Guelph-Wellington

September 14, 2022
Fall Luncheon
Victoria Park East Golf Club

December 7,2022
Winter Luncheon
Italian Canadian Club
Charity: Sleeping Children Around the World
Registration by November 23, 2022

March 29,2023
Spring Luncheon
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fergus
Charity: GW Women in Crisis
Registration by March 15,2023

May 10,2023
Summer Luncheon
Aboyne Hall, Wellington County Museum
Registration y May3,2023

GWRWTO is finally prepared to invite members to an in-person meeting and event. Because of COVID, we will have numbers restricted to 60 in-person members.

Please join us on Friday October 29^th at 1:30 PM for an afternoon of fun with friends and fashion. We are excited to see everyone and get back to business!

An invitation and registration form can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of this email.  Please note that this invitation is also for members who prefer to attend virtually at home.

If you are interested and ready to register, you can now CLICK on the link at the bottom of this email to open the invitation and read all the information you will find there. This includes the important COVID protocols.

Then, if you would like to participate, and have decided on which one of the options you would prefer, click to Register.  At this point you will need to scroll down and record your personal information as well as your In-Person or Virtual choice.   This entry to the in-person event will require your personal information and ensure that everyone has proof of vaccination.

Please note covid protocols will be in place so please make sure to read all the information provided when you register.

Click here to register for the Fashion Show

COVID 19 – 2020-2021 Interest Group Connections

 From Barb Smith

I just wanted to tell you the Pot Luck Group is still very much alive & active. 

We had 2 zoom calls not long after the 1st shut down began.  We talked about what dishes we had been making & also our favourite wine. amongst other things!!

In September we met at my place to have a pot luck “brown bag” lunch.  I have a large piece of property so we were able to sit outside & socialize while we were physical distancing.  In October we had another pot luck “brown bag” lunch at Judy Coffey’s with a bonfire.  Again we were able to easily physical distance.  Our last in person get together was back at my place in November – I made a large crock pot of soup & Cherrill Walker made cake and again we brown bagged everything else. 

We have actually just arranged another zoom call for Feb 26th – with an Italian theme in mind.  Hopefully some of us will make an Italian dish or just talk about one we have made.

Once the better weather returns we will likely get together again where we have lots of room to spread out.
Of course we are all looking forward to the time when we can gather around someone’s table for a proper sit down “pot luck” meal with each other.

Bonfire with the Potluck group at Judy Coffey’s

From Jane Shifflett – Walking/Hiking groups

June 2022

December 2021

May 2021

February 2021

Use the link below to the RWTO/OERO Newsletter and find information about what is going on around the province, as well as important dates, useful information and interesting articles related to retired women teachers.

RWTO/OERO Connections 

In 2018 Guelph Wellington won the Provincial Barbara Bain Award. See below what that is all about.

Barbara Bain Membership Awards

This provincial award was named in honour of our long-time member, Barbara Bain, who served on the Provincial Board of Directors for 11 years. Barbara served as an Area Director, Assistant Insurance Convenor, Insurance Convenor, 2nd and 1st Vice-President, President, Past President and Honorary President. Barbara was also the first Membership Convenor for RTWO/OERO. Barbara continues to be an active member in the London-Middlesex Branch.

Since its inception in 2006-2007, the provincial Barbara Bain Award has traditionally been given to the three branches, one in each tier, with the largest percentage increase in the number of regular paid-up members. In 2015, the formula was changed: the actual increase is now calculated on how many new members join, less the number of existing members who did not renew during the April 1 to March 31 period. Awards of $300, $200 and $100 will be given in each tier, based on actual increase in membership. So now instead of 3 awards of $200 being awarded, we have 9 provincial awards, 3 for each tier, totaling $1800.

Barbara Bain Awards 2018

2nd place– $200 – Guelph-Wellington, net increase 19

Past Barbara Bain Award Recipients

Procedure

The membership increases are calculated by the Executive Secretary-Treasurer.

Cora Bailey Awards

Cora Bailey from the Peterborough Branch was RWTO/OERO’s first Executive Secretary-Treasurer. She held this position for eleven years until 1982 and wrote the History Book – OASWT 1956-1976. Beginning in 2003, this award was presented in her honour.

