Paul Lonergan

Passed Away on February 4, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Lonergan on February 4, 2025, in his 93rd year.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Helen of 59 years. Loving father of Maureen (Craig) Edwards, Patrick, Claire Ann, Tom, and Norm. Proud Grandpa to 13 grandchildren: Marcella (Matt), Simon, Ashley (Kerry), Paige, Aaron (Maylin), and Emily (Stephen) McKiernan, Amy Lonergan, Joe and William (Dana) Edwards, Michael (Lyndsay) and Jacqueline Lonergan, Portia, and Alice Lonergan. Cherished great-grandfather to 8 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by his siblings Dorothy Ann, Marie, Peter, and Grace. Dear brother of Mike. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Fairview Lodge for their care, kindness, and support.

"Forever loved and always remembered."

Steve Ervine Barone

Passed Away on January 28, 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Ervine Barone on January 28, 2025.

Steve was a well-known vendor at the Courtice Flea Market and will be fondly remembered by many. He was the beloved spouse of Marian Grima for 35 years. Loving father of Tyson and stepfather of Kevin Grima (Shannon). Cherished Poppa to Kyra and Keston.

Dear brother of Ken and Phil, and loving brother to Theresa (Louie) and Phyllis. Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial Details

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be provided by the family.

"Forever loved and always remembered."

Dolores Visintainer

Passed Away on January 28, 2025

With broken hearts, we share the passing of Dolores Visintainer on January 28, 2025.

Beloved mother to Michael (Jennifer) and Jason. The BEST Nana to Dawson, Jade (Meekail), and Emma. She will be greatly missed by her sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Many who met Dolores were initially intimidated by her no-nonsense demeanor; however, those who truly knew her understood that it was only a shield for the softest of hearts. She will be so very missed.

"Forever loved and always remembered."

Jennifer Lee Arundell

August 25, 1954 - January 28, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jennifer Lee Arundell, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Jennifer was born on August 25, 1954, to the late John and Phyllis Hill. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, John Arundell; her daughter, Starrlee (Matthew) DeGrace; her stepson, James (Jennifer) Arundell; her grandson, Timothy-Jack; and her brother, Bradley (Valerie) Hill.

Jennifer’s passions in life were simple yet profound. She loved the magic of movies, the serenity of the water, and the connections she made through her online community.

But most of all, Jennifer loved to tell stories. Her endless tales, filled with 75 subplots and 32 tangents, had a way of making us laugh and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Jennifer may be gone, but her memory will live on in our hearts. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with her beloved parents.

"Rest in peace, Jennifer. Your love, laughter, and legacy will never be forgotten."

Gerald "Jerry" Mercer

December 5, 1957 - February 7, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald "Jerry" Mercer on February 7, 2025. He was a beloved family member, friend, and community member who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jerry’s kindness, humor, and unwavering support for those around him touched many lives. He leaves behind cherished memories with his family and friends, who will forever remember his warmth and generosity.

Details regarding funeral services will be shared by the family at a later date.

John Henry Loeffen

July 23, 1939 – February 9, 2025

With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of our loving and supportive patriarch, John Henry Loeffen, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. After a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, John passed away peacefully at the age of 85, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born in Cuijk, Holland, on July 23, 1939, John immigrated to Canada in 1951 along with his brothers and sisters. The family settled in North Bay, Ontario, where he met his first wife, Diane Gravelle. Together, they had two children, David and Kim. In 1988, John remarried and shared 36 wonderful years with his beloved wife, life partner, and best friend, Gail Loeffen (Tresise).

John is survived by his wife, Gail; his children, David and Kim Loeffen; stepchildren Diana (Glen), Carrie (Shawn), and David (Tanya) Scattergood; grandchildren Koty, Amanda, Kirsten, Elizabeth, Josh, Matthew, Hannah, Ewan, and Rachel; and great-grandchildren Brayden, Nevaeh, Kameron, Khloe, Beau, and Kolton.

He was predeceased by his siblings Tony, Jules, Pete, Meintje, Ria, Lambert, and Leo, and is survived by his siblings Bill, Jackie, Annette, Frank, and Larry.

John was a positive role model and mentor for many young people in Oshawa through the Eastview Boys and Girls Club. He was also very active with the Senior Centers in Oshawa and the Rikken Card Club, where there will forever be an ‘empty’ seat at the card table. He will be deeply missed by many.

Celebration of Life:
Saturday, March 1, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43
471 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, Ontario

Those who wish are encouraged to share memories during the celebration of life. All contributions, words, and memories will be greatly appreciated.

Anya Ruth Seerveld

January 5, 1960 - February 1, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anya Ruth Seerveld on February 1, 2025. Anya died peacefully at her home in Toronto, Ontario. She leaves behind her loving husband of 32 years, G. Ian Jameson. She is also survived by her father, Calvin G. Seerveld, sister Gioia (Hugh), brother Luke (Jan), sister-in-law Colleen (Peter), nephew Ben (Naomi), and niece Mary (Michael) and nibling Hannah (Kate, Josie). Anya was predeceased by her mother, Ines Naudin ten Cate, in October 2021.

Anya was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1960 and moved with her family to Canada in 1971 when her father took a position at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. She graduated from Dordt University in 1982 and obtained a Master's degree from York University in 1983. She and business partner Loreen Krivy (Teoli) ran a popular independent coffee shop called “Coffee Coffee To Go Go” at Yonge and Bloor Street East. She later attended Sutherland-Chan Massage School and became a Registered Massage Therapist in 1991. Anya operated a successful Massage Therapy practice in her home from 1991 until she retired in 2022.

