SPIAK, Joanna Spiak

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joanna Spiak (née Galak), on January 28, 2025, at the age of 88. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Joanna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always offering unwavering love, support, and kindness. She was known for her readiness to help others, and her warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. This compassion was reflected in her work as a nurse, where she cared deeply for those in her charge.

She leaves behind her cherished children, Andrew (Isabel) and Diane (Jarek), as well as her two beloved grandsons and five great-grandchildren, who will always remember her as the chief purveyor of sweets and homemade soups.

Joanna will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at De Stefano Funeral Home (1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, 905-440-3595) on Sunday, February 9th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10th at 10:00 am at St. Hedwig’s Polish Catholic Church in Oshawa, followed by interment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Whitby.

A reception will take place at Sikorski Hall.

Visitation
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Rosary
7:00 pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

HOAR, Steve Hoar

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Sortino. She passed away peacefully, at home January 25, 2025 at the age of 85.

Born in Pachino, Sicily on October 28, 1939. Maria was the beloved wife of Corrado and dear mother to Lucia, Silvia (husband Carlos) and Giuseppe. She will forever be cherished and remembered by her Grandchildren Marco, Melinda, Sergio and Annamaria and her great grandchildren Ava, Enzo, Arabella, Michele and Bronson.

Maria was known for her incredible culinary skills and kind heart. Her Sunday dinners brought her family together with warmth and joy. She will never be forgotten.

Maria had close relationships with friends, neighbours and family near and far. She was always considerate and generously gave love in many ways.

Maria leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and tireless strengths. She will deeply be missed by many of her friends, extended family, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Lakeridge Health Foundation.

Visitation will be held at the De Stefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa on Thursday, January 30th from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. The Funeral Service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 am. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens in North York.

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to view via Livestream by CLICKING HERE just prior to 11:00 am on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Visitation
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Thursday, January 30, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Funeral Service
11:00 am
Thursday, January 30, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home Chapel
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

CALLENDER, George Reginald Archibald Callender

April 23, 1936 – January 26, 2025

George Reginald Archibald Callender, a beloved father, husband, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on April 23, 1936, in River Sallee, St. Patrick’s, Grenada, to Charles Winter Callender and Beryl Callender (nee Mahon), George was known for his unwavering kindness, unmatched work ethic, and deep love for his family.

George exhibited a natural curiosity and a passion for learning from an early age. He attended Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) and went on to the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, West Indies. He later moved to Canada to pursue further education at the University of Toronto, where he earned his teaching credentials. His professional journey led him to a successful career in education, teaching first in Gravenhurst before spending most of his long career at Paul Dwyer Catholic High School as a teacher, soccer coach and Head of the History Department. George embraced a pedagogy of love and was devoted to his students, understanding that teaching was a form of care and education was a practice of freedom that changed lives. So many members of our community remember him as one of their favourite teachers, be it because of his patience and tolerance, or because of his sense of style.

George's dedication to his work was mirrored by his commitment to his community. He was an active member of several local organizations, including outreach and prayer for the elderly, and Service at St. George’s Memorial. His efforts in these groups reflected the values instilled in him by his parents and his desire to give back and help those in need, and to participate fully in his community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, George's greatest joy came from his family. He married Catherine Sonia Emmanuel, who predeceased him and had two children, Céline, who also predeceased him, and Colin (married to Susan), to whom he was devoted and loving. He took immense joy in their growth and happiness and graciously supported them in all their endeavors. His West Indian friends and family, to whom he was known as “Archie,” will fondly remember Archie and Sonia’s hospitality and generosity. He loved his eight brothers and sisters immensely and rejoiced in the lives of his many nieces and nephews in New York and the GTA.

George had a wide array of interests that kept him active and engaged throughout his life. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed walking, prayer, reflection and especially travelling to the sea where he was a graceful swimmer. Nowhere was he more relaxed than when at the beach in Grenada.

George Callender's legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering integrity. He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who admired him, and a community that benefited from his generosity and service. His journey was marked by his struggles with the consequences of diabetes, which he persevered through with grace and courage.

George will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His life was a shining example of how one person can make a profound difference in the world, and his memory will be cherished forever.

A visitation will take place at Oshawa Funeral Home on Friday, February 7th, from 5pm to 8pm, and a celebration of George's life will be held at St. George’s Memorial Church on February 8th, 2025, (51 Centre St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z9) at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, reflecting George's commitment to improving the lives of those who also suffer from this disease.

BEAUDRY, Margaret Anne Beaudry

19-May-1959 - 29-Jan-2025

Margaret Anne Beaudry (Lacquaniti), age 65 died suddenly on Wednesday, January 29.

She was born on May 19, 1959, in Marville, France to parents Marion and Donald Beaudry. Most of her childhood was spent living in Scarborough where she was raised by Marion and Salvatore DiDio.