Criteria for Cora Bailey Award Recipients

The Cora Bailey Award may be presented to a Branch member who has contributed outstanding service to her Branch.

GUELPH WELLINGTON CORA BAILEY AWARD WINNERS 

 Outstanding Service to the Branch

2019- 2020

Kerry Detlor

Kerry Detlor is an excellent example of our motto “caring and sharing”. She is diligent in her job as the Goodwill Committee Chair. She is quick to send cards of condolences and well wishes as needed. She is also always willing to pitch in andhelp wherever she can. Kerry has a very approachable and welcoming nature and treats everyone with kindness and respect. She has been a very valuable member of Guelph Wellington Retired Women Teachers for a number of years and we hope she will continue to serve on our executive for many years to come. We are pleased to recognize and thank her for her contributions by presenting her with this award. 

2019

Jane Rocher

Jane Rocher has been a very valuable member of GWRWT and our executive for a number of years.  As the head of the decorating committee, Jane welcomed a large group of women into her home a number of times each year to plan and create decorations for luncheon meetings at “working bees”.  She supplied materials for doing this, and often went out to buy additional supplies when last minute changes were needed.  Jane’s group also organized information cards at each place setting, resulting in beautiful and welcoming venues for us to meet in.

2018

Brigitte Turner

2017     

Anne Smith

Marina Howlett

2016

Carol Christie

2015

Betty Mottin

2013     – Brenda McGinnis, Beth Taylor

2012      – Lynda Gillham

2011      – Judy Palmer

Mary Muysson

Passed away peacefully April 30 at Eden House LTC facility surrounded by family and caring staff. While raising a family Mary graduated from Hamilton Teaching College in 1968 and also obtained her BA in 1978 from Wilfrid Laurier University. Along with her teaching certificate and BA Mary also achieved additional special education credits giving her further accreditation. Starting her career in the primary grades she eventually found her true calling teaching special needs children and adults which lasted the majority of her career.
Sometimes affectionately known as “Mary Monsoon” because of her no non-sense teaching style, a moniker she wore proudly. After retiring from teaching in 1995 volunteering at several local public schools would help keep her engaged and also afford her the opportunity to keep an eye on grandchildren. She was veracious reader of non fiction books and a daily Globe and Mail and was still reading in the days before her passing. Mary’s simple pleasures included summers spent on Lake Huron, indulging in butter tarts from Belwood and the occasional sipping of Southern Comfort. Her love of nature, bold fashion sense and her panache for making inappropriate jokes will continue in our memories. Mary will be remembered fondly by her family, friends and those whose lives she touched with her warm embracing hugs and youthful spirit. An enormous thank you to Eden House staff for making Mary feel loved and at home all these years, truly remarkable people.
In Lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mary we ask that donations be made to the Guelph Humane Society.

Marion Kasha 1934-2021

Marion Kasha passed away on December 26, 2021 at the age of 87 following surgery for a broken hip that she was not able to recover from. She was born on February 21, 1934 in Didsbury Alberta to Karl and Bertha Lenz and raised on their farm near Olds. She put herself through the University of Alberta to become a teacher. She started dating the love of her life Ken Kasha in her final year of university and they married on August 14, 1958. They had two children Lorelei and David and lived in St Paul, Minnesota, Ottawa and then Guelph when Ken became a professor at the University.

Mary Gittins

Mary Gittins (nee Summers, age 73, passed away at home on December 16, 2021. Born to Mary and Edward Summers in Ayr, Scotland, Mary was the youngest of seven children. Mary was a loving mother to Philip and Alison and a devoted Granny to her four grandchildren Madeleine, Jacob, Cameron and Liam. She is survived by Paul Gittins, her sister Letty and her nieces and nephews. 
Mary was truly one of a kind, a vibrant and very special person whose love was felt by all she met. She was a mother and mentor to many and had a laugh and smile that would light up a room. Over her 40 year career as a teacher in England and at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Canada, Mary touched the lives of many students whom she adored and kept in touch with long after they graduated. In retirement, Mary filled her days doting on her grandchildren, going to book club, fostering a future dog guide puppy, watching Coronation Street, heading out on adventures with friends, and running her own business. She was also an Executive Member of the Guelph-Wellington Retired Women Teachers of Ontario.
Mary often said that her greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren; she was very proud and was happiest when in the presence of her family. Mary was a great support to many; people often came to her for advice and guidance, she was always there to listen and wore the title of second mum to many.
A beautiful, generous woman whose life purpose was to help people and care for her family, a bonnie wee lass, a role model to all. A more loving and nurturing woman you could not find.
Please join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.
Visitation will be held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David St. South, Fergus on Monday, January 3rd from 5pm-8pm. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, January 4th at 11:00 am. All attendees must RSVP, wear a mask and practice social distancing.

