Christmas Luncheon at St.Catharines Golf and Country Club

December 4, 2019 

A review told through pictures. 

I’m told pictures are worth a thousand words!

• Susan L(our vice president) gave a blanket to someone in need, as part of our Out Reach Program. It happened to be the mother of one of our members, Susan. She was touched by the kindness.
• A Christmas donation was made to Community Care! The members gave approximately $6,800.00  and the branch was able to make another donation to make a total amount of $8,000.00. The chairperson of Community Care, Betty Lou Souter was there to accept the donation from our president, Janis Harlos. She was so grateful for this donation and we all felt proud to be able to help such a worthy cause.

Bottom Row:

• We welcomed a new member to the St. Catharines branch with a rose.

Of course we had a wonderful Christmas dinner with all the fixings!!

Fall Luncheon

The fall luncheon was held at Lookout Point Golf Club. The well attended group enjoyed fellowship, good food, a stimulating speaker about genealogy and a beautiful view of fall colours at the golf club.Our Vice President for St. Catharines, Kathie D. was installed by Judith B from the provincial RWTO.

We also welcomed three new members to our branch!

The ladies contributed generously to the Out Reach program for ladies at the Shaver hospital who are in need of supplies such as paper pads and pencils, socks, nail polish and nail files. These supplies will be put into tote bags and given to patients in need. Susan (V.P.) also has several ladies who have volunteered to knit shawls and lap blankets for our members that aren’t able to make it out to meetings. These shawls and blankets will be given to RWTO members accompanied with a visit from their friend.

We continue to look for ladies to help out with the Arthritis Christmas Wrap fund raiser and the Community Care Toy Bureau. These forms were circulated throughout the luncheon. Nominations for Cora Bailey were also collected.

Our guest speaker, Steve Fulton UE, spoke to us about his genealogy and how it traced back to the United Empire Loyalists. He gave us some ideas of how to become involved in this area of interest and some resources such as Brock University Archives to find important documents. Many people in the audience were interested in their family history and had started some research on their own.

After a great buffet luncheon of Asian foods, the meeting was adjourned.

The next luncheon will be December 4, 2019 at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. There will be a carol sing.

September 29,2019

Click on the link below for more information.

Membership Brochure

Subject: Tax Receipts for Hospital & Home Care Plan for 2017

Many of you are wondering if the e-mail that you received from Manulife is a legitimate email.

As a convenience to insured members and their spouses, Manulife will be making tax receipts available online this year. They will be sending an email to insured members and/or spouses to the email address on file. The email will provide a link and instructions to follow to enable members to download their tax receipts. Tax receipts will be mailed to members and/or spouses where there is no email address on file. If a member and/or spouse wishes to have a tax receipt mailed to them rather than download one, they can request this by calling the Customer Service toll-free telephone number 1- 800-268-3763 and speaking with a Customer Service Representative.

March 2020

Archived Newsletters

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• October 2016
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2020

BRETT, Victoria

Passed away peacefully at the Village of Humber Heights nursing home, Islington wing, Monday, May 4, 2020, just a few days short of her 97 birthday. She will be missed by sister, Phyllis Grisdale (Gordon) and brother, Richard Brett (Pauline). Predeceased by siblings Alvin, Harold (Mary), Bob (Carol), Claude, Nora, David (Thomasine) and Betty Ann. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews. She was a teacher for over 35 years in the Toronto area. After retirement she moved to St Catharines and had a summer residence at Sherkston. She then moved to Anchor Point retirement residence. She traveled extensively throughout her life, beginning with a family car trip across Canada in 1928 at age 5. She was a tireless advocate for all animals. A graveside service in Barrie will take place at a later date. The family thanks the staff who cared for Vicky especially in the last days when we could not be there.

 West-Hobbs, Clarice Rosalie

It is with deepest sadness that we notify family and friends of the passing of Clarice West-Hobbs, age 79, on May 13, 2020 at the Hamilton General Hospital originally from Caterham, Surrey, England, the daughter of John and Elizabeth West. Predeceased by her husband Harold Wayne Hobbs (M. 92) and her sister Elizabeth West. Lovingly remembered by her son Andrew (Lisa) Hall and grandsons Carter and Maxwell, step-daughters Tracey and Tatiana Hobbs, brother Iain (Erika) West with their children Steven and Caroline and their families, and her goddaughter Kimberly Carson. Clarice graduated from Ottawa Teachers’ College in 1961 and worked evenings and summers to obtain Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees from Brock University. For over 30 years, Clarice worked as an educator in various provinces, including Scotland, and finally for the District School Board of Niagara. For a time, Clarice led the Lincoln Women’s Teacher Association, winning their humanitarian award. She was also elected to the governing board of the Ontario College of Teachers, retiring in 2001. Clarice was an energetic leader of and contributor to many organizations in her community. After retirement she continued to volunteer with many groups including, St. Catharines Lakeshore Rotary Club, Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO), Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, and Canadian Association for Retired Persons. Clarice enjoyed travelling, meeting new people, and spending time with friends. She travelled the world as a member of Friendship Force Niagara. She cherished her friendships, maintaining contact with some for over half a century. Clarice, and her courage, character, and passion for life, will be missed by many. The family thanks each of these friends for their support. Special Thanks to the staff in the Cardiac Care Unit at the Hamilton General Hospital for their compassionate care. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date where we hope everyone will have an opportunity to share memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the RTO/ERO Foundation (Retired Teachers of Ontario, at https://www.rto-ero.org/support-the-foundation) or to the Rotary Foundation (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate).

