It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rona Baron, aged 90, on January 1, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
Rona was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose strength, humour, and resilience left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the cherished mother of four children: Paul Baron (predeceased), Gillian Baron, Victoria Baron, and Tony Baron (predeceased).
For over 30 years, Rona worked at General Motors, where she shattered barriers in an industry where women were rare. With her unmatched work ethic and quick wit, she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, keeping everyone on their toes with her sharp humour and undeniable charm.
Rona was truly one of a kind—a woman of immense character who brought love, laughter, and light to all who knew her. She was a force of nature, balancing a life of hard work with her trademark humour and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of resilience and joy will live on in the hearts of her surviving children and grandchildren.
Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.
Rest in peace, Rona. Your memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love you so generously shared.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rona, please visit our floral store.
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Sam Parro on December 17, 2024. Sam was a loving and devoted father to Velvet, a proud grandfather to Kaitlin and James (Niki), and a cherished great-grandfather to Cash and Harper. He is survived by his brother, Robert, as well as many loving nieces and nephews who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Mary Parro, and his siblings: Rose, Danny, and Dean. He loved each of you deeply.
Throughout his life, Sam was involved in many crafts, but he was especially dedicated as a thoroughbred horse owner and trainer at Woodbine Race Track, a pursuit he engaged in on and off for over 60 years. He never gave up on his dreams. Sam's legacy of kindness and generosity will always inspire those who knew him.
In the warmth of spring, we will gather to celebrate Sam’s life; details will follow. Thank you to everyone who has known, loved, and been a part of Sam's life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food bank or to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.
It is with both sorrow and joy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Lucia (Loeky) Gragtmans on January 1, 2025. Loeky passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Holland in 1929, Loeky and her beloved husband John embarked on a courageous journey to Canada in 1956, building a new life together in a country they came to call home. Their marriage of 60 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and faith.
Loeky’s calling as a registered nurse reflected her deep compassion and commitment to caring for others. Beyond her professional life, she lived out her profound faith in God and Jesus by nurturing and uplifting all those around her. Her 95 years were filled with love, service, and devotion to her family, friends, and faith community.
Loeky’s legacy is carried on by her six surviving children: Jim (Pam), Paul (Shiela), Annemieke (Pat), Karin, Jane, and Ian (Jennifer), as well as her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, totaling over 50 strong. She is predeceased by her husband John, her son Philip (Lisa), and her granddaughter Joy, whose memory she carried close to her heart. We celebrate Loeky’s full and remarkable life, giving thanks for the countless ways she touched those around her. Loeky’s love, grace, and faith remain with us as a guiding light. May she rest in eternal peace.
Funeral Details:
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daily Bread Food Bank.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lucia, please visit our floral store.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Jean Veldhuizen (nee Medd) on December 29, 2024, in Oshawa, Ontario. Born on October 31, 1935, in Chatham, Ontario, Donna shared a beautiful life filled with love and adventure. She was married to her one and only love, Walter Veldhuizen, for nearly 72 years.
Donna was a devoted mother to Darlene, Brian, Pamela, and Kimberly, and a loving daughter-in-law to Darlene Veldhuizen and son-in-law to John Gec. She was cherished by her 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Raised in Aylmer and St. Thomas, Ontario, Donna worked at Bathurst in St. Thomas. She had a passion for fishing, golfing, and dancing, never missing a night at the legion with her beloved Walter. She enjoyed old country music and loved animals. Donna and Walter spent many happy summers at Springwater, Ontario, and winters in Florida for 14 years. They also enjoyed 20 wonderful years at Wilmot Creek in Clarington, Ontario, where they made lifelong friends Denise and Clem.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Donna’s life will be held in the summer of 2025. Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Society of Ontario at this link.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at NEWCASTLE FUNERAL HOME.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Walter Lawson on December 23, 2024, at the age of 96. Tom was born on April 6, 1928, the third child of Irving and Evelyn (Eastmure) Lawson. Growing up in Oakville and Montreal alongside his siblings Barbara, Wyburn, and Douglas, Tom was known for his playful spirit and outstanding abilities in athletics, music, and academics.
Tom’s journey in education began at Trinity College School (TCS), where he met Patricia Ketchum, the headmaster’s daughter and the love of his life. After studying at the University of Toronto and Cambridge University in England, Tom returned to Port Hope to marry Pat and join the TCS faculty. Over a remarkable 33-year career, Tom profoundly impacted generations of students as a teacher, sports coach, debating coach, housemaster, and mentor. He also founded the Canadian Student Debating Federation (CDSF), which continues to inspire young minds to this day.
After retirement, Tom embraced numerous projects with his signature enthusiasm, including the CDSF, writing newspaper columns, creating satirical plays, organic farming at Fairmount, building a log cabin at Georgian Bay, and running as a Green Party candidate in three elections. He and Pat’s home at Fairmount was always open, welcoming friends, family, and those in need, creating cherished memories for all who visited.
Tom’s midlife shift toward Gandhian philosophy, environmental advocacy, and inclusivity shaped his later years. His commitment to sustainable practices, community service, and intellectual openness inspired everyone around him. His creative activism, including spelling out "WASTE" with littered coffee cups, left lasting impressions on his community.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Pat, Tom leaves behind his children Molly, Pippa (Lawrence), Philip (Elise), and Graeme; granddaughters Alexandra and Shannan; his devoted caregiver Lorie Dael; and the wonderful staff at Rose Glen Village, Port Hope.
Funeral Details: A memorial service will be held at Trinity College School later in 2025. The date and time will be shared once finalized.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s honour may be made to the Canadian Student Debating Federation, Fair Vote Canada, or the David Suzuki Foundation.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Trinity College School.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rita Frances (Mickey) Belton, who graced this world for an incredible 90 years. Daughter of Victor and Rita Grady (deceased), Rita was the devoted wife of Ron Belton, her one true love and north star. Together, they shared an extraordinary 68 years of marriage before Ron’s passing in 2023.
