.  She will be missed greatly by all of her dear friends.  Predeceased by parents, Phyllis and Charles, and brothers Derek ofEngland and Alan of Crysler.  Dawne was born in Brighton, England and raised in Horsham, Sussex, England. Dawne immigrated to Canada in 1954 and lived in Toronto until 1988 when she moved to eastern Ontario with her brother and daughter; settling in Morrisburg in 1991.  Dawne served her community in many ways, including volunteering with Meals on Wheels and at Morrisburg Public School.  Most of all, she will be remembered for her compassionate nature, generosity of spirit and love of family. 

 

At her request there was no visitation.  A funeral was held at St. James Anglican church Morrisburg on Saturday December 31st with the Rev. Bill Byers officiating.  Donations to Dundas County Hospice would be gratefully appreciated.  Arrangements entrusted to Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn. 

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A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Doris Casselman passed away suddenly at the Woodland Villa Nursing Home in Long Sault on Friday, December 30, 2011.  She was 90. 

Doris was born in Williamsburg Township on June 7, 1921 to her parents John and Sarah Whitteker (nee Casselman).  

On October 2, 1941 she married Hubert Casselman and together they had 3 children Ron, Dennis and Jo-Anne.  Doris remained at the family farm west of Williamsburg, while Hubert was away training for the Air Force. In 1942 their first child Ron was born. Two years later in 1944 their second son Dennis was born. The family then was stationed in Exetoer Ont., when their third child Jo-Anne was born in 1948. From Exeter the family was then stationed in Claresholm, Alberta. The family returned home to Williamsburg in 1952 and resided with Doris's mother Sadie for a short time. They then rented for a while before building a new home on Pinkus Drive in 1960 where Doris resided until health problems forced her to leave her home in 2009. 

  Doris worked on the family farm as a child. After returning home from Alberta she then worked at English's Clothing Store, Fairbairn Furniture Store in Williamsburg and as a clerk at the Department of National Defence in Ottawa.  Her final place of employment was at Upper Canada Village. 

 Upon retirement Doris and Hubert did some travelling with a group of close friends. 

 Doris was a very special person who meant so many things to many people. She enjoyed baking, gardening and bird watching. She was a great mentor and advisor. She was patient and kind and always put others before her. She always leant a helping hand. She left a special mark on everyone and was known to all as "Nan." She let everyone know how important they all were to her. 

 Doris is survived by her children Ron Casselman (Linda) of Williamsburg, Dennis Casselman (Kathy) of Williamsburg and Jo-Anne Whitteker of Cardinal., her siblings Edna Schell of Williamsburg, Ivan Whitteker (Shirley Moke) of Williamsburg, Rex Whitteker (Mary Ruth) of Morrisburg and Glenn Whitteker (Lois) of Perth.  Nan will be fondly remembered by 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband Hubert, her brother Ward Whitteker and her sisters Velda Steinburg and Flora Whitteker.   She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

A private family Funeral Service was held at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg on Monday, January 2, 2012, with Rev. Noreen Gullons officiating.  Cremation followed. Pallbearers were grandchildren Todd Casselman, Traci Bailey, Mark Cassselman, David Casselman, Paul Casselman, Angie Merkley and Derek Whitteker.  Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.  Interment of cremated remais will be at New Union Cemetery , Williamsburg .  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A longtime resident of this area, Marjorie Jean Droppo of Morrisburg, passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Monday, December 26, 2011, following a brief illness. She was 93 years old.

A resident of 64 Park Avenue, Morrisburg, since the Seaway project, Marjorie was the daughter of the late James Hanna and Ethel Dean. She was born March 28, 1918, at Wheatley, Ontario.

On October 11, 1941, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Burlington, she married her beloved husband, Hosea Droppo, who predeceased her in 1969.

A former resident of Chesterville, Marjorie was employed at Morrisburg Public School for a time as librarian and also as the school’s secretary.

Forty years ago, a big part of her real life ended. She and Hosea lived their lives for the good of others. They were a team. Together their entire focus was on their kids, other people’s kids, dogs, birds and anyone or anything that needed anything they had to give.

