Yvonne May McLeod

August 20, 1959 - January 21, 2025

In Loving Memory

Yvonne May McLeod, beloved mother to Shana (Brown) Whitter and grandmother to Keishawn and Kenneil Barrows, of Oshawa, Ontario, passed away surrounded by family on January 21, 2025.

She was born in White Chapel Brixton Hill, Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1959 to Vincent McLeod and Jestina (Grant) McLeod and grew up surrounded by family. Yvonne attended Brixton Hill Primary School and then Lennon High School with her close friend and confidant, Petal Wright.
Always an adventurer, Yvonne left Jamaica in her early 20s to pursue new opportunities in Canada, arriving with no money in her pockets but a heart full of determination.

In Canada, she met Dave Brown and gave birth to her only child, Shana. Yvonne was a devoted mother, always saying that Shana was her pride and joy. She often reminded her daughter lovingly, “No one would love her more.”

Yvonne had a passion for the medical field and dreamed of becoming a nurse. After giving birth, she focused on her education, completing prerequisite courses at Maplewood High School before attending George Brown College, where she studied Personal Support Work. She later worked at Extendicare Scarborough and Chester Village, caring deeply for those she served.

Yvonne took special joy in reading and cooking for her family and friends. She cherished her travels, from England to Florida to Ottawa, always capturing memories through photographs and eagerly planning her next adventure.

Predeceased by her parents, Yvonne is survived by her three sisters (Dorothy Clarke, Verna Williams, and Beverly McLeod) and her two brothers (Astley and Clifford McLeod), who will never forget the love and warmth she brought to their lives.

A celebration of life will take place in August around her birthday to commemorate Yvonne’s life. Invitations will be sent out in early spring. The family welcomes all who wish to attend and share their stories of Yvonne’s amazing life and triumphs.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” – Psalm 118:22

Allen Murphy

October 13, 1938 – January 25, 2025

In Loving Memory Of Allen Murphy, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Ajax Pickering Hospital after living with progressing Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease for five years.

Allen was the dearly loved husband of Marlene and the much-loved father of Neill (Beth) and proud grandfather of Allison and Austin (Amber). He was also a beloved uncle to Dr. Collin Clarke and Adam Clarke and their families, and a very close cousin to Margaret McCully of Saint John, N.B.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Mount Lawn Funeral Home, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby. Public visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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

Funeral Details:

• Memorial Visitation: Friday, January 31, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby.
• Memorial Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby.

John Nichol

June 18, 1940 - January 22, 2025

In Loving Memory Of John Nichol, 84, who passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 22, 2025, at Hillsdale Estates in Oshawa, Ontario. Born on June 18, 1940, he was the firstborn to Isabel and Kenneth Nichol, in Campbellton, New Brunswick. He was a loving brother to Bonnie, Bill (Anita), and Bruce, and was predeceased by Doris (Keith), Sharon, Judy, and Terry (Bill). His family moved to Ontario when he was young, and he started working at an early age to help support his family. His work ethic was unparalleled throughout his life.

It was in Oshawa that he met the love of his life, Diana (nee Jacenty), and they were married for over 59 years. Together they created a loving and supportive home for their four children: Susan (Andrew), Sandra (Mike), John “Jay” (late Michelle), and James “Jim” (Heather). Later in life, his love extended to his precious grandchildren: Olivia (Lars), Rebecca, Melissa, Kaitlyn, and Brooklyn. John will be deeply missed by his family, extended family, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

John lived life to the fullest and was always up for social time. His sense of humor touched all who knew him. He was a kind and gentle soul who would do anything to help anyone.

His dedication to his community was evident in his ongoing service with the Oshawa West Lions Club, where he was honored with a lifetime service award.

John started his career as a driver for Ideal Dairy, then Hostess Chips, but quickly realized he wanted to be his own boss. He owned and operated a convenience store, Ray’s Smoke Shop, for most of his career.

John loved sports and was involved in coaching and refereeing baseball and hockey for his siblings, children, and others. He loved fishing and owned a large boat at Oshawa Harbour for many years. John also enjoyed golf, playing cards, and traveling. Some of his favorite destinations included Hawaii, Las Vegas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In the later part of his life, John needed care for himself. When his wife, Diana, could no longer provide that care on her own, he moved to Hillsdale Estates, Honey Harbour, where he received exceptional care. Diana and family deeply thank the Hillsdale Estates family (staff, residents, and their families) for the love and care they provided to John, endearingly known to many as "Poppa John."

