Welcome to the RTWO/OERO Stratford Branch!
Stratford Branch members attend from as far east as New Hamburg to Goderich in the west, from St Marys in the south to Milverton in the north.
We welcome all women in this area who have taught for any length of time or anywhere even outside of Ontario.
We host three general meetings each year which take place in the months of September, November and April. In addition a wide variety of interest groups meet regularly. The interest groups are designed to meet the current interest of the membership – new ideas are encouraged.
Please view our 2021-22 program for more information about our fun events and activities. During Covid 19, we engaged in Zoom and Hybrid gatherings for many of these activities and general meetings.
Our chosen charity, the Emily Murphy Centre in Stratford, provides second stage housing and assistance for women and their children who find themselves in distress. The donations we bring to the Centre are always warmly welcomed.
We are hoping 2022-23 will bring more f2f activities as we follow our motto of Caring and Sharing.
MEMBERS CAN NOW USE E-TRANSFERS TO PAY FOR A MEMBERSHIP
Our branch can be contacted at rwtostratford@gmail.com
Cheryl Strickland, President
2021-2022 RWTO Stratford Program
Executive
| President | Cheryl Strickland |
| Past President | Joan Tettman |
| 1st Vice President | Linda O’Connor |
| 2nd Vice President | Patty Brine |
| Interim Secretary | Joan Tettman |
| Membership Convenor | Joyce Speake |
| Goodwill Convenor | Brenda Campbell |
| Treasurer | Pat Laing |
| Social Convenor | Mary Riddell |
| RWTO Insurance | Amanda Nawn |
| Issues and Concerns | Susan Young |
| Communications | Helen Harrison |
| Archivist | Cheryl Strickland |
All executive members can be reached by contacting rwtostratford@gmail.com
Your message will be forwarded to the appropriate person.
RWTO Stratford Memorial Tribute 2019-2020
DALGLEISH, Joyce Doreen
Joyce Doreen Dalgleish, formerly of 287 Elgin Cres., Stratford, passed away October 20 at Ritz Lutheran Villa in Mitchell. Born in 
Heward, Saskatchewan, on April 19, 1929, she was the daughter of Lorin and Aimee (Roger) Dalgleish. She spent her early life in Saskatchewan, Vancouver, and Motherwell, before she settled in Stratford. After attending Stratford Normal School, she received a bachelor of arts from the University of Western Ontario (since renamed Western University) in London, Ontario, and a masters of education from the University of Virginia. Joyce taught at School Section No. 8 in Downie Township, and at Hamlet, Avon and King Lear elementary schools in Stratford. She served as vice-principal at Falstaff and Avon schools and principal of Central school in St. Marys. She also taught on exchange in Saskatoon and in Wales, as well as three years in France and Germany for the Department of National Defence. While teaching overseas, she travelled extensively through Europe, Scandinavia, Britain, the Middle East, Russia and Africa. She retired in June 1984. She was a member of Parkview United Church in Stratford, where she served on the official board, and acted at various times as steward, elder, and clerk of session. She was also a life member of Parkview United Church Women. She belonged to the Stratford Hospital Auxiliary, the Stratford Horticultural Society, and the Christian Women’s Organization, as well as the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, with whom she was president for two years of the local branch. Joyce will be missed by her many cousins and friends. At Joyce’s request, there will be no funeral home visitation. Her funeral will be at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Avonbank Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of one’s choice. 519.271.7411
Alice Muriel Wilson, age 94, passed away at Stratford General Hospital on Friday August 5, 2022, after a brief illness.
Alice was born in Monkton, Ontario, on December 4, 1927, daughter of the late James Wilson and Candace Wilson (Smith). Alice was predeceased by her husband James Quick, brother Craig Wilson, sister Lenore (Nori) Mills.
Alice will be dearly missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Carol Quick.
She is survived by sisters-in-law Donna Wilson and Judith Lloyd (Quick).
Alice is survived by nieces Nicole (Mauricio), Candiss, Sue, Nan (Tom), Kate, Carolyn (Jay), nephews David (Raquel), John (Areta) and their families.
Alice was predeceased by her grandchildren Nathaniel and Michelle, brothers-in-law Kenneth Mills, William Langdon, Barry Lloyd, sister-in-law Jane Langdon (Quick), and nephew Christopher.
Alice grew up in Monkton. She moved away to attend Normal school in Stratford and became a kindergarten teacher, working in Goderich, Etobicoke and London, Ontario. She loved her school children and was remembered by them.
Alice raised her family in London, Ontario. She later obtained her BA from Western University.
When her husband retired, Alice lived in Bayfield, Ontario, owning and operating a store on the main street, making many friends there.