HAYES, Isabelle Mary

 It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Isabelle Hayes, on June 3rd, 2021 at the age of 84. Born on October 26th, 1936 in Durham Ontario, married on July 18th 1959 to Ronald Frederick Hayes in the United Church in Durham. 

A teacher by occupation with the former Guelph Wellington Public School Board retiring in 1993, Isabelle inspired the lives of so many with her commitment to service, compassion and tenderness.

Isabelle was an avid bridge and bid euchre player and a wonderful conversationalist whose zest for life was apparent through the many stories she shared of her childhood, family, friends, neighbours, book club, and the many travels abroad with her lifelong companion and husband, Ron.

Isabelle’s life was filled with accomplishment and adventure. To name a few, she had been a member of the Durham Marching Band in her youth, was a longtime member of her sorority as well as the Retired Women Teachers. Isabelle was also active in the condominium social committee and Trinity United church for a number of years.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbours and the Trinity Church Community. Predeceased by her father Herbert Atkinson, W.W.1 veteran and her mother Mary Atkinson (McKechnie), and her brothers Clarence and George Atkinson. Survived by her husband, Ronald Frederick Hayes of Guelph. Her son, Jeffrey (Darija) of Guelph, son Scott of British Columbia and granddaughters Jocelyn and Rebecca Hayes of Guelph.

DOROTHY MOGK

It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Joan Mogk announces her passing on June 1, 2021 at Hospice Wellington due to complications of acute leukemia. Born on October 5 to Nora (Askwith) and Walter Stumpf in Swift Current SK. Beloved wife of Earl Walter Mogk for 51 years who predeceased her December 26, 2013. Lovingly remembered by her children, Jennifer, Susan(Jeff) Melnyk, all ofGuelph and John (Krista) of Ottawa.Cherished Grandma to Kyla, Megan, Ainsley, Jessica and Riley. She is also survived by her sister Beverly (Ed) Beitz and sisters in lawsIsabel Graul and Jackie Gray. Pre deceased by Earl’s siblings and their spouses: Clarence (Dorothy) Mogk.Viola (Clayton) Luckhardt, Florence (Earl ) Gropp, Paul (Laurene) Mogk, Harvey (Mae) Mogk,William Mogk, Cameron Graul, Dorothy Ray) Heioel, Jeanie (Allen McLeod and And Gray as well as by her dear friend Kay Clarke. Dorothy taught English and French in London, Kitchener, Scarborough and Guelph, a job she loved. Upon retirement, she volunteered in two schools and with Girl Guides of Canada as a Brownie and Guide leader, Training Coordinator and in the Guide store. She was a lover of animals, especially her any miniature schnauzers over the years.Dorothy was. a charter member of Chapters L and P of the PEO Sisterhood and strongly supported its education goals for women. She was also a member of All Saints Lutheran/Anglican Church, Retired Women’s Teachers and Probus Club of Guelph. Dorothy and Earl were avid travellers to many parts of the world and were particularly fond of Europe and Australia. They also visited all 10 provinces and 50 states in the USA. For many years they enjoyed spending time with family and friends on Four Mile Lake. 

Audrey Lily Elizabeth McEachern (King)

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Audrey in her 92nd year. She leaves behind John (Jack), her beloved husband of almost 70 years. She was the loving mother to Rob (Jeanette) and proud grandmother to Todd, Jocelyn (Miles), Shelby (Joe), Sarah (Kevin) and Brandon (Lyndall). Great-grandmother to Matteo and Ivy. Predeceased by her sister and best friend Dorothy Smith, and will be missed by many Smith, Wilson and Hurd nieces and nephews.