There will be a Funeral Service to Honour John’s Life on February 3, 2025, at Mount Lawn Funeral Home, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, Ontario. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Service at 2:00 p.m.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Details

Visitation:
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, ON

Funeral Service:
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, ON

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

Mary Margaret "Marg" Fountain

[1938] - January 24, 2025

Peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Friday, January 24, 2025, Margaret Fountain, at the age of 86 years. Beloved wife of the late Leslie L. Fountain. Loving mother of Judy Glover and her husband David Glover. Proud and devoted grandmother of Shawn Leslie and Jennifer Mary-Louise Glover of Oshawa. Great-grandmother of Dawson. Daughter of the late Mary and Hugh Phillips. Dear sister of Ralph (Julia and late Maureen) Phillips of Oshawa, Joan (Ted) Hutton of Lindsay, and Lois (Tom) Wilson of St. Petersburg, Florida. Predeceased by her brother Brandt (late Georgia) Phillips. Survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Dear friend to sister-in-law Ellen (late Arthur) Fountain of Omemee.

Margaret was a proud volunteer member of the Auxiliary of Lakeridge Health Oshawa for many years. She also served with the breakfast club at Mary Street Public School and at Harmony Road Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Fung and the doctors and nurses from C7 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Harmony Road Baptist Church, 226 Harmony Rd. S., Oshawa, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m., until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa.

Donations in memory of Marg to Harmony Road Baptist Church or Lakeridge Health Foundation; Auxiliary, would be greatly appreciated. Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Mak Funeral Home.

Events:
Visitation: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Harmony Road Baptist Church, 226 Harmony Road South, Oshawa, ON L1H 6T7
Funeral Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Harmony Road Baptist Church, 226 Harmony Road South, Oshawa, ON L1H 6T7
Final Resting Place: Thornton Cemetery, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, ON L1J 0C9

Memories and notes of condolence may also be shared at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Doreen Ellsmore

19-Jul-1932 - 23-Jan-2025

In Loving Memory Of Doreen Ellsmore, who passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in her 93rd year. Doreen, beloved wife of the late Ronald Ellsmore. Loving mother of Graham (Michelle), Trevor (Tracy), Michele (Giuseppe) and the late Linda and David. Proud Nana of Sarah, Jennifer, Jeremy (Chantelle), Melissa (David), Sarah (Kevin), Amanda (Shane), Charlotte, and Great Nana of Dahkota, Evie, Nicholas, Belle, Allegra, Christian, Bryson, Kyla, Carter, and Cole. Dear twin sister of Hazel (the late Bernard) and predeceased by her brother Thomas (survived by Amy). Doreen will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. A special thank you to her PSWs, the doctors, and nurses at Lakeridge Health for their wonderful care.

Family and friends will be received at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby (North of Hwy 2), 647-370-3430, on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM until the time of service in the chapel at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at Mount Lawn Cemetery.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Lottie Angela Martin

21-Feb-1929 - 18-Jan-2025

It is with great sadness that we, the family of Lottie Angela Martin, announce her passing.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Lottie (affectionately known as Miss Martin or Aunt Lottie), left us on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:30 PM at Extendicare Bayview in North York, Ontario, Canada, where she spent the last three years “bobbing and weaving” as she often said. Despite the challenges of losing her sight and mobility, she faced life with resilience and passed away peacefully at the age of 95.

Born in Jamaica, Lottie was the sixth and last surviving sibling of eleven children born to Iceline Clarke and Simon Martin of Mason Hall, St. Mary. She moved to Canada in 1969, where she lived a humble life.

Our mother had a compassionate heart and a kind soul. She was transparent and firm, yet people were drawn to her and loved her dearly.

She’s survived by her three children: Hugh (Tony) and wife Veronica, daughter Elease (Elaine), and Michael and his wife Avril; five granddaughters: Sheryl, Patricia, Angelique, Lisa, and Elan; her six great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to family and friends who took time out to visit, call, and pray with our mother, as well as the staff at the residence for their wonderful care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, ON L1N 3K4, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM with a viewing, followed by a Chapel service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Mount Lawn Cemetery.