Her final years were lived in Stratford, where she had many interests, including the RWTO, the Stratford Festival, and the “Sing For The Joy Of It” choir. Alice added zest to any group she was a part of. She was active all her life, enjoying walks with her son, daughter-in-law and Nelson, her favourite dog, almost until the end.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to her doctors, the nurses and staff at Stratford Hospital, and to the nurses and staff at Cedarcroft Retirement Home for their care for Alice in her latest years.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Alice’s life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 2- 4 p.m., in the reception centre of the funeral home. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Stratford General Hospital Foundation or Doctors Without Borders through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. 519.271.7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alice Wilson 2022..
Doris Evelyn Bartlett
Doris Evelyn Bartlett, age 95, of Stratford, passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on March 14, 2022. Daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Burgener) Stoskopf. Doris was predeceased by her former husband Edward Bartlett, and her three sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel and Jack Skalitzky, Ethel and Doug Dunbar, and Charlotte and Bill Scholl. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews and their husbands and wives. Doris will be sadly missed by her family, son Steve Bartlett (Pamela Honig) and her grandchildren, Hannah, and Esther Bartlett.
Doris was a teacher and her first position was in North Easthope in a one room schoolhouse with many grades to teach. She walked to school in those days. After several years teaching in Kitchener she spent the rest of her career teaching at schools in Stratford. She taught younger grades at Romeo, Juliet and Falstaff and then she taught art to grades 7 and 8 at King Lear and Juliet. After retirement Doris continued to help adults learn to read at Conestoga College. She was always proud of her students and took great joy when they would return to talk to her later.
Both Doris and her sister Hazel volunteered at the Stratford Hospital gift shop for many years. Doris was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she also volunteered for many years. She supported children through World Vision all of her life. She held various positions in the Superannuated Teachers Federation.
Doris was an artist at heart, and she loved all its forms, oils, watercolour, clay molding, hooking, making crafts, calligraphy and on and on. She was a loving mother, and a huge part of her grandchildren’s lives. She always made the seasons and holidays exciting for them. Doris was very close to her sisters and they enjoyed everyday life and travelling together. Her family always came first.
Visitation at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, March 18, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. reception to follow. Those who wish to join the family from home can follow the view livestream link below Doris’s obituary on the funeral home website. Interment at First St. John’s Lutheran Church, Seebach’s Hill. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran church or World Vision Canada through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Elaine Bandermann
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, nana, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Elaine Bandermann, age 73 of Stratford and formerly of Toronto, passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on Tuesday June 22, 2021. Born in Amarillo Texas, daughter of the late Lorine and Francis Pritchard, she became a proud citizen of Canada. Sister to Lucy and Ruth. Aunt to Melissa,
Clea and Robin. Beloved wife of Volkmar of 51 years. Loving mother of Ingrid and mother-in-law to Silbert. Nana to Ocean, Phoenix and Jordynn. Elaine graduated from The College of Wooster in Ohio, USA. After graduation she ventured to Toronto, Canada in 1969 where she was going to stay only for a little bit. She found a job working for the United Church of Canada. After meeting Volkmar she undoubtedly stayed, married in 1970, adopted Ingrid in 1972 and led a life in Canada. Elaine attended OISE at the University of Toronto where she studied to become a teacher. She was a devoted teacher with the Scarborough Board of Education. She loved incorporating drama into her practice and diverse literature. She was that teacher whom everyone treasured being kind, gentle and very respectful of children. In 1997 she earned her Doctorate of Education and continued to teach in Scarborough until she retired. She retired from teaching in 2003. Both Elaine and Volkmar moved to Stratford, Ontario shortly after. Elaine was an active member of her church community. Her love of books continued where she was able to lead different book studies and discussion groups. Elaine will be sorely missed by all whom she touched. May she Rest in Peace and Love. A private family visitation will be held on Friday July 2, 2021 at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford with prayers at 2 pm. Those wishing to join the family from home may do so by clicking view livestream under Elaine’s obituary on the funeral home website. A public celebration of Elaine’s life will be held at Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford on Saturday, September 4 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to L’Arche Stratford through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Helen Marie Anderson (nee Thomson)
Helen Marie Anderson (nee Thomson) passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Stratford General Hospital in her eighty-ninth year. Born in Blanshard Township, Helen was the beloved wife of the late Stewart A Anderson (2013) for 58 years. Together they operated Athlone Farms on Concession 4/5 of South Easthope Township, retiring to Stratford in 2003.