Margaret will be sorely missed by her three children, Freddy, Ashleigh and Meaghan, son-in-laws, Tom and Tom, grandchildren Steven and Sophia, grand-dogs Bella and Chappy, siblings Joanne and Sammy (Sharon), Father Salvatore (Jocelyn) and her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Margaret lived a joy-filled life. She loved simple pleasures - spending time with her children and grandchildren, dancing, going on road trips and playing poker with her friends, playing beach and indoor volleyball, baking, cooking, going to the cottage, regular hikes in Durham forests, hitting a triple word score in Scrabble or playing the daily Wordle, and completing a variety of home improvement tasks (often self-learned through YouTube). She was a music lover who went to concerts regularly and was always looking for new music that spoke to her soul. She was a lifelong learner, always seeking new skills or information to strengthen her understanding of the world.

Margaret’s career took many turns over the years from starting in the financial and banking industry to running her own café in Cobourg and making crepes at local farmers’ markets and later driving a school bus (with her own playlists for the kids). Most recently, she found a career as a school secretary where she was proud to support the children, staff and families at Valley View Public School in Ajax.

Margaret’s greatest pride was being a mom and nana. She was an incredibly active parent who was there for every hockey or soccer game (even as a coach or bench trainer), improv tournament, dance recital and milestone big or small (often with a homemade cake to celebrate). She was equally the best nana ever, hosting sleepovers, taking the kids to their favourite parks, doing arts and crafts, or going to Nebs fun world. She made us laugh with her silly sense of humour and knew how to comfort us through our toughest challenges. We always looked forward to celebrating holidays and life’s milestones together, or just a weekend visit. These moments undoubtedly won’t be the same without her presence.

While we wish we had so much more time with Margaret, we know that wherever she is, she’s dancing and has a smile on her face. Her heart was only full of love, and this gives us comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

If so desired, donations to JumpStart in Margaret's memory would be appreciated.

https://donate.jmpst.ca/DIYevent/margaretbeaudry

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

Prudence Violet Ferne Sayer (Reid)

Sunday, March 3rd, 1946 - Saturday, January 4th, 2025

The family of Prudence Sayer are deeply saddened to announce her passing on January 4th, 2025, which was remarkably the same day that her husband William passed, two years earlier. .

We would like to believe that dad was calling her to be by his side once again. Prudy passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Prudy was the loving wife of the late William Sayer, for 56 years. Much loved mother of Terri Partridge (Mike) and Robert Sayer (Lindsey). Beloved Grandmother of four grandsons – Kristoffer Sayer, Ian Partridge, Adam Partridge and Colin Partridge.

Prudy was the eldest of seven siblings and is survived by her sister Cassandra Parker (Gord) and brothers John Reid (Margret), Dwight Reid (Linda) and Doug Reid and pre-deceased by her mother Annabelle Reid (Woodside), father John Reid, brother Ken Reid and sister Kimberly Reid.

Prudy was a wife, mother, sister and friend extraordinaire, who walked this world with beauty and grace. To know Prudy was to be captivated by her energy, kindness and warmth. Prudy was an active member of the communities in which she lived and engaged. If you lived in Henry Farms during the 1970, 80’s and 90’s, liked Avon, tennis, bridge, had children or a childhood friend of Terri or Rob, you would have enjoyed encountering her and welcomed her generosity and fun-loving spirit. Lagoon City was Bill and Prudy’s home-away from home until it became their home. Prudy once again became a vibrant member of the Lagoon City community, yacht club, tennis club and bridge groups. If there was a good cause to support or some fun to be had you would always find her involved with a helping hand, a kind word and a laugh or two.

Prudy enjoyed a life filled with love and cherished friendships, which sustained her determination and resilience to face several health challenges with her head held high, always offering a warm and genuine smile.

Prudy’s family extends its appreciation to the team of caring and hard-working personnel at Taunton Mills Retirement Home and Bowmanville Complex Care unit. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either Parkinson Canada or Alzheimer Canada.

A life so beautiful deserves a special celebration. We hope you will join us for a Celebtation of Life for Prudy on Saturday March 1st, 2025 at The School Fine Dining Restaurant & Banquet Hall

12:30pm-3:30pm

4121 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3R 0J2.

*Please note the venue has ample parking and is accessible for those with mobility needs.

barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com

DARLENE, Judith Darlene "Judy" Diamond (Wray)

Friday, August 5th, 1955 - Monday, January 6th, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Judy Diamond (nee Wray) at Lakeridge Health Ajax, at the age of 69.

Predeceased by her husband Mike Diamond. Much loved Mom of Michelle DeGeer and her husband Rod and Lee Diamond and his wife Lana. Adored Nana to Quinn, Carmen and Gunner. Dear sister of June Maughan (the late Leonard). Survived by brother in law Pat Diamond (Rose). Predeceased by her brother in law Bill Diamond, brother in law Hugh Diamond and his wife Lee-Anne and sister in law Denise Diamond. Judy will be missed by her nieces, nephews and many close friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Port Perry Legion on Saturday January 25th from 1-4.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Oakridge Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com

RITCHIE, Jason Ritchie

October 7th, 1981 - January 28th, 2025

Passed away at his home on January 28th, 2025 at the age of 43. Survived by his son Brayden.

Loved Son of Chris Ritchie (Melanie Short) and Melanie Bridges Ritchie. Much loved older brother to his sister Lisa Ritchie (Riley) and Uncle of Ryder and Austin.

Fondly remembered by Lucy (Stephen), Franky and Jake.

Private Family Services have been entrusted to Barnes Memorial Funeral Home.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com