 Caplan,Marion

Marion Caplan passed away on the morning of May 16th,2020 after a long battle with cancer. She was the finest example of her generation. An original Beatlemaniac, she came of age in a tumultuous time that honed her inner sense of justice, which was something of a family inheritance. Her student activism in the Sixties at the University of Wisconsin-Madison led into a lifetime instilling the skill and love of reading into disadvantaged children that the system would otherwise have left behind. Her skills in the creative arts were known to all. The quilts and stuffed animals she produced delighted children and adults alike; her folk guitar playing and singing was like a waterfall of music, a gorgeous cascade of rippling harmony. Cooking, sadly, was not one these skills, as evidenced by her sole original recipe creation known as “fruit chicken”. She will be greatly missed by her husband Frederick, children Kimberley (Tanner), Benjamin (Ida), Mikki (Trevor), and Robyn (Adam). Adored by her grandchildren Emma, Rylee, Xavier, Saydee, and Elliot, dear brother Hugh (Helen) and a vast constellation of beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues, and former students. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Anestel Tucker, in laws Harry and Mary Caplan and brother in law Paul Caplan. Donations in her honour can be made to the Education Foundation of Niagara. 191 Carlton Ave St. Catharines, ON L2R 7P4 efnniagara.ca Laura.Byers@dsbn.org Executive Director (905)641-2929 x 37711. A celebration of her life will occur when circumstances allow.

Reeds, Katherine

Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Heatherwood Retirement Residence in St. Catharines on Thursday, January 16, 2020. In her 83rd year, Katherine Anne Reeds (nee Nolan), loving mother of Dean (Christine) and Nolan (Suzanne). Loved grandma of Carrson, Turner and Keaton. Fondly remembered by cousin Maureen, her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Jack and Katie Nolan, her brother Thomas and sisters Teresa and Mary, and by Guy Reeds. Katherine taught primary school at St. Theresa Catholic School and St. John Catholic School.

2019

CUFF, Victoria (Tory) 

Passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 at the St. Catharines General Hospital at the age of 89 years. Beloved wife of Peter for 63 years. Loving mother of Jennifer (late Rick) Norquay and Barb (Dale) Hymanyk. Dear Grandma of Michael Norquay, Jessica (Jason) McDonald, Mat (Sam) and Christine Hymanyk, and Nana GG to her great-grandchildren Evaleigh, Sophie, Aiden and Bryson. Sister-in-law of David and Helen Cuff, Fred Mason and Don Hiron. Predeceased by siblings Mary, Barbara, Doreen and Albert and parents Robert and Jean Whyte. Tory was a career teacher and librarian primarily with the Lincoln County Board of Education. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences available at www.butlerniagara.ca

Buchler, Mary Lou

 

FAST, Helen

Helen went home to Heaven on Sunday May 19, 2019 at Tabor Manor. She was predeceased by her husband Eric in 2005 after 59 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Helena Hildebrand, and her brothers Nick and Jake. She is survived by her sister Betty (Hamm) Bright and brother Peter Hildebrand, her children Rod, Eleanore Joy Duerrstein (Henry), Miriam Bauer (David). She was beloved Grandma/Oma to Karen Fast, Chris Fast (Gwendolyn), Lisa Frey (Ian), Katy Cressman (Mark) and Michelle Bauer (Daniel Jaworski). Great Grandmother to Jacob, Kayla, Alexis, Eric, Ellis and Declan. Helen was born April 2, 1922 in Schoenau, Ukraine. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1925, living with relatives in Rosenort, Manitoba. In 1941, she graduated from Teacher’s College in Winnipeg. On June 26, 1946, she married Eric Fast at Southend Church in Winnipeg. Helen and Eric moved to St. Catharines in 1950. In 1961, Helen resumed her teaching career, teaching at Gracefield, Maplewood, Connaught and Carleton Public Schools. Eric and Helen were members at Bethel Baptist Church and Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church. Helen treasured all of teacher and church friendships. In 1995, Helen and Eric moved into the new apartments at Tabor Manor. In 2009, Helen moved into Tabor Manor as she was no longer able to live alone. A special thank you to all of the Tabor staff, including the nursing, dietary, housekeeping and laundry staff.