Helen was the loving mother of Brian (Wendy) of Athlone Farms, and Douglas (Vicki) of Orillia. Cherished grandmother of Heather Peters (Dennis), Amber, Alexander, Marc (Stephanie), Christopher (Kayla) and Eric (Brenda). It was Helen’s great joy to be great grandmother (GG) to Hailey and Elliott Peters, who adored her in equal measure.
Helen is survived by her dear sister, Marion Urquhart as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Besides her parents, Purves and Christena Thomson of St Marys, Helen was pre-deceased by her brothers-in-law, Roger Urquhart and Ronald Fuhr and her sister-in-law Mary (Anderson)Fuhr.
Helen was a 60 year member and past Board Director of the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario and a life member of the Hampstead Women’s Institute. She received a Volunteer Service Award from the Ministry of Citizenship and the Ministry of Culture and Communications for her work with the Women’s Institute’s Erland Lee Museum at Stoney Creek. She was a graduate of the Stratford Normal School and a founding member of the Friends of Stratford Normal School/Teachers’ College Heritage (recipient of the James Anderson Heritage Award). She served as director on the Board of Stratford General Hospital. Helen was a long time member of St Johns United Church and Avondale United Church and a life member of the United Church Women, serving in many leadership roles.
She and Stewart enjoyed travelling with family and friends to many locations throughout North America and around the world.
Lauretta Marie Wheatley
Lauretta Marie Wheatley, age 80, of Stratford and formerly of Simcoe, passed away peacefully following a brief illness at the Stratford General Hospital on June 20, 2020. Born in Stratford, January 4, 1940, daughter of the late George Wheatley and Helen (Welch) Malcho.
Lauretta taught school in Norfolk County for 35 years until her retirement when she moved back to Stratford. She was a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and volunteered much of her time with the Stratford Perth Humane Society and Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence. Lauretta was a member of The Retired Women Teachers of Ontario.
She is survived by sisters Linda Riehl (Robert), Barb Mills (Lee) and Deb Jarvis (Richard). She will be remembered by nieces and nephews Jason Huffman, Brock Huffman (Kasia), Adam Huffman, Courtney Jarvis (Trevor Thompson), Luke Jarvis (Jessie) and their families. Predeceased by an infant brother Larry.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, June 26, from 2-4 p.m. Masks are required and will be available at the funeral home. A family graveside service will take place at Avondale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Stratford Perth Humane Society through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Patricia “Trish” Maureen Brooks
Patricia “Trish” Maureen Brooks, age 70, of Stratford, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at Stratford General Hospital. Born in Stratford, daughter of the late James and Owna (Sewell) Brooks. Loving and proud mother of Natalie (Steve) Miller and Candice Kennedy. Cherished grandmother of 
Sydnie, Nolan, Emersyn and Joshua. Much loved sibling to Jim (Yvette) Brooks, Lynn (Garry) Ransom, Marion (John) Lott, Deb (Keith) Adair, Lori (Don) Taylor and her many nieces and nephews. Dear friend who will be missed by many. Once Trish graduated from high school, she went to The Stratford Normal School (1969) to become a school teacher. While she taught full time, Trish attended night school at Wilfred Laurier University where she attained her BA. Trish began her teaching career at Sprucedale Public School before settling into her career as a teacher at St. Michael’s, St. Ambrose and St. Patrick’s, Kinkora in the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board where she eventually retired (2001) after 32 years. During her time with the Catholic board she was an active member of OECTA and Retired Teachers Association for many years. Trish had many passions. Her love for travel had her cruising and touring all over the world, spending most of her summers in Britain and Europe.
Trish’s passion for travel led her to become an outside travel agent for Fettes Tours for many years allowing her to share her knowledge and thirst for adventure with others as she guided them from country to country. After her retirement, she became a tour guide for Cherrey bus lines. Trish also took an active role on the committee of Stratfords of the World – Sister Cities.
