Hendrikus ‘Henny’ Wiggers

December 5, 2024

Passed away peacefully with his family near on December 5, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Henny is predeceased by his wife Mia and survived by his wife Elizabeth. He is the beloved father of Robert (Michèle), John (Donna) and Connie Rechanicz (John), and stepfather of Jeffery Ross (Kristyne) and Jennifer Hamilton (Marcus). Henny was a proud Opa to Josh, Caitlin (Matt), Matthew, Jordan†, Colin, Christine, Matthias, Samuel, and Gabriel. He was also a great Opa to James & Ira. He was one of eleven children, predeceased by Truus†, John†, Henry†, Ann†, and Mia, and survived by Bernie, Bill, Al, Joanne, and Andy.

Henny’s deep love and support for his family were evident in the many ways he showed care and dedication. As a young boy, he would keep the wood-stove fire burning to keep his family warm. He also supported Canadian soldiers during and after the war years and often spoke of the challenges of those times.

Henny’s passion for woodworking began at a young age and remained with him throughout his life. He loved to show how ordinary items could be transformed into beautiful works of art, often making small wooden pieces to sell at local flea markets with his daughter and later with his wife, Elizabeth. He was trained as a cabinet maker by his elder family members, particularly an uncle who encouraged him by saying, “You are a born cabinet maker.”

Henny immigrated to Canada at the age of 32 with his wife Mia and their two sons. They were welcomed by family here and reciprocated the support. His eldest brother was pleased to have him assist in his new business, Wiggers Custom Furniture. His skill as a craftsman led him to Whitby Boat Works, where he requested that his youngest brother Andre be hired too. This led to the founding of Wiggers Custom Yachts a few years later.

He is fondly remembered by his children for the wonderful memories they created together, including camping trips and family outings. In his later years, Henny enjoyed bike rides, walks, and visits to the OSCC for lunches and activities with fellow seniors.

Henny will be lovingly remembered by his many family members and friends in North America and Europe. He will always be affectionately remembered as our Cookie Monster.

Please join the family at Armstrong Funeral Home for A Celebration of Henny’s Life on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the OSCC or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

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

Jenny Mary Rekar

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenny Rekar on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by her loving family. With grace and serenity, Jenny has entered God’s Kingdom, resting in His eternal embrace. She was our cherished matriarch, a guiding light in our lives, and the heart of our family, teaching us all the true meaning of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love.

Jenny, in her 92nd year, leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years, Valentin. Dear mother of Carolin Rekar Munro (Scott Laird), Steven Rekar (Theresa), and Angela Elford (Stephen). Cherished grandma of Robbie, Ashleigh, and Jessica. Predeceased by her parents Stefania and Frank Murczek and brothers Walter Murczek (Betty) and Joe Murczek (survived by Barbara).

Jenny will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews (Joe Jr., Steven, Mike, Ann, Walter, and Tom) and extended family and friends.

Jenny found solace, tranquility, and joy in her garden, her cherished oasis, which reflected her nurturing spirit. In her kitchen, her meals were created with the same magic and love she poured into everything she did—whether it was a fine Polish meal filled with tradition or a decadent dessert that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Her hospitality was legendary, a true expression of her love.

A proud and dedicated member of St. Hedwig’s Polish Catholic Church, Jenny lived her faith through her actions, offering kindness, compassion, and love to everyone she met. She had an exquisite gift for listening—not just hearing, but truly understanding. She always made time for others, asking how you were and making you feel that you mattered. Her gentle, thoughtful presence had a way of making everyone feel valued and deeply cared for.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, in the lessons she taught us, and in the memories we will cherish forever. She was more than a mom—she was our anchor, our guide, and our greatest blessing.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff in the palliative care unit of Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their compassionate care during Jenny’s final weeks.

Please join with the family on Monday, December 9th, 2024, at 11:00 am for a Funeral Mass at St. Hedwig’s Polish Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Jenny to St. Hedwig’s Polish Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family.