Visitation will be at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland on Tuesday May 28, 2019 from 10-11am, followed by her funeral service at 11am in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either M.C.C. or Camp Crossroads.

2017-2018

BROWN, Bonnie-Jeanne 

Bonnie worked in the Special Education Department of the DSBN. Bonnie passed away peacefully at Stirling Heights Long Term Care, Cambridge on December 4, 2018 at age of 78. Dear daughter of the late Neville Fraser and Cristine Fraser. Loving mother of Monty Brown and the late Lisa Overholt (Oct. 2018). Cherished grandmother of Emilie Overholt. Dear sister of Bob Fraser and Ruth Latimer and aunt to Sandy (Kevin) Traynor, Lisa Fraser, Debbie Bickford, Robert (Christine) Fraser, Jane Latimer and Christine Latimer. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Lounsbury Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge at 1 p.m. with visitation from 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation or Stirling Heights Long Term Care.

HULME, Bernice Ruth 

Ruth passed away at the GNGH on November 13, 2018, with her loving family by her side. Devoted mother to Don (Sharon) and Brenda. Loving grandmother to Tammy (Mike), Mandy (Dave). Great-grandmother to Amanda (Clay), Riley, Noah, and Hailey. Great-great-grandmother to Claire and Oliver. As per Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a family grave side service.

PHILIPSON, Lola Heaton, 1929-2018

Passed away peacefully on Sunday July 22nd, at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in St. Catharines. Lola was the widow of the late Ken Philipson (2006) and mother to David (Liz) Philipson, Lesley (Larry) Danks, Maureen (Rick) Sawicki, and Christine Philipson (BobSteadman). Grandma to 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Respecting Lola’s wishes, there will be no visitation, cremation has taken place and a small family memorial gathering will take place. If Desired, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines (905-684-6346). Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com

KROEKER, Myrna Blanche (née Buhler)

KROEKER, Myrna Blanche (née Buhler) 74. Went to be with her Lord Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Hospice Niagara. Predeceased by her loving husband Charlie Battel and her parents Millie and Walter Buhler. She is survived by her sons Don and Brian and her daughter Sandra, her grandchildren Emma, Dean, Abbygail, Laura, Dalton, and Quintin (Bingley); her stepdaughter Megan and her stepgrandchildren Lily and Summer; and her long-time friend Larry Kroeker. She will also be missed by her sister Janet. Myrna was a member of the Friendship Force Niagara, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO), and the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO). Cremation has taken place. There will be a Visitation on Sunday, May 27th from 3-5 with a service at 5:00 p.m. followed by refreshments, at Bethany Community Church, 1388 Third St., St. Catharines. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Niagara or Bethany Church Benevolent Fund.

Marjorie Ovenden 1946-2018

Obituary of Marjorie Ovenden

After a tough battle with Kidney Cancer, Marjorie of Fonthill passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the age of 71. Special wife and best friend of Jim for 49 years. Loving and caring mother of Andrew, Phil (Andi), and Amy (Rob) Granacki. Devoted grandmother of Naomi, Hudson, Raistlin and Alistair. Sadly missed by siblings Anne (John) Bebbington and David (Linda) Neff. Predeceased by parents Ron and Gladys Neff, and brother Jim Neff. Also remembered by her niece, nephews, extended family and many friends. Marjorie loved family gatherings, geneology and working with children She was a teacher at the District School Board of Niagara for many years. Thank you to Dr. Levesque; and the doctors, nurses and many volunteers at McNally House Hospice for your extra special care. Friends will be received for visitation at Wainfleet Brethren In Christ Church (corner of Perry Rd. and Hwy 3) on Thursday, January 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will take place in the church on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Zion Cemetery, Wainfleet.

Joyce Montgomery

April 10, 1919-Feb. 25, 2018

Cathy Collins November 8,1944-October 17,2017

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Claire Cameron     1925-2017

Claire passed away peacefully on September 4, 2017 at the age of 92 at Niagara Gardens in St.Catharines. Claire Cameron was born in Merritton, Ontario in 1925 and was a respected educator and loved by many in the Niagara area. Claire began her thirty-seven year career as an elementary school teacher in 1943 with the Lincoln County Board of Education, teaching mostly at Virgil Public School and Port Weller Public School, before retiring in 1980. Claire was an active member of the Elm Street United Church in Merritton and enjoyed her walks around town. Claire loved to travel the world with her close friend Lois Eplett (2015) and visited many places like the United Kingdom, Spain, Florida and Hawaii. Family was very important to Claire, always spending Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving holidays with her brother John (Bud) and his family in Brampton. Claire will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family; her sister-in-law Colleen – Leslie Turner – Cameron of Brampton, her niece Helen Cheryl Cameron (Stephen Smith) of Ajax and her nephew David Allan Cameron (Dr. Jeff Kemp) of Guelph. Claire will be eternally reunited with her mother Bessie Bradley Cameron (1956) and father David Allan Cameron (1960) and also with her brother John Maxwell Cameron (2005). She is also survived by her Godson Glen Woodhouse. Friends will be received at the BOCCHINFUSO FUNERAL HOME, 2 Regent Street, Thorold, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 7, 2017, followed by a Funeral Service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region. The family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the staff of Niagara Gardens for the amazing care that Claire received while living there. 