WICKENHEISER, Ferne
Elsie Ferne Wickenheiser, age 84, of Stratford passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on October 2, 2019. Born in Eastwood, Ontario, daughter of the late Harry and Elsie (Church) Schell. Predeceased by her husband John (2002). Ferne is survived by her partner of 13 years Otto Weber. Loving mother of Donald (Laurie), Grace Wickenheiser, Edward (Lizzie), Susan 
Scott (Marty), and Theo Weber (Bev). Grandmother of Rev. Amanda Bisson (Mike), Jacklyn Wickenheiser (Jeremy), James Wickenheiser (Heather), Matthew Scott (Amanda), Melinda Scott and great-grandmother of Ashton, Hailey and Kinsley. Sister of Robert Schell (Mary), Ellen Illman, Rev. Harry Schell (Shirley), Anna Hamilton (Rev. Hugh), Cathy Schippers (John), David Schell (Rev. Marg), Della Jezard. Also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Audrey, Roy (Faye), Karon Wickenheiser and many nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Edna Wickenheiser, sister in infancy and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Ted Illman, Jack Jezard, Carl, Helen and Albert Wickenheiser. Friends and relatives will be received at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford on Tuesday, October 22, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gadshill. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Lung Association or Canadian Cancer Society through the funeral home. 519.271.7411
www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Judith (Judy) Marie Tye
Judith (Judy) Marie Tye, age 65, on August 9, 2019 received medical assistance in dying after a short battle with lung cancer. Judy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Allan, her daughter Emily Rivers (Wyatt), her grandchildren Delilah and Felix, and her son Tristan Tye (Michelle). She is also survived by her sisters Kathryn Honsberger (Rick) and Susan Ukroenz (Michael), as well as by 
several nieces and nephews. Judy was predeceased by her parents, Chris and Dorothy Patterson.
Judy was a proud teacher librarian in the former Lincoln County Board of Education, the East York Board of Education, and the Toronto District School Board. She also worked as the Resources Coordinator for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, a position that she particularly enjoyed.
In 2010 Judy and Allan retired to their favourite city, Stratford. During her teaching career Judy was always active in volunteer work, especially serving on boards of directors for non-profit organizations. She continued her volunteer work during her retirement, most recently serving on the board of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. During her retirement Judy also had a business, Judy Tye Arts Management.
There will be no funeral; however, there will be a celebration in the near future. Judy would be extremely pleased to know that any donations made in her name would be to the Stratford Symphony Orchestra on www.canadahelps.org. She was passionate about helping this fine orchestra until the end.
MOUNTAIN, Margaret
Margaret Edith Lorraine Mountain, born April 7, 1918, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2020 at the home of her daughter Bonnie (Brock) Hueston near St.
Marys. Margaret was predeceased by her son Jo on July 4, 1969, and her husband Bob on March 18, 2000. Survived by three children, seven grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren: Marilyn (John) Herman and family; Chantelle (Peter) Marshall – Keegan, Kiana, and Liam Melanie (Michael) Dodds – Meredith, Ada
m, and Catherine, Sean (Carla) Robinson – Ryder and Addison. David (Lenora] Mountain and family; David John (Robin) Mountain – Jo and Will, Karen (Stephen) McGinnis – Alexandra (Martijn) Bertens, and Jakob. Bonnie (Brock) Hueston and family; Angela (Velos) Christou – Elijah, Lily, and Clara, Jenny (Patrick) Ford – Francis and Willa. Also survived by sister-in-law, Eileen (John) Mountain and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. One of Margaret’s favorite times was her annual Christmas get together for the “cousins” which she hosted most recently in December of 2016. Family was the cornerstone of Margaret’s life. Her unwavering sense of values have been evident in the beautiful home she provided, in her constant and “proper” dress and demeanor, and in her approach to life: “Always look forward” “Always be kind” and “if it’s not nice, don’t say it.” Margaret’s values also held true in her 30 year career as a teacher. Many students will attest to her toughness as a teacher with the follow up that she prepared them well for adulthood. Margaret’s memories of her many students were very clear and remarkably she remembered their names. Most of her career teaching was at S.S. 9 Downie and at Downie Central School. Since her retirement in 1981 Margaret faithfully attended RWTO [ Retired Teachers of Ontario] meetings which she thoroughly enjoyed. Until the age of 97 she drove to the meetings taking others along. Thanks to Dianne Kierney she continued attending until after she celebrated her 100th birthday. Bob and Margaret were faithful members of the Avonbank United Church until its closure in 1968 after which they joined St. Marys United Church. Bob was an Elder and Margaret took an active role in the WMS\UCW at both churches for over 40 years. The last 20 years saw Margaret expanding her horizons, joining Aqua fit classes at the Pyramid Centre and meeting new friends. The Tim Horton’s morning “bunch” became her source of happiness as they included her in their morning get-togethers. Betty McCurdy and Margaret Spearin became her steadfast friends. During this past July, thanks to the wonderful caring Doctors and staff of St. Marys Memorial Hospital all of the family were able to visit her as she sat in comfort on her bed with her arms clasped around her knees, sharing memories, asking questions and generally “holding court”. From “Tom Boy” walking the beams in the barn, to young teen child care worker for a prominent Toronto family (every summer throughout her high school years), to stellar athlete on Toronto baseball and basketball teams, to being a teacher for over a quarter century, to the wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother to her family, Margaret can be said to have lived a full and well lived life. There will be a private family service of celebration. As tributes, donations can be made to Avonbank Community Church. Online condolences at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