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

Teresina Bivi

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

BIVI, Augusta Teresina passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, surrounded by her family at Lakeridge Hospital in Oshawa, in her 96th year.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Pietro, parents Vergiglio and Maria, and siblings Guillelma, Anna, Elsa, Maria, and Mario. She is survived by her last remaining sibling, Lino, back home in Italy.

She is the adored mother of Anna (Don) Smith, and Franco, Luigi, and Laura Bivi; as well as devoted Nonna to Sarah (Corey) Warren, Allison (Abel) Torres Smith, Marisa Bivi, and Trevor Bivi; and proud Bisnonna to Jordi Torres Smith and Mason Warren.

Teresina was extremely proud of the many years she worked as a lunchroom and yard supervisor at the Duke of Edinburgh Public School, where she was respected and appreciated by staff and students alike.

She was a keen follower of the Oshawa Generals and Juventus in the Italian soccer league. She loved playing card games, particularly briscola, where her joy was in the game and the company rather than the result. Her daily walks with Laura and her participation in the Adult Day Program at Hillsdale Estates brought her immense pleasure.

In all her actions and words, Teresina was the exemplar of selfless motherhood.

Visitation will be private among Teresina's immediate family. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 1:15 pm at St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church at 690 King St. E. in Oshawa, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby.

Teresina requested that any charitable donations should be made either to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the St. Gertrude's Church Renovation Fund.

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

Cora LeBlond

Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the age of 86, in her home.

Predeceased by her husband Guy and her son Guy Jr. Loving mother of Danny and Lisa, grandmother of Ron and Krystle-Leigh, and cherished great-grandmother. Dear sister of Yvonnisse and Eva.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

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

Marjorie Anne Visniar

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

With great sadness, we announce that Marjorie Anne Visniar (nee Davidson) died peacefully at her home at Livita Centennial Retirement Residence on Wednesday, November 27th, in her 86th year.

Marjorie was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Anne, her husband Peter, and her sons Glenn and Tom. She is survived by her son Larry (Cathy), grandchildren Sharyl (Kevin), Matthew, and Brennan (Jess), great-grandchildren Nina and Jackson, sisters Evelyn Wood (Ed) and Joan Davidson (Phil Waters), and brother William Davidson.

Marjorie was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario but moved to Oshawa at a young age with her parents and called Oshawa her home for the rest of her years.

Marjorie had a love for finding treasures and was never happier than going out to yard sales looking for antiques and special pieces of china and glassware. She and her late husband Peter enjoyed many years meeting people and selling their wares at various local flea markets, including in Pickering and Courtice.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff and lovely residents of Livita Centennial Retirement Residence, where Marjorie resided after a fire destroyed her family home in 2018.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the CAMH Foundation – The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. (*CAMH are matching all donations through December 3, 2024.)

Marjorie will be cremated, and a small private memorial will be planned at a later date.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME.

John Delhaise

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024

Surrounded by his family in his home, John peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the age of 91.

He is now with the love of his life, Catherine, his wife of 59 years. Loving father of Paul (Susan), Veronica (William DuBourdieu), and Olivier. Cherished grandfather of Andre and Alain. Dear brother of Claire Delhaise (St. Marie-Claire†) of Belgium. Predeceased by his sisters Paule, Anne-Marie, and Monique. John will be missed by all his family and friends in Belgium, France, and Canada.

John immigrated to Canada and started his career as a photographer. He then became an art dealer in Toronto, before working for General Motors as a translator. John’s greatest accomplishment was the home he built with his own hands starting in 1968 for his family.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Edith Arnott

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

Passed away on November 27, 2024, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, in her 97th year.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Jack (2013). Loving mother of Max (late Kate), Al (Gina), Ken (Jane), and Charlie (Shirley) and mother-in-law of Anne and Bernadette. Cherished grandmother of Daniel (Melissa), Brendan (Erin), Michael (Peri), Ben (Laura), Calvin (Shane), and Emily (Cole) and great-grandmother of Natalie, Genevieve, Sophie, and Edith. Dear sister of August Geisberger (Joanne), Arnold Geisberger (Doris), Heidi Krieg (late Tony), late Margaret Shermeto (late Henry), Doris LeBlanc (Dolan), John Geisberger (Mary), Bill Geisberger (Margaret), and Charlie Geisberger (Antoinette). Edith will be sadly missed by her many family and friends.