Audrey was born and raised in East Garafraxa and made her home in Orton for over 60 years. She taught grades 2, 3 and 4 at Ross R. McKay Public School and was an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hillsburgh, the Orton Community Association, the Grove Cemetery and the Guelph-Wellington Retired Women Teachers. Audrey had a great love for gardening, knitting, travel, winters in Florida and playing a competitive game of euchre.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donation to the Groves Memorial Hospital, the Grove Cemetery or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated.

GLENICE BROWN

After a long productive life, Glenice Brown passed away April 29, 2020 at the age of 99.  Glenice  was a long time member of GWRWTO for 40 years. She was the Primary Consultant for the Upper Grand District School Board until she retired around 1979. Her longtime friend, Coralie Corlett and Glenice were both Primary Consultants at the same time.  Eventually Glenice was Coralie Corlett’s Joy Partner in GWRWTO. Being a long term colleague and friend, Coralie was always so proud to see Glenice when she was doing well enough to attend a meeting.
It is most ironic that these two friends passed away in the same year.
Glenice lived in Guelph for most of her life, but when she could no longer live on her own, she moved in with her nephew for several years, in his home in Milton.  Eventually Glenice came back to Guelph to reside in St. Joseph’s Nursing Home.  As a much deserving member, The Guelph Wellington Retired Women’s Teachers of Ontario made Glenice an honorary member of GWRWTO for life.

Judith (Judy) Mae Jones

In her 68th year, Judith (Judy) Mae Jones received her angel wings on the evening of December 31, 2019 at home, in a house filled with love. She received them with the same grace, strength and peace with which she lived her life. Judy was a wife, mum, gramsy, daughter, sister, friend, bestie, aunt, neighbour, teacher, Bobbie Jo’s dog mom and a most courageous cancer fighter. She was an unparalleled inspiration, support, and a role model to many. Judy fought for 40 years of living with cancer to live, love and build her life that she cherished. She was a traveller (…an adventurer…), an activity planner, a lover of the outdoors, a reader, a volunteer, a beach babe, a wine sipper, a believer in YOLO (you only live once), and always put her family first in a million interesting, thoughtful and creative ways. Family was the foundation of Judy’s life right from the very beginning on Clement Street in Montreal with her parents and four siblings. In her twenties she added to her foundation when she met Bill, the love of her life. For 37 years they lived an epic love story. Together as one, they were most at peace, be that on a trail, on the water, sitting by a fire, quibbling about Dad shaving, or cozying up in bed. Judy and Bill had two children, Kimberley and James, whom she loved fiercely, and who loved her back with everything they had. Their family of 4 became 6 and then 8 with marriage and grand babies. Judy continued to show us how to live each day especially the hard ones with hope, courage, fun, laughter, determination, consistency, responsibility, and above all, bravery. Our Mom fought to be with us and to make life beautiful.
Judy was adored by her husband, the late Bill Burton. She will live on in the memory and essence of her children Kimberley (Matt) Drinkwater and James (Fern) Burton. Brynley and Maesynn Drinkwater will love their Gramsy to Jupiter and back forever. Judy was the loving daughter of the late Gordon and Regina Jones. She was the cherished sister to Brian (Vilma) Jones, Glenn (Jeanette) Jones, Lynn (David) Jones, Ken (Andrea) Jones and loving sister in law to the late Dick Burton, the late Bob Burton, Jack Burton, the late Julie Grady, Pat (Tom) Cairns, Aggie (George) Dunn, the late Mary Hill, Tom (Dianne) Burton and Michael (Carolyn) Burton. Judy was a lifelong bestie to Debbie (David) Grant. Judy will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and very dear friends.
We are heartbroken and shattered by our loss but just like she chose her wings on her terms, we will choose to honour Mom, her way, by living our best lives. We will do as she did and soak in the “skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night and we’ll think to ourselves, what a wonderful world. “

Coralie Corlett

Taylor,Beth

Peacefully on November 21, 2019 in Guelph. Beloved wife and partner of Doug for 46 years. Cherished mother of Devin and Bradley (Katie). Dear sister of Jim (Johan) and Greg (Maggie). Predeceased by parents Burn and Doris Wilkinson and brother Ron. Treasured aunt of Geoff, Lindsay, Stuart, Katie, Josh and Brianna. Beth was a dedicated and creative educator in Guelph primary schools for 30 years and on exchange years in England and British Columbia. Her warmth, caring and quiet strength will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her family, her lifelong friends, her colleagues and her students.Heartfelt thanks to the caring team at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph who showed such kindness to Beth and our family.Beth’s many friends and colleagues from GWRWT with whom she shared many luncheons and other events will miss her dearly. 

