Elly Alexander

August 6, 1937 – December 19, 2024

Elly Alexander passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 p.m., after a short illness. She resided at Sunnyside Seniors’ Services in Kitchener, ON.
Elly was the beloved wife of Robert Alexander for nearly 50 years and the loving mother of Helena Tarback, Martin Tarback (dec.), and Carol Tarback.
She was dearly loved by her brother Viggo Stoltenberg-Hansen of Malmö, Sweden, and her niece Sara Stoltenberg with her daughter Elisabeth.

Born on August 6, 1937, in Ystad, Sweden, Elly lived a life enriched with intellect, creativity, and compassion. She completed her studies in the "Latin Line" at Ystad gymnasium,
which emphasized literature and languages, and was remembered by her classmates as "the Intellect." She later moved to Stockholm to study at Stockholm University,
where her love for theatre began.

At the age of 22, Elly immigrated to Canada to join her family. Her skills in writing and languages opened doors for her to work in law firms,
including at the Ontario Masters. Alongside raising her children, Elly pursued her passion for theatre, acting in Little Theatre productions,
and assisting British actor and director Maurice Evans. She also volunteered extensively, dedicating over 3,500 hours to the Suicide Line
and providing palliative care at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener.

During a visit to Sweden, Elly acted under renowned director Ingmar Bergman in several plays, even delivering a memorable one-word opening line: a scream.
Her talent, empathy, and contributions to the arts and community will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo. More information about her remarkable life will be available
via Erb & Good Family Funeral Home (171 King St. S, Waterloo). Please visit www.erbgood.com for details.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home.

Gordon Alexander Murray

1928 – 2024

Passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the age of 96.

Beloved husband of over 60 years to the late Jean, who passed away in August 2020. Cherished father of David (late Donna), Jay (Lori), and Tracy. Devoted grandpa to Christopher (Christine), Jeff (Kirstin), Mike (Amelia), Terrence, Kirean, Hailie, and Ceilidh. Great-grandpa to Meghan, Madelyn, Hilary, Jillian, Preston, Jesse, and Wynter. Loving brother to Joyce Bennet and Crandell (Caroline) Murray. Brother-in-law to Joyce Murray, Barb (Gerry) Saunders, and Betty Geisel.

Predeceased by his parents Alex and Alvina; his son Dale (1977); daughter-in-law Donna (2022); sister Marjorie and her husband Clayton Roth; brother Don and his wife Betty; brother Ray; and brothers-in-law Jack Bennet and Don Geisel. Gordon will also forever remain in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Gordon worked for many years in the family business, Waterloo Produce, before moving to his second career at Seagrams Distillery. He was a dedicated volunteer coach for 36 years in baseball, hockey, and bowling. Gordon was recognized with the Waterloo Minor Sports Award in 1967 and 1984 and for his long-term service to youth in minor baseball in 1998. He was proud of the players he coached and inspired to become volunteers themselves.

A visitation will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The service will take place in the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow. Private interment will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated and can be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.

James "Jim" Snyder

1945 - December 25, 2024

James "Jim" Snyder passed away peacefully at his home on December 25, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Jim will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Mary Lou, his children Tamara Schroeder, Barry (Katherine), and Steve. Loving Poppy of Rebecca Schroeder, James Snyder (Makayla), and Isabella Snyder (Ian).

Survived by his siblings Paul Snyder (Florence), Mary Lou Leis (Larry), and Keith Snyder (Pat), as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gloria King, Dale Horst (Roberta), Myrna Schlegel (Bob), and Steve Horst (Sandra). Predeceased by his parents John and Mabel Snyder, sister Nancy Wilhelm, daughter-in-law Pamela Snyder, and brother-in-law Ed King.

Jim was a family man who deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. Born into the 5th generation of his family’s farm, he farmed for over 50 years as a dairy farmer and had a lifelong love for animals. Jim was a proud member of Shantz Mennonite Church, where he served in many roles, including trustee and MYF sponsor. He also served his community through his work on the New Hamburg Fair Board for nearly 40 years and as a 4-H tractor club leader, earning him the title of Citizen of the Year.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Shantz Mennonite Church, 2473 Erbs Road, Baden, on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with visiting prior from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Shantz Mennonite Church Cemetery, with a reception in the church hall.

A livestream and recording of the service will be available on Jim’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home.

Cassandra Angie Shirley Marquis

November 4, 1994 – December 10, 2024

Cassandra Angie Shirley Marquis, born November 4, 1994, passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2024, at the age of 30. From the moment she entered the world, Cassandra showed a unique and spirited personality, arriving so swiftly that she was born at home with the assistance of her Aunt Shirley.