Edith was born and raised in North Oshawa, Ontario. She moved to the London area when she was 22, where she raised her family on the farm. Farming was a big part of her life; she was involved with all aspects of it. She moved back to Oshawa 2.5 years ago to be close to her siblings at Bloom Retirement Residence.

Edith was an active and faithful member of Birr United Church and the UCW.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will follow at 12 p.m. in the Chapel. Interment will be held at a later date at Birr United Church Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Mary Alice Moores (McCarthy)

Monday, November 25th, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and sadness in our souls that we announce the passing of Mary Moores (McCarthy) on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 73.

Predeceased by her parents Ronald and Mary McCarthy of Upper Island Cove, NL, her brother John McCarthy, and sister Eileen McCarthy.

Mary could light up a room with her smile, and her laughter was contagious. She loved being a storyteller and had a wicked sense of humor. Without you even realizing it, she could make any hard situation better. Her love for family and friends was infinite. You always felt loved and important in her presence because you were.

Our hearts have a hole that will never be filled again. For the special love from a mother to her children can never be matched. Nor can the love of a nanny or special bonus gramma to her grandchildren. The love from a circle of friends who called themselves sisters and soul mates. And the love between a man and a woman who built a life together and spent over 30 years of ups and downs, laughter, and tears, making a home.

“There are some people who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone the light remains.”

Marie’s light will forever shine through in her children’s smiles, her grandchildren’s laughter, loved one’s memories, and the shining stars in the night sky.

Leaving to mourn Maurice Spurrell, her love for over 39 years. Her children Cherie and Christopher (Amanda) and her stepson Maurice. Her grandchildren Ryan and Ryder, Owen and Jackson, Parker and Avery. Her soul sister friends Gerri, Christine, and Louise.

Cremation has already taken place, and a celebration of life will follow at a later date.

We will be your light, mom, and you will be ours in our darkest moments.

Online condolences may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Franjo "Frank" Kozelj

April 2, 1935 - November 6, 2024

Franjo “Frank” Kozelj passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, at University Hospital in London at the age of 89. Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose life was marked by his dedication to family and a passion for craftsmanship.

Frank is survived by his daughters Goldie (Peter) and Ann, his son Steve (Dana), and his granddaughter Jennifer. He will also be fondly remembered by his cousins, nieces, and nephews in both Canada and Croatia. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barica, his son Joseph, his parents Jakov and Ana, his brothers Jakov, Josip, Ivan, and Nikola, and his sister Anka Hozjan.

Born on April 2, 1935, in Jurovski Brod, Croatia, Frank immigrated to Canada in 1960 and married Barica in 1963. He was known for his exceptional skills in auto body repair and engine rebuilding, as well as his love of fishing, hunting, and weekend trips to the cottage. Frank’s kindness and warm spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at Armstrong Funeral Home & Chapel, 179 Clarence Street, Port Colborne, on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the Armstrong Chapel at 2:00 p.m., with Fr. Peter Walton officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at Mt. St. Joseph Cemetery, Port Colborne.

In memory of Frank, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences, memories, and photos can be shared at www.armstrongfuneralhome.ca.

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

Ron Belich

November 22, 2024

Passed away at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 61.

Will be missed by his sister Carol (Fred) and his brother Michael (Kerry), his children Rhonda, Michelle, Ryan, Bradley, and Mark, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron will be fondly remembered by all his nieces and nephews.

“A man of many passions, he captured the world through his lens, marveled at the grit of mining and construction, and found joy in the simple thrill of a good drive.
Throughout his life, he loved building model vehicles, a hobby he embraced even more in his later years, creating intricate pieces with care and precision."

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association. Online condolences may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.