Through the 50’s and 60’s, together they coached every kid in town how to swing a bat and how to slide into second base.

Once Marjorie plunged into a life of her own, with her husband gone and her children gone, she filled her winter void with skiing. But cross country skiing was too girly for her–she downhill skied until she was near 80!

Marjorie also golfed well into her 80’s, until she couldn’t find anyone who could walk the course with her. Golf carts are for old people. Nobody would ever see her riding in a golf cart, not even for the second 18 of the day.

Years ago, winter in Florida helped to extend the golf season for her–until she even outlived all of the 20 other people who she first started that diversion with.

Marjorie was a woman of devotion and strong faith. She served her church through several decades as the organist both in Morrisburg and in Chesterville. She was a member of St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg and a former member of Signet Chapter #272 Order of the Eastern Star in Finch.

Marjorie was indeed a very private person, insisting to the end on living alone in the house where she raised her family, a home that had been moved in Seaway times.

She had many past time activities to help her get through the lonely days, but her real focus never wavered from her three boys, and then their wives and families became her family too.

And, oh yes–did anyone ever notice that she was opinionated?

The beloved wife of the late Hosea Droppo, Marjorie was the loving mother of Gary (Jane) of Kingston, Rick (Kelly) of Cambridge and Bob (Pam) of Hill Island.

She was cherished grandmother of Kelly (Chris) Van Beilen of Morrisburg, Kevin (Carla) Droppo of Bradford, Dan Droppo of Bolton, Gina (Josh) Beavers of London and Jamie Droppo of Hill Island.

She was dear great-grandmother of Tiago, Maia, Reyen, Kade, Halle and Mikayla.

So many people are linked to the life of Marjorie Droppo in one way or another. Her sons, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren will be part of the legacy that she leaves behind. They will carry on telling of the family history, just as the other people whose lives have been inextricably altered by Mrs. Droppo will continue telling stories of her as they have known her.

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, in Morrisburg, on Wednesday, December 28, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service, performed by Rev. Susan McCullough in the chapel, at 11 a.m. Spring interment will be at St. Lawrence Valley Cemetery, Long Sault.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledge. Condolences and donations may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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A lifetime resident of the area, Helen Baldwin (nee McIntosh) passed away at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, December 22, 2011.  She was 86.

Helen was born in Winchester Township, on July 25, 1925, to her parents Garfield and Viola McIntosh (nee Strader).

In her earlier years she liked to fish, and she worked at the Iroquois cold storage. She also  enjoyed crocheting, playing scrabble and doing crossword puzzles.  

Helen is survived by her sister Nina (Carl) Pemberton of Elma.  She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth, her sisters Pauline Fowler and Ola Froats and her brother Mahlon McIntosh.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

A Graveside Funeral Service was held at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston, on Saturday, December 24th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.  

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Winchester Hospital would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements  were entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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On December 27, 2011, Olga ‘Ollie’ Margaret Slipchenko (nee Shermeta) passed away suddenly at home after a lengthy debility, caused by a condition of neuropathy, combined with a short term bout of breast cancer. 

Ollie was predeceased by her parents, Dmitriy and Nellie (nee Palamarchuk). She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Walter; son, Andrew; brother, Eugene; and several cousins. 

She was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, on October 31, 1935, and educated in Winnipeg. Ollie first became an elementary school teacher, teaching in Winnipeg, Camp Petawawa, Ottawa (Barrhaven); and then as a real estate agent in Ottawa.

Upon moving to Morrisburg in the mid-80s, she became a very active supporter and worker at the Upper Canada Playhouse until the mid-90s when she was forced to restrict her activity because of her illness. Ollie continued with her active support by inviting many friends and acquaintances to the theatre over the last 26 years. 

Ollie will be sorely missed, especially her kindness, humour and sharp wit not only by her family and very close friends, but by all those who have come to know her over the years; all of whom wish her vichna pamyat’ (eternal memory)!

There will be no visitation or funeral service. A private service will be held for family and friends at a later date. 

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Breast Cancer Action or any Research Foundations dealing with Neuropathy would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Arrangements entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois (613-652-4452). Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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