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Funeral Home: BENNER FUNERAL SERVICES

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Judith Marie Leonard

2024

It is with heavy hearts that we share Judy’s sudden passing on December 13, 2024, at the age of 75.

Judy was a loving wife to Doug for 51 years; beloved mother to Marc (Veronica Bila) and Stephanie (Jim Phibbs); and proud Grandma to Andrew and Emily. She was a dear kid sister to Diane Szollosy.

Judy dedicated her life to helping and serving others, first as a nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children, then as a devoted stay-at-home mother caring for her family, and later as a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Judy cherished life’s simple pleasures, including sitting on the front porch, completing puzzles with her grandchildren, and playing golf with friends. She was truly the heart of her family, and her gentle spirit will be missed tremendously.

Visitation and Memorial Service: Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service celebrating Judy’s life at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 32 Idylewylde Street, Fort Erie. A time of fellowship will follow at Bridgewater Country Club, 700 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie.

Memorial Donations: If so desired, donations in Judy’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Fort Erie.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Benner Funeral Services.

Smiling elderly woman in a kitchen setting.

Carol Ann Johnson

1933 – 2024

Carol Ann (Storey) Johnson passed away peacefully at Niagara General Hospital on November 26, 2024, just days before her 91st birthday. Born on December 3, 1933, in Fort Erie, Ontario, Carol was raised by her parents James and Margaret Storey, and stepmother Eva Storey. She graduated as a registered nurse and worked in Detroit and Niagara Falls before returning home to Fort Erie.

Carol was the beloved wife of Donald Stirton Johnson, her high school sweetheart, with whom she shared 69 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised two children: Marisa (John) Jefkins of Etobicoke and James (Catherine) Johnson of Drayton. Her love and support were instrumental in Don completing his engineering degree and providing for their family during challenging times.

A dedicated and compassionate nurse, Carol balanced her professional life with a deep commitment to her faith and her family. Her grandchildren Brent (Letitia) Jefkins, Amy (Luke) Walter, Craig Johnson, and Jeanette (Manuel) Boehm, as well as great-grandchildren Juilyanna Marquette Jefkins, Callahan Walter, and Hanna Boehm, will always cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held at Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Road in Fort Erie, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM. A light luncheon will follow. Cremation and private burial will take place at McAffee Cemetery at a later date.

Messages of condolence may be shared at www.bennerfuneralservices.ca.

Smiling elderly woman with glasses and necklace

Lillian Carol Eden

1939 – 2024

Lillian Carol Eden (nee Tarzwell) passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, in her 84th year. Known affectionately as Lil or Marthie, she was the loving mother of Betty-Lou (Walt), John (Debbie), Doug (Chris), Tim, and Les (Sue), and was predeceased by her son Gary.

Lil was a cherished grandmother to Jill (Brett), Pete (Rachel), Jerret, Tasha, Jake, Branden (Alana), Mitchell (Kylee), Mathew (Kail), Krissy, and Tammi (Randy), as well as a loving great-grandmother to many great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Bill (Anne) and predeceased by her siblings George, Chuck, Dorothy, Helen, and Charlotte.

A proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #230 Ridgeway, Lil dedicated herself to supporting her community through weekly fish fries, the poppy campaign, and knitting teddy bears for the less fortunate. She was also an avid darts and euchre player who will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Scher and the staff at Crescent Park Lodge for their compassionate care. Private family arrangements have been completed by Benner Funeral Services.

Messages of condolence may be shared at www.bennerfuneralservices.ca.

Elderly woman wearing a leopard print coat

Ida Bertha Hocking

October 1, 1929 - September 5, 2024

Surrounded by her family and love, Ida Bertha Hocking (née Jacobi) passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024. A fun, loving, and witty woman, Ida was adored by so many. Her family was her world, and her warmth touched all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents, siblings, and many other loved ones, Ida is survived by her beloved husband Jim, daughters Lynn Barber, Denise (Tim) Morin, Jane (John) Guthridge, and JoAnn (Dan) Walchuk. She is also survived by her 8 wonderful grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Darren at Benner Funeral Services, the nurses and PSWs at DMH for their exceptional care, and Dr. Scher for the compassion, kindness, and comfort provided to Ida and her family.

As per Ida’s wishes, no public services will be held. The family cherishes the memories of a life well-lived and loved.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Benner Funeral Services in Fort Erie. For more details, visit Ida Bertha Hocking's memorial page.

Celebrating birthday with colorful balloon decorations.

Sandra Buckley (Prow)

November 11, 1947 - November 11, 2024

Sandra Buckley (Prow), aged 77, passed away suddenly on her birthday, November 11, 2024. She was the beloved daughter of the late Fred and Ann De Jongh and the dear sister of Helga Lawes (late Wayne). Sandra was the long-time partner of the late George Prow and will be forever missed by her many friends.

At Sandra’s request, cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Benner Funeral Services.

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Adam Raymond Lyall Spence

1984 - November 20, 2024

Adam Raymond Lyall Spence, aged 40, of Welland, Ontario, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at his home. Adam will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his kind spirit and his contributions to the Fort Erie community.