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Barbara Mekbeb

Mekbeb, Barbara ~ Passed away suddenly on Friday,September 22, 2017 at the age of seventy- seven.

Barbara Cynthia Mekbeb (nee Willshire), dear mother of Krystyn, and Andrew (Christine), of St. Catharines, Ontario, loving grandma of Carmela and Lia Mekbeb, dear friend of Belay Mekbeb. Predeceased by her mother Maxine Franklin and a sister Elaine. Barbara’s family wish to thank the staff of Niagara Gardens for their care. She was employed by the DSBN as a teacher for thirty-five years. Barbara was involved the Niagara Folk Arts, and a member of St. George’s Anglican Church where she also volunteered. Visitation will be held at Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel, 39 Court Street, St. Catharines (905-685-6584) on Thursday, September 28, 20178 from 5pm to 8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church Street, St. Catharines (905-682-9232) on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2pm. Memorial donations to either the Ontario Diabetes Society or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

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Kathleen Fritz- February 24, 1916-July 19, 2017

Following graduation from Listowel High School, Kathleen tried a couple of occupations, but neither appealed as a lifetime endeavour and so following her mother’s suggestion she enrolled in Stratford Normal school. For her first teaching assignment, Kathleen taught mostly Amish children in a rural school near Milverton. She was paid $600.00 for the year and for the second year, $700.00. Here is one vivid memory from those early days. “One of the girls came to my school with what was whooping cough. I had to tell her that she could not attend class. When her baby sister dies of it, the couple with whom I boarded took me to the home to pay our respects. As we drove in the lane, we saw the grandfather making the coffin. It was so difficult to meet the parents and see their beautiful little lying on a table.” As her career progress, Kathleen acquired additional qualifications in Kindergarten- Primary, Speech, and university level courses. She even qualified as a radio broadcaster at Queen’s University, which she found to be so useful in English classes and speaking. And then too, she studied Bible courses at McMaster, useful also for the then prescribed course of study in Grade Eight. Her career has taken her to many different places and situation. In the Stratford area, Kathleen was hired to teach children with learning difficulties, where she also did IQ testing in the elementary schools. After the class class was disbanded she went to Ann Hathaway School for 3 years. After this she taught in Leaside for 8 years. Then Kathleen was married and she and her husband moved to St, Catharines, where she taught for 21 years in different schools before retiring in 1972. While summing up her teaching career, Kathleen points out that her thirty-five years of teaching, provided experiences in all grades, from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in a Senior School, She states I was fortunate to have special music supervisors in all my years and most principals who were great leaders. Did she have any famous or special students who stood out? Kathleen states, “I like all children and all were special.”  And what of Kathleen’s outside interests, beyond teaching? She worked as a volunteer, including with the Red Cross at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and Meals-on-Wheels. She enjoys Community Concerts, is an active member of the United Church and visited the elderly. Asked for what advice she would give to teachers just starting out in the profession today, Kathleen states “Respect-that starts with self-respect.” FRITZ, Kathleen – Kathleen Fritz (nee Beacom) of Brooklin, Ontario formerly of St. Catharines, passed away peacefully at Deer Run Retirement Home, Claremont on July 19th, 2017. Kathleen enjoyed a 35 year teaching career, the last 22 years in the St. Catharines area. Born in Mount Forest on February 24, 1916 Kay was in her 102nd year. She was the beloved wife of the late Elgin Fritz who predeceased her in 1988. She will be sadly missed by her niece Hope Fennell and husband Ron, their children Maeghan & Mike Rohwer and daughter Ava, and John & Christie Fennell and son Carter. Kathleen will be remembered by her nephews and nieces Gardiner (Joan) Beacom, Janet (Glen) Smyth, Betty (Paul) Thornton and Kirk (Delilah) Beacom. She is predeceased by her nephew Karl Beacom but will be fondly remembered by his wife Jackie and their children. Kathleen is predeceased by her parents Dr. George and Minnie Beacom as well as brothers Jack, Roy and Bill. A memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at the Court at Brooklin, 5909 Anderson Street N. Brooklin on Saturday, July 29th at 3:00 p.m. where Kathleen lived for the last 14 years. Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting www.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com What does the Lord require of you: Seek Justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 13195926