“Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”

With that in mind we sadly announce the passing of our mother, Minola Doucette, who slipped away peacefully on Friday, March 29th at the wonderful age of 100.5 years! Devoted wife of the late Adrian Doucette, and lovingly missed by her five children, John (Carolyn), Adrienne Walz (Tony Zanette), David (Debbie), Margaret Dunlap (Reid Bankley), Ken (Jean), and ‘Beavis’ (her cat).  

Grammie will be sadly missed by her 10 grandchildren - Richard Walz (Lisa Bonnell), Susan Miller (Jason), Jennifer Walz (Rick Howell), Whitney and Madison Zanette, Julia Vigilanti (Frank), Jenny Jamieson (Drew), Jessica Walters (Dan), Madison Spakoski, MacKenzie Williams (Leighton), and 12 great-grandchildren – Abby Walz, Tanner and Tia Miller, Jacob and Adriana Tinus, Emma, Sofia and Matthew Vigilanti, Parker and Grace Jamieson, Ethan and Payton Walters.

Having been orphaned at age 6 and sent to live with her grandparents who had no use for a sweet little girl with long blonde ringlets, Mom developed a quiet strength, determination, grace and dignity that got her through life until the very end.  Her sassy sense of humour prevails in our memories.  

Being an Air Force wife, Mother was able to create a loving home wherever we landed every few years. (Who says you can’t move the children while they’re in school! 😊)

Mom loved her church and over the years she was active in the programs it offered – the quilting bee, bake and craft sales, the Amazing Greys and many of her projects brought comfort to an untold number of refugees, children and families.

We welcome you to share in the celebration of Minola’s life this Friday, April 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Acres Baptist Church – 223 Hartwood Ave, Waterloo N2J 1B2, 519.745.3031.

Minola’s wishes were in lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the renovation of Glen Acres Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com

​Please visit Minola's obituary notice on Facebook.

1959 - 2019
 
Mark was born on August 23, 1959 and passed away in his sleep on March 29, 2019. 
 
He is survived by his sons, Robert (Jen) and his grandchildren Deegan and Everley from Fort McMurray, AB, and Matt (Erin) from Paris, ON., all of whom brought the joy to his life.  He also leaves behind his brother Steve (Cindy) and sister Carol (Dennis) Edwards, his friend Patti and her family, and several nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed spoiling when they were young.
 
He is predeceased by his parents, Jack Downs and Elinor Downs (nee Kohler) of Caledonia. 
 
Mark grew up in Caledonia and spent his adult life living in Kitchener and working as an electrician in and around the Waterloo Region.  He took great pride in his work and was most content while working.  He was also a self-taught carpenter.  Always willing to lend a hand to others, there are many carpentry projects that his family and friends continue to benefit from to this day.  His most recent project was helping Matt set up a welding shop in Paris.  
 
Mark enjoyed life by the Grand River, especially fishing, and playing or coaching hockey in the Caledonia arena just across the river from his childhood home.  He most enjoyed the time spent watching Rob and Matt competing in their various sports while growing up.
 
Thank you to everyone who supported Mark throughout his life.  May he rest in peace.     
There will be no public visitation. The family will privately share their memories. Should you wish to leave a message or  condolence they may be left at tricitycremations.com for the family.          

​Please visit Mark's obituary notice on Facebook.

July 15, 1931 – March 26, 2019
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Passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Freeport with her family nearby and dear friend Kathy at her bed-side.

Beloved wife of the late Bruce Shields (1985). Loving Mother to Barbara Shields of Guelph, Doug of Coquitlam, BC and Tracy (Gary Draves) of Point Clark. Devoted Nana to Scott and Mike of Kitchener, Twin Sister to Frank Mader (Elsie), Sister to Shirley Mader and Orville Mader (Joan) and sister-in-law to Pat Shields.

Predeceased by her Brother Harold Mader (Eva) and Sisters Elaine (Bill Wolfe), Fern (Bill MacKenzie), Norma (John Dessler), brother-in-law’s Cecil Mader and Bob Shields, and Scott Draves loving partner Alexandra Lahaie just one week ago.

Fran was the Postmaster of Breslau Post Office until her retirement. She returned part time to sort mail for many years with her Postal family; Kathy, Albert and Bob.

Travelling the world and socializing with her many friends and family was very important to Fran.  She was an avid Kitchener Rangers fan tending goal from her seat at many home and away games.

One of Fran’s biggest joys was the love and very close relationship she had with Grandsons Scott and Mike. For the many years she spoiled them, they returned the love and unconditionally cared for her up until the end. She was truly a caring, giving and fun person.

A very special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at the Freeport Palliative Care Unit for their kind and compassionate care they provided to Fran, her family and friends. Fran was so thankful and loved her time spent at Freeport.

Cremation has taken place and a private service will take place at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Freeport Hospital Palliative Care Unit or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com, 519-772-1237.

Please visit Fran's obituary notice on Facebook.