The funeral service will be livestreamed. Please revisit for registration information. There will be a reception to follow at the funeral home.

MOUNT LAWN FUNERAL HOME

Service Details

Viewing: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery (21 Garrard Rd, Whitby).

Chapel Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery (21 Garrard Rd, Whitby).

Interment: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Cemetery (21 Garrard Rd, Whitby).

Reception: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery (21 Garrard Rd, Whitby).

Gordon Clifford Grills

7-May-1936 - 23-Jan-2025

Gordon (Gord) Grills passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in his 89th year. Gord was born and grew to adulthood on a farm south of Warkworth, Ontario. After the farm was sold in 1956, Gord worked at various temporary jobs until securing steady employment at a Whitby factory, from 1962 until his retirement in 2001.

During the years from 1965 into the 80s, Gord was quite involved with country music, including songwriting, bands, and some small success with recording. He was a lifetime member of the NSAI and a longtime member of the CMA, ACM, and IQQB. After living in Ajax for 44 years, Gord and his longtime friend since 1977, Bente Wilson, sold their home and moved to an apartment in Whitby in 2009.

Surviving family members include nephew Terry and niece Pamela; great-nephew Sean and great-nieces Christine, Terri, and Sydney; great-great-nephews Dawson, Henry, Jordan, and Connor; great-great-nieces Cordelia, Victoria, and Isabella. Gord was predeceased by his brother Ronald, his sister Hazel, niece Brenda, and companion Bente.

Family and friends will be received at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby (North of Hwy 2) on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the memorial service in the chapel at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region would be appreciated.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at www.mountlawn.ca.

Service Details

Memorial Visitation: Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery (21 Garrard Road, Whitby).

Memorial Service: Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery (21 Garrard Road, Whitby).

Dharma (Monica) Ojha

November 19, 1963 - January 19, 2025

Peacefully passed away in her sleep at Scarborough Birchmount Hospital on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Monica was the loving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ojha.

She was the cherished partner of Eddie and dear sister to brothers Arnold and the late Cole, and sisters Joycelyn, Debbie (Indar), and Susie (Thomas). She will be dearly missed by her nieces Andrea, Sarah (Allan), Renata, and Reyanna, and nephews Adande, Victor, and Vijay. Monica will also be lovingly remembered by her aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby, on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow.

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

Brian Richard Kelly

August 19, 1962 – December 26, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Richard Kelly on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the age of 62. Brian passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in Whitby, Ontario.

Brian was the loving father of James Dean and the beloved son of the late Mary Kelly (survived by Raymond Bridgman) and the late Charles Kelly. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Kenneth, Raymond, Barry, Kellard, and Debbie. Brian was predeceased by his sister Cathy. He was a proud uncle to Aaron, Amber, Matthew, Christopher, Lindsay, Silken, and Connor.

Funeral Details:

Memorial Visitation:
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
January 24, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Memorial Service:
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery Chapel
January 24, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

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

Sebastiana Ruscica

July 27, 1931 - December 11, 2024

In Loving Memory

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Sebastiana Ruscica, on December 11, 2024.

Sebastiana was born in Pachino, Sicily, on July 27, 1931, to parents Sebastiano Di Rosa and Rosa Petralito. Despite the hardship of losing her father at a very young age during World War II, she grew up with resilience and determination. As a young teenager, she attended school to learn a trade and became an accomplished seamstress to provide financial support to her mother and siblings.

In July 1951, Sebastiana immigrated to Canada, turning 20 years old as the ship sailed to Pier 21 in Halifax. She initially settled in Montreal, where she lived for two years before moving to Toronto. She often expressed her gratitude for coming to what she described as the "glorious and beautiful country of Canada." She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved parents and her son, Tony.

Sebastiana was the loving Mama of Carmela, Ann (Rob) King, Tony (deceased), and Sam. She was the proud and beloved Nonna of Darryl (Sarah) and Brent (Yvonne) and the adoring Bis Nonna of Ryan, Hailey, and Reggie.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Fairview Lodge for their excellent care and unwavering support.

Sebastiana was blessed with a beautiful heart and a kind soul. People were immediately drawn to her goodness and simply adored her.

Mama, we are going to miss you. You will always be loved and cherished. We will hold you close in our hearts always and forever. Rest in eternal peace.

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