Adam was born in Welland and welcomed into the home of Marilyn and Kim Smith and their family in Fort Erie, where he was embraced as a beloved member. He shared many cherished memories and traditions with Ryan, Leslie, Travis, and Aaron. He attended Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Loretta. After graduating in 2004, Adam moved into his own place in Fort Erie and built lasting connections with his friends and support network, including John Minogue and Paula Steinhaus, and the staff at Community Living Fort Erie.

Adam was an avid skater and a dedicated community volunteer, contributing to events such as the Santa Claus Parade and the Fort Erie Friendship Festival. His passion for his community was a cornerstone of his life.

Adam is survived by his father, Raymond Tanguay, and was predeceased by his mother, Donna Spence, in 2020. He will be laid to rest alongside his mother at Woodlawn Cemetery in Welland at a later date.

Funeral services will be held at Benner Funeral Home, 1105 Benner Ave, Fort Erie, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

Portrait of Carol Ann Johnson

Carol Ann Johnson

December 3, 1933 – November 26, 2024

Carol Ann (Storey) Johnson passed away peacefully at Niagara General Hospital on November 26, 2024, just days before her 91st birthday. Born on December 3, 1933, and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario, Carol was the daughter of James and Margaret Storey, and stepdaughter of Eva Storey. A registered nurse, she dedicated her life to helping others, working in Detroit and Niagara Falls before returning to her hometown of Fort Erie.

Carol was the beloved wife of Donald Stirton Johnson, with whom she shared 69 beautiful years of marriage. Their love story began at Fort Erie Secondary School when Donald won the last dance of the evening, earning the chance to walk her home. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, raising two children, Marisa (John) Jefkins of Etobicoke and James (Catherine) Johnson of Drayton.

A devoted and selfless partner, Carol supported Donald through his engineering studies, working tirelessly and providing the stability needed for his success. Her practical and professional demeanor masked a warm, kindhearted nature that inspired all who knew her.

Carol will be lovingly remembered by her sister Joan of Buffalo, NY, her grandchildren Brent (Letitia) Jefkins, Amy (Luke) Walter, Craig Johnson, and Jeanette (Manuel) Boehm, and her great-grandchildren Juilyanna Marquette Jefkins, Callahan Walter, and Hanna Boehm.

Funeral services will be held at Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Road, Fort Erie, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. A light luncheon will follow. Cremation and a private burial at McAffee Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Portrait of Joyce Matilda Stewart

Joyce Matilda Stewart

Passed Away in 2024

Joyce Matilda Stewart passed away peacefully in her Fort Erie home after a long and fulfilling life. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose deep faith in God guided her every day. A dedicated member of St. Michael’s Church in Fort Erie, Joyce’s kindness, warmth, and beauty—both inside and out—touched everyone she met.

Joyce was born on a dairy farm in Franklinville, New York, and grew up in Buffalo, New York, with her predeceased sisters Doris Allen (Sister Mary Dolorosa, RSM), Phyllis (Tom) Riboldazzi, Norma Garguilo (Bernie) Lombard, and Grace (Tom) Brucato. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Doris (Pitcher) Allen.

Widowed three times, Joyce was predeceased by James Louis World, Leonard Weigand, and Ronald Manson Stewart. She was a proud and loving mother to Dianne (Issam) Saab and James (Sunate) World, and the cherished grandmother of Timothy and Erika World. She was also a beloved aunt and grand-aunt to many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

A graduate of Fosdick Masten High School, Joyce worked as a bookkeeper for Fantasheer and later for the University at Buffalo in custodial services until her retirement. She was known for her compassion, her deep faith, and her ability to listen and share meaningful stories with those she loved.

A memorial service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 12 noon at St. Michael’s Church in Fort Erie, followed by a luncheon at The Barrell Restaurant, 224 Garrison Road, Fort Erie. Burial will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Resthaven Cemetery, North Tonawanda, New York.

In memory of Joyce, contributions can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family will cherish all the memories and love she shared with everyone.

Memorial for Louis Kovacs

Louis Kovacs

1939 – 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we gather to celebrate the life of Louis Kovacs, who passed away peacefully in 2024 after a long life and a short illness. Born in Hungary in 1939, Louis immigrated to Canada in 1958 alongside his brother Paul (1938–2024). He met and married the love of his life, Janet, in 1965, with whom he shared a beautiful journey until her passing.

A skilled cabinet maker and carpenter, Louis worked tirelessly to provide for his family, including time spent at Niagara Parks. He was the proud father of Edwin (Kim), Ken (Lynn), and Elizabeth (Mike), and a devoted "Grandpaw" to Skylar (Tyler), Jordan (Hailey), Morgan, and River. Louis is survived by his siblings George and Eva, and remembered fondly by his extended family and friends.

Louis’s legacy includes his steadfast contributions to Fort Erie Minor Hockey, soccer, scouting, and his enthusiastic support of the Junior B Meteors. Known for his engaging stories and humor, he will be greatly missed by his coffee crew and Wednesday night wing buddies. He found joy in supporting his community and cherishing his family.

Funeral Details:

  • Visitation: Sunday, December 1, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by light refreshments.
  • Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. at Benner Funeral Services, Fort Erie, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Louis’s memory may be made to COPE Fort Erie, either online or at 32 Dufferin St, Fort Erie, Ontario.

Louis is now at peace and reunited with Janet. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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