Rita and Ron built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. As a proud mother of six, she dedicated her life to her children: Lynn Adams (Marc), Liz Wallis, Chris Belton (Sherry), Colleen Clynch (Kevin), Susan Belton, and John Belton (Penny). Her family expanded to include 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her.
Rita’s journey as a mother was marked by resilience and adaptability as she raised her family in remote locations across northern Ontario, following Ron’s work before settling in Oshawa in 1969. She also shared a special bond with her siblings: Patricia Conlin (deceased), Sheila Doris (Jack), Jimmy Grady (Susan), Michael Grady (deceased), Colleen Reid (Frank), Bonnie Brousseau (Wayne), and Ann Grady. Her best friend and sister, Sheila, will forever cherish their shared adventures and cherished memories.
A passionate golfer and avid walker, Rita loved connecting with people and exploring new adventures. She gave back to her community by teaching as an instructor for the Christopher Leadership Course and volunteering for 16 years at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael's Hospital, offering comfort and compassion to those in their final days.
Rita’s legacy is one of kindness, connection, and resilience. Her love for her family, community, and life itself will forever inspire those who knew her. In her final year, her journey was eased by the compassionate care of the nurses and personal support workers at Bloom Retirement Residence in Oshawa, and the incredible team at Sunnybrook Palliative Care Unit, for which the family remains deeply grateful.
Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Rita’s memory be made to Hospice Whitby Roger Anderson House or the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation.
Rest in peace, Mom. Dad has been waiting with arms wide open.
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Marlene Elizabeth Taylor (née McInnes) on December 25, 2024, at the age of 80 years.
Marlene was the beloved wife of Joseph Taylor for 63 wonderful years. She was the dearly loved mother of Kimberly Clarke and Kevin Taylor, and the cherished grandmother of Ryan Clarke, Trevor Clarke, Justin Clarke, and Graham Clarke. Marlene was also a much-loved Nana to Taylor, Oliver, Augusten, and Connor.
Marlene was the sister of Jack McInnes, June McInnes, Richard McInnes, Robert McInnes, and Donald McInnes. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack McInnes and Catherine McInnes (née Dyer).
Marlene’s life was defined by her devotion to her family, her kindness, and her ability to bring joy to everyone around her. She will be remembered for her loving heart and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day." Marlene, you are always loved and never forgotten.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Theadore (Ted) Murray Walton on December 19, 2024, at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, Ontario, after a long battle following a stroke in 2013.
Ted was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed. He was an avid baseball enthusiast who loved coaching his sons and assisting his nephews in their coaching years. Ted cherished Sunday mornings spent playing baseball with his Legion buddies and was an active member of Branch 178 Bowmanville, Ontario. He especially enjoyed organizing and selling buttons for the Santa Claus Parade. Known affectionately as "TEDDER" by Adam and Jason’s friends, Ted was a storyteller with a knack for bringing smiles to everyone around him.
Ted had a favorite saying that defined his life: "Work Hard, Play Smart, and always be a team."
Predeceased by his mother Audrey (Campney Gibson), Ted is survived by his father Murray Walton, his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Pearce), and his two sons, Adam (Kristy) and Jason (Jessica). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Wyatt, Colby, Kendal, and Avery. Ted is also survived by his dear sister Susan and brothers Robin (Reta) and Jay (Sharon), along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
A graveside celebration of Ted's life will take place at a later date at Bond Head Cemetery, Newcastle, Ontario.
Marguerite Hilda Popko passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at Age Care Samac in Oshawa at the age of 96. Born in Stretford, Manchester, England, she was the beloved daughter of the late Walter Elliot and the late Phyllis Gunn.
Marguerite was predeceased by her devoted husband, Stanley Popko, in 2015 after 66 wonderful years of marriage. She is survived by her loving children, Zofia (Jeff), Jan (Pat), and Conrad (Suzanne). Marguerite and Stanley shared a passion for travel and spent many cherished years at their beloved cottage on Moira Lake in Madoc, forming lifelong friendships along the way.
The Popko family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, PSWs, and staff at Lakeridge Health and Age Care Samac residence for their care and compassion during Marguerite’s final journey.
In keeping with Marguerite’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no visitation or formal funeral service will be held. A private family gathering will be held to honor her memory.
It is with immense sadness that the family of Jordan Marchand announce his unexpected passing on December 21, 2024, at the age of 35. Jordan was welcomed into the world on May 27, 1989, to his loving parents, Joanne & Benoit, and was the youngest of four siblings in a large extended family. He was a dedicated father to his daughter Mya and coparented her with his first love, Alliy Marler. He will be missed by his loving girlfriend, Emily Galvin. He is predeceased by his sister, Chantelle (Brent), and leaves behind his two older brothers, Jeremy (Stephanie) and Justin (Tracy). Jordan comes from a loving extended family with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins along with his grandmothers Linda Robinson and Carmen Marchand.
Jordan was a determined man and a doting father; his daughter Mya was his world. He was a man of faith who took great pride in his work and cared about his family deeply. He loved camping, movies, playing games, and mom’s cooking. His smile and laugh were contagious and filled the room with warmth. Podge left us too soon, and will forever live in our hearts.
Family and friends are invited to reminisce about Jordan’s life and mark his passing at Newcastle Funeral Home, 386 Mill Street Newcastle, on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Visitation:
Friday, January 3, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Newcastle Funeral Home
386 Mill St. S.,
Newcastle, ON L1B 1C6
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Newcastle Funeral Home.
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