Passed away on March 25th at The Westmount Long Term Care, surrounded by family and loved ones after a long, brave battle with dementia. 

George was born in Budapest, Hungary on December 18, 1936 and immigrated to Canada at the age of 20  with his beloved wife Marta (Pinkoci). 

Survived by wife Marta, loving father to Martha and son-in-law Glenn (McNeil), cherished grandfather to Shannon and Charlene. 

As a Realtor in Kitchener-Waterloo for over 40 years, George was known for his wisdom, he enjoyed teaching anyone with an inquisitive mind.  George was a kind man who was respected by everyone whose lives he touched.  His family and friends will especially miss his infectious smile, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes and spending warm summers at the cottage with him.  A special thanks to the staff at The Westmount for their kindness and compassion during his stay. 

There will be a celebration of life for George at The Boathouse ( Victoria Park)  57 Jubilee Drive, Kitchener on Saturday May 11, 2019 from 1  pm - 3:30 pm.   All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.  As he was never without a dog on his side, in lieu of flowers donations to the KW Humane Society or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada are appreciated. Messages and condolences can be left at tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237.

​Please visit George's  obituary notice on Facebook.

(1943 – 2019)
 
Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener on Wednesday March 20, 2019 at the age of 75.
 
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Mabel and Charles McLellan, and beloved daughter Dinelle Davidson. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Tim Davidson, her son Shay Davidson (Cheryl), daughters Tyne Doroslovac (Toza) and Summer Braunig (Kevin), and sisters Barbara Waring and Margaret Cawthorpe (Dan). She will be sadly missed by her 7 grandchildren, Branin, Adriana, Keanna, Kailyn, Connor, Addison and Kier.
 
Born with a hearing impairment, Joyce was frustrated when she could not follow her mother and sisters into a nursing career. Although her disability limited her employment opportunities, she refused to let it hold her back in her personal life. Joyce was a caring daughter to her ailing parents while successfully managing a household with a workaholic husband and 4 young children. She was an avid reader, educating herself far beyond her formal education. While her hearing loss progressed until she was completely deaf by her mid-thirties, this still did not stop her from accomplishing whatever she set out to do.
 
Joyce was a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 50, where she mastered the game of shuffleboard. She was a fierce competitor, frequently winning Zone and District Tournaments, and playing against the top people from Legions across Ontario in the Annual Provincial Tournament.
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Joyce also played in the Ontario Shuffleboard Association League, winning in the Annual Ontario Playoffs 5 times and going on to compete against the best in the Canadian Shuffleboard Congress.
 
Those who knew her will remember Joyce as being a truly remarkable woman, intelligent, articulate, fiercely independent, strong-willed, stubborn, loyal, caring, dependable and brutally honest.
 
Special thanks to the Nurses at the Grand River Hospital Telemetry Unit for their incredible care and compassion.
 
A private family gathering will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Ontario as expressions of sympathy. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com.

Please visit Joyce's obituary notice on Facebook.

In loving memory of Thomas William Christoff, who passed away peacefully at Winston Park Long Term Care, on Monday, March 18th in his 87 year, with his family at his side. 

He has been reunited with his parents Cora and Peter Christoff, and sister Mildred. Loving husband of Lorraine (June) Christoff, nee Vendetti, who just celebrated their 64th Anniversary. Most wonderful Father of Cheryl, Theo (Mike) and Cathy.  Devoted and proud Poppy to Aaron (Courtney), Thomas and Samantha (Nicolas), as well as Great Grandchildren Jacob, Aniston, and Naël.  His passing has left a Gigantic void in our lives. 

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Winston Park and Doon Village Retirement Home, for their loving care and support.  Funeral service will be in the Chapel at Davidson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 135 Clarence Street, Port Colborne at 11:00 am.  Reception to follow at Walters & Neptune’s Restaurant, 258 West Street, Port Colborne.

As expressions of sympathy any donations to the Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.  Visit Davidson Funeral Home. Cremation Services handled by Tri-City Cremation Services – Kitchener to leave messages and condolences for the family. 

Please visit Thomas' obituary notice on Facebook.

1926 – 2019

Marianne passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Home with family at her side, on Sunday March 17, 2019 at the age of 92 years.

Born on June 23, 1926 in Riga, Latvia she was the dear wife of the late Alfons “Alf” Ludin (2007). Marianne immigrated to Canada with Alf in 1952 and soon after became a Royal Lifesaving Society and a Red Cross Swimming Instructor at the YWCA where she taught a generation of girls and young women swimming and lifesaving skills. She graduated from Waterloo University College in 1962 and went on to teach English, German, History and Phys Ed at Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate Institute (KCI) for 25 years. Marianne founded the KW Gymnastics Club in 1965 in the gym at KCI and often organized group travel to Europe for her students. She retired in 1987 and continued to travel frequently.

Loving Mother of Christian (Susan) of Ottawa and Desiree Ludin of Toronto. Proud Oma of Stefan, Mischa and Nicholas