Mary Ellen Giffin

Passed on April 12, 2025

Giffin, Mary Ellen – Peacefully passed away surrounded by family, on April 12th, 2025 at Hillsdale Estates Nursing Home, at the age of 93.

Beloved wife of Jim for 65 wonderful years before his passing in 2023. Loving mother to her three children: Laura (the late Brian), the late Billy, and Brian (Michele). Devoted grandmother to Billy (Sarah), Christopher, Michael, Sean (Kelsey), Ryan, and Kelsey. Cherished great-grandmother of Brian, James, and John.

Mary was a woman of strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

At Mary’s request, a private service will be held for immediate family at Armstrong Funeral Home, with a private interment at Thornton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favourite charity in Mary’s name.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Murray Handley

Tuesday, April 8, 1945 - Tuesday, April 8, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Murray on April 8, 2025 at the age of 80.

Dedicated father of Glen (Clara), Carolyn (Norm), and Erin (Jason). Cherished companion of Zeerone Rahamatally. Proud Gramp of Jake (Mel), Sam, Bryce (Madison), Alison, Colin, Lauren, Cameron, Faudia, and Raniya. Murray was excitedly anticipating the birth of his first great-grandson.

Devoted brother of Reg (Charlene), Dave (Jean), and Doug (the late Wendy). Adored Uncle of Tracy (Jim), Luke (Jean) and the late Jennifer (Frank). Predeceased by his mother Alma Handley and his wife May Dumont. Murray will also be dearly missed by his large extended family and many friends.

Murray retired from General Motors after 37 years of service. He was a strong supporter of the Coboconk Legion Branch 519 and an active member of the Pineridge Target Sports Club.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa) with refreshments to follow at the funeral home. For those unable to attend the service, please click the livestream link under the photos and videos tab to watch the service online.

Interment to follow at the family plot in Norland at a later date.

If desired, memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Coboconk Royal Canadian Legion or the Coboconk Food Bank.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Zachary “ELER” Clarke

1992 – March 31, 2025

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Zachary, announce his passing on March 31, 2025, at the age of 32.

Beloved son of Trevor Clarke (Tamara). Loving father of Silas. Dear brother of Melanie, Brian, and Emily. He will be missed by his aunt Colleen, uncles Tim and Jason, his special niece Paisley, and his extended family and friends.

Zachary was known for his unique spirit, strong will, and the love he shared with those around him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King St. E., Oshawa.

If desired, memorial donations to help support his son may be made at this GoFundMe page.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Service Details

Visitation:
Monday, April 14th, 2025
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home
124 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6

Second Visitation:
Monday, April 14th, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home
124 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6

Thomas (Tom) McKee

1958 – April 7, 2025

Thomas (Tom) McKee died peacefully in his sleep on April 7, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born and raised in Oshawa, Tom was the much-loved son of the late Bob and Jean McKee, and a loyal brother to Bruce (Walter) and Christena (Gerald). He was a proud uncle and great-uncle to Amanda (Justin), Mac (Jessica), Mitchell, Halli, Mady, Keith, Theo, and Malcolm. His wider circle of family, friends, and neighbours will remember him with deep affection.

Tom lived with curiosity, humour, and unmistakable warmth. He had a smile that drew people in and a signature thumbs-up that said more than words ever could. He found joy in classic movies, music, the rhythm of seasons, and the beauty of a growing plant. He was a green-thumb through and through and loved every plant and flower. His life mattered—deeply—to the people who knew and loved him.

Special thanks to the friends and care staff at Community Living Durham North who supported Tom throughout his life.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). Visitation will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Tom will be laid to rest at Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa, alongside his parents.

Flowers and plants are welcome, in honour of Tom’s lifelong love for growing things. Donations may also be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region in his memory.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Service Details

Visitation:
Monday, April 14th, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home
124 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6

Funeral Service:
Monday, April 14th, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home
124 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6

Interment:
Thornton Cemetery
1200 Thornton Rd. N.
Oshawa, Ontario

Andrew Trearty

Monday, April 7, 2025

Trearty, Andrew ‘Andy’ – Peacefully passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Hillsdale Estates, at the age of 86.

Beloved husband of Ina for over 64 wonderful years. Loving father of Andrew (Marcie) and Stephen (Jessica). Cherished grandfather of Logan, Cailin, Andrew, Emma, and Julia.

In the 1960’s, Andy and Ina immigrated from Scotland to Canada and were warmly welcomed by their new Irish family. Andy was an avid golfer who took great pride in his role as the General Manager of the Toronto Red Wings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1-2 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Memorial Service will follow in the Chapel at 2 p.m.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Phyllis Kathleen Gilbert (Green)

April 3, 2025

Phyllis passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 96.

Predeceased in 2008 by her husband of 31 years, Harold Gilbert. Loving mother of Christine Stewart (and the late Gary), Pauline Clark-Yeo (Robert), and Maureen Hastie (Peter), and stepmother of Greg Gilbert (Jean). Adored grandmother of Christopher Fougere, Michelle Stradling, Paul Clark (Victoria), Andrew Clark (Lauren McIntyre), Ian Bodnaryk (Lisa), Jennifer Van Hoof (Pawel Fischer), Tim Van Hoof (Elysha Park), Hillary Bone (Ethan), Brandon, and Warren. Great-grandmother of Elizabeth, Landon, Matthew, Madisyn, Kaleah, Hailee, Lucas, Waylon, Summer, Colton, Josie, Stephanie, and Tyler. Phyllis will be sadly missed by her extended family and friends.