Anya and Ian met at the Toronto Bicycling Network Dinner Dance on November 16, 1991, and were married on July 4, 1992, in Serena Gundy Park in Toronto. They purchased their first tandem bicycle the following spring and cycled together ever after, with Anya captaining their tandem on the front and Ian providing navigation from the stoker position. Their second tandem could be taken apart and packed in suitcases, allowing them to travel by bicycle through Europe and North America, as well as wherever they could drive to.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Anya Seerveld can be made to the Sunnybrook Research Institute Odette Cancer Research Centre or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Donations will help researchers find a way to correct the Wild Type TP-53 gene mutation that caused Anya’s endometrial cancer to advance so quickly.

According to Anya’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for warmer weather in the spring, when loved ones can gather outside, thinking of Anya riding through the galaxies, spring flowers in her basket and headlight on.

Frances Rubin (née Arlin)

January 22, 2025

On January 22, 2025, Frances Rubin (née Arlin) passed away in Oshawa, Ontario, in the arms of her beloved daughter, Bethaney, and her husband, Lorence.

She leaves behind her only grandson, Drew, who was always the light of her life, as well as her beloved mother, Betty, and brother, Murray. She always remembered those who passed before her, including her father, Hyman, her sister, Sharon, and her grandparents.

Friends and family will always remember her as a lady and a force of nature, who fought to live the best life.

A private service will be held. If considering a donation, please make one to a charity of your choice in her honour.

Lance Durrant

January 22, 2025

Lance Durrant, of Long Branch, passed away peacefully on January 22nd after a courageous three-year battle with colon cancer. Born and raised in Long Branch, Lance always held fond memories of his hometown, especially his love for the Blue Goose Tavern.

A lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins and New York Yankees, Lance had a passion for sports. He also enjoyed traveling, soaking up the sun, and sitting on his front deck chatting with neighbors, always seeking out new connections.

Lance was happily together with the love of his life, Karen, for 51 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising two adoring daughters, Jessica and Lindsay. He was also a proud grandfather to Ayden and father-in-law to Mike.

Lance will be deeply missed by his brothers, Roland Kellow and Rickie Durrant (Robin); his sisters-in-law, Gail Benn and Cleone Bastien; his niece, Nicole (Jamie), and their two beautiful boys, Bryson and Grayden; as well as his lifelong best friend, Rick, and his wife Carla.

His love of sports, music, and good times left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, and he will be sorely missed by all.

Barbara Jean Butler

1943 – 2025

Barbara Jean Butler passed away in Aurora, Ontario, on January 23, 2025, after a lengthy and hard-fought battle with her heart, surviving two major surgeries in the process. She was forever feisty—a woman of immense strength, courage, perseverance, and love. Though short in stature, she backed down to no one and stood tall for her beliefs and loved ones.

Daughter to Harvey Alexander MacPherson and Elizabeth MacPherson (née Laing), Barb was sister to Bruce and predeceased by her older brother Douglas. A loving aunt to John and Matthew MacPherson on her side, as well as Rob, Janice, and Brent Fiander, and Stephanie and Carol-Ann Johnstone on her husband Bob Butler’s side. A dedicated mother to Jason and Brett, as well as a devoted wife to Bob, Barb was grateful to finally become a grandmother this past April and thoroughly enjoyed her granddaughter Layla Jean’s first Christmas. She also delighted in being mother-in-law to Allie Thompson, wife of Brett, and having another woman to deal with her “brood of men.” She will be missed by Carol and Edward Fiander, Anne and Harvey Johnstone, Catherine Schuler, as well as the rest of her extended family and lifelong friends.

Barb was born on November 30, 1943, in Goderich, Ontario, spending her youth there before the family moved to Kitchener. She was a gold medal winner at the Toronto General School of Nursing before receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, with honours, from the University of Western Ontario. A proud nurse, she served as Supervisor and Teacher at Toronto General Hospital before starting a family. She later returned to the profession in 1985, working part-time at Baycrest Hospital. Her medical expertise also proved invaluable for the countless scrapes and bruises her boys endured growing up and playing sports, which she often got involved with herself as an administrator.

From 1982 to 1985, Barb and her family lived in Indonesia, supporting her husband’s work for IBM. She was the sole family member to learn to speak Bahasa fluently—a great source of pride that allowed her to keep everything in order and her family safe. Barb and Bob made many lifelong international friends, most notably Russell and Yvonne Pearse from Australia, with whom they shared many travel adventures in the decades that followed.

Passionate about volunteering, Barb supported many health organizations and helped run the Willowdale Sports Club while Jason and Brett played hockey. She and Bob lived in North York until their children went off to school, after which they moved to Aurora, Ontario. The couple spent as many summers as possible at their cherished second home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, on the Mira Gut, where much of Bob’s family resides.

Barb loved to socialize and was dedicated to her weekly bridge game with her closest friends, including Mary Rae Benedict. Even as her eyesight deteriorated, her sharp attention to detail remained—despite being legally blind, she could still spot a speck of dust on the floor from across the room and always kept everyone on their toes when it came to lighting.

She will forever be remembered for her love of family and zest for life, her quick wit, and her never-ending feistiness. To quote Mark Twain: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” She fought to the very end.