EWEN, Margaret Ruth (McNeil)

At the age of 91, passed away at home holding her daughter’s hand. Her loving husband of 40 years Bill and beloved daughter Bonnie predeceased her. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Brenda and cherished granddaughter Sarah Pyke. Margaret will be lovingly remembered by family Lynn and Dan Lubitz, her many wonderful nieces, nephews and their families. Loved sister-in-law to Joan McNeil, she was predeceased by her parents Emerson and Jessie McNeil, her brothers Hardie (Isabel), Lloyd and sister Hazel(Roy). Margaret was born on the family farm near Drayton.  Starting in a one room school house in 1946, she was a dedicated, passionate teacher for 37 years. She and Bill lived on their farm south of Elora partnering in ranching mink. They lovingly welcomed through adoption their school aged daughters Bonnie and Brenda in October 1967. Margaret was a dedicated actively involved member of the Elora United Church. Her enthusiasms included curling, euchre and always chatting with friends. Family, friends, church and community were the cornerstones of her life. Visitation will be held at the Elora United Church, 75 Geddes St. Elora on Saturday April 27th, 2019 from 1-3 pm. Continuing at the church at 3pm will be the service to celebrate Margaret’s life.  Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be at a later date. Donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Elora United Church or the Groves Memorial Hospital Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral  Home.

Barbara Stewart-Schieck (Trask)

Elora passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Hospital, Fergus on Friday, March 15, 2019 in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Arnold Stewart (1983), Douglas Schieck (2010) and Douglas Grove (2015). Dear mother of Major Kent Stewart and his wife Leslie of Kingston and Carol Bailey of Kitchener. Loving grandmother of Dylan Stewart and Kelsey Bailey. Loved step-mother of Elaine Hensen of Buckhorn and the late John Hensen, Yvonne (Rev. Tom) Carman of Windsor, Jeanette Schieck (Bruce McKay) of Orr Lake, Jim (Annette) Schieck of Vegerville Alberta, Don Schieck (Kaye Wood) of Arkona, Elizabeth “Betty” Schieck of Guelph, Catherine Schieck (Pat Rooyakkers) of Grand Valley, Marilyn (Murray) Abraham of Fergus and Bob (Peg) Schieck of Moorefield. Fondly remembered by her three sisters Marie Stoddart of Elora, Lillian and her husband Bill Ingram of Ariss and Marion Ferguson of Milton, sisters-in law of Delores Trask, Dorothy Potter, and Margaret Stewart and brother in law Larry Schieck, as well as her many step-grandchildren and step- great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Rev. Reginald and Irene (Bowman) Trask, brothers and sisters-in-law Donald (Lorna) Trask, Robert (Shirley) Trask, Leslie Trask and Douglas (Donna) Trask, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Bertha (George) Douglas, Garnet Potter, Christina Schieck, Floyd Stewart, Morgan (Marjorie) Schieck and Arthur (Phyllis) Schieck.

Brighton Chapter 201 will conduct an Eastern Star Service in the Funeral Home on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m.

Spring Interment in Elora Cemetery.

POST, Grace Elizabeth Ethel “Betty”

Passed away at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the age of 73 years.

Betty was the beloved wife for over 47 years of Ray Post.  She was the dear sister and best friend of Marie Denham and Rina Moss (Jack).  Betty was the much-loved aunt of Jason and Marni Moss, their children Rachel and Thomas and of Rebecca Moss (Cory Bye).

Her presence is sadly missed by her furry companion Maddie.  Betty (Mrs. Post) is fondly remembered by the many students and colleagues at Rockwood Centennial School where she taught from 1967 until 1995.  Her devotion and talent on the organ for 40 years is also remembered at Rockwood Presbyterian Church.

Betty is predeceased by her parents; George and Hazel Denham.