As a child, Cassandra was full of energy and determination. She was a natural athlete with a passion for basketball, often transforming her living room into her personal court while donning a basketball jersey and shorts. Her love for animals and caring nature brought joy to her family and friends. Cassandra touched countless lives with her kind heart and aspired to become a nurse, driven by a deep desire to help others. Her quirky insistence that no meal was complete without potatoes will always be fondly remembered by those who knew her.

Cassandra is survived by her older brother and sister, JJ and Lynn, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Diane.

A celebration of Cassandra’s life will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A reception will follow at McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill, 44 King St. S., Waterloo, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Cassandra’s memory be made to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Donations can also be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home.

Doraine Brescia

1945 – 2024

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the age of 79. Doraine will be deeply missed by her son Steven Brescia and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Sandy and Annie McLaren, and her former partner, Antonio Brescia.

Doraine worked as a Court Constable for many years and enjoyed dancing and visiting Florida. She brought joy to those around her and left behind cherished memories. Special thanks to the staff at Nithview Home for their compassionate care over the past two and a half years.

A graveside service will be held at Williamsburg Cemetery, 1541 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener, on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.

Sybil Wynia (née Bontekoe)

June 5, 1924 - November 22, 2024

Sybil Wynia passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 22, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. Born Sibbeltje Bontekoe in Friesland, Netherlands, on June 5, 1924, to Frans and Anna (Hoekstra), Sybil lived a full and meaningful life of 38,492 days.

Sybil was the cherished wife of John for 74 wonderful years, whom she loved “like hotcakes.” She was a loving mother to Johnny (Penny), Richard (Mary), Frank (Carolee), and her late daughter Dorothy (Bill & Linda). As "Mom," "Sippy Dippy," or "Mammamia," she was adored by her grandchildren Christopher (Kerri), Samantha, Matthew (Shauna), Simone (Mario), Leif (Jenna), Aaron (Piper), and Leah (Bren), and her great-grandchildren Rylan, Avery, Lincoln, and Hugo.

The eldest of nine siblings, Sybil is predeceased by Meindert, Ido, Jan, Marie, and Jetske. She is survived by her sisters Foekje, Eelkje, and Janke, as well as in-laws Janny, Allie, and Ted. "Tante Sippi" will be fondly remembered by nieces and nephews in both the Netherlands and Ontario.

Sybil and John immigrated to Canada in 1951, settling first in Kitchener before making their Brentwood home, where they resided for 67 years. Sybil was a caring neighbor and friend, loved for her fast walks, her quick wit, and her zest for life. Eldest member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Kitchener, she was known for her heartfelt expressions, whether saying “Hallelujah,” “Whatever,” or “A-1,” always bringing a smile to those around her.

Sybil was an exceptional cook, known for her pea soup, pancakes, and pound cake. Her family expresses gratitude to Winston Park staff for their compassionate care over the last 11 months, as well as the teams at Grand River Hospital and Waterloo Region Hospice, whose kindness will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 12–2 p.m., followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 2 p.m. A reception will take place in the Fireside Reception Room. A private family interment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Doris Irene Illman

1937 – November 5, 2024

Doris Irene Illman passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, at the age of 87. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, David Illman, and children Andrea Chiki (Brian), Durelle Colp, Philip Illman (Dianne), and Becky Lay Illman (Michael).

Doris was a cherished grandmother to Heidi (Michael), Avery (Tanya), Joel, Evan (Cassie), Austin, Ashley, Danielle (Lorenzo), Christian (Courtney), and Lisa, and a proud great-grandmother to Dominic, Ava, Poppy, Hudson, Athena, Alaia, and Reuben. She is also survived by her brother Brian Duncan and sister Joyce Hanson (Bob). Doris was predeceased by her parents, Ewart and Hazel Duncan, grandson Andrew, and several beloved siblings.

Raised on a farm outside Listowel, Ontario, Doris graduated as a Registered Nurse from Woodstock General Hospital in 1959 and dedicated many years to obstetrics at St. Mary’s General Hospital. Known for her dedication to faith and community, Doris served as a Sunday School teacher, church camp nurse, and pastor's wife. She found joy in homemaking, baking, quilting, and gardening, and brought much warmth and happiness to her family.

A special thank you to the compassionate staff at Winston Park and Trinity Village for their care.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception following in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. Interment will take place at Elma Centre Cemetery, 145 Arthur St., Atwood.