Phyllis was a remarkable woman whose life was woven with resilience, love, and laughter. Born in the shadow of World War II, she spent her childhood with a bomb shelter in her home and watched as many of her friends were shipped to safety, away from their families—an early testament to her strength and courage. She began working at the age of 14, carrying with her a tireless work ethic and fierce independence that remained with her all her life.

In 1955, Phyllis embarked on a new chapter, making her way to Canada to build a life and family. She dearly loved her mother and cherished the values passed down to her—values she, in turn, instilled in her own family. Phyllis had a deep love for Big Band music and dancing, and her spirited nature made her the life of any gathering. Feisty and full of wit, she had an incredible sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew her. A devoted mother and the heart of her family, she was a true matriarch – steadfast, loving, and strong.

She found comfort in simple pleasures: knitting, a good cup of tea, and the closeness of family. Her stories, rich with history, humor, and heart, are treasures that her family will hold onto forever. Phyllis will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the memories shared, the laughter echoed, and the love that binds her family together.

Please join with the family at Visitation on Friday, April 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa. A private family service will take place followed by interment at Thornton Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Phyllis can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham or Sick Kids Hospital.

Service Details:
Visitation: Friday, April 11th, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6

Interment: Thornton Cemetery, 1200 Thornton Rd. N., Oshawa, Ontario L1J 0C9

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Sylvia Haluk

1931 - 04-Apr-2025

Sylvia (Donia) Haluk passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on April 4, 2025, the morning of her 94th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Volodymyr (Walter) Haluk and loving mom to sons Myron and Jeremy.

Sylvia was born in 1931 in Bukovyna, Ukraine to parents Isidore and Maria Issak. Along with her sisters, Irene and Olha, she lived through the trauma of the Second World War. Her family was eventually able to find freedom and peace in Canada after the war, where she married Volodymyr.

She loved singing, playing guitar at family get-togethers, and gardening. She was gentle, loving, and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. with Panachyda at 7:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. George the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (42 Lviv Blvd., Oshawa). Interment to follow at Union Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. George the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, Oshawa.

Sylvia will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the joyful spirit she brought to every gathering. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Paul Bernard Groves

1957 – April 1, 2025

Passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul, in his 68th year, leaves behind his beloved wife Debra Godin. He was the cherished father of Andrea Carrier, Tracy Godin (Steve Darlington), Matthew Groves, Paula Groves (Dave Roussy), and Luke Groves. Adored Papa of Cyrus, Cierra, Cameron, Katelynn, Preston, Avery, Aiden, Jada, Isabella, Luis, Matthew, Yasmina, Ty, Brianna, Faith, Xaiver, Nevaeh, Noah, and Ava. Paul was joyfully awaiting the arrival of his great-grandson.

Dear brother of Joan and predeceased by his siblings Morris, Wayne, Johnny, Ronald, Matthew, and Donald. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Paul was a devoted family man and a self-employed mechanic who ran his own shop with heart and precision. Known for his sharp wit and his unforgettable sense of humor, Paul had a special gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. He was a passionate coin collector and enjoyed the simple pleasure of a good cigar in his quiet moments.

Above all, Paul's pride was his family. He was their rock—loyal, dependable, and full of life. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and stories that will continue to be shared with smiles and warmth.

The Groves family extends sincere thanks to the ICU team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their compassion and care during Paul’s time there.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Rev. Laurie Bodnar Finney. A reception will be held at the funeral home following the service.

Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Julia Gron (Zuchowicz)

1930 – April 3, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Julia Gron (née Zuchowicz) announces her peaceful passing on April 3rd, 2025, in her 95th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jozef Gron (2023) and all of her siblings in Poland, Julia will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughter Ann (Derek Gruszecki), grandchildren Michelle and Eric, and many extended family members and friends.

Julia emigrated from Poland in 1962 to settle in Oshawa, Ontario. As a courageous immigrant, she built a new life through resilience and hard work. Julia was a loving and generous soul who cherished her family, her home, her garden, her baking, and her Catholic faith. She was a devoted member of the Rosary Society for many years. Though she faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in her later years, she is now in God's eternal care. Her warmth and strength live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at AgeCare Samac long-term care facility for over a decade of compassionate and dedicated care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa), with prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Marcin Dzilinski. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Whitby.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard

September 21, 1937 - April 1, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard on April 1, 2025. He passed away quickly at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, with his family by his side.

Gerard was born in De Bilt in the Netherlands on September 21, 1937, and immigrated to Ontario at age 13 with his parents and sister. He graduated from Central College, where he met his future wife, Barbara Ver Meer. He later pursued his studies at Regis College in Toronto and Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he earned his Doctorate.

Gerard served Presbyterian Churches in Huntsville, Barrie, Toronto, and Oshawa, and continued his ministry during his retirement. His deep love for his family and ministry left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his parents, Gerard and Marie Bylaard, his younger brother, and his sister, Hannie Capiteyn. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Bylaard, two children, Dena Marie Duchesne (Eric) and G. John Bylaard (Olga), as well as five grandchildren, Noah, Luke, and Leigha Duchesne, and Benjamin and Charlie Bylaard. He is also survived by his sister, Adrianna Veenstra, sister-in-law, Martha Veldhuizen, and numerous very special nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME, 124 King Street East, Oshawa, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Deon Slabbert. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in Oshawa.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Gerard, the family suggests the Parkinson’s Society or Gate 3:16 as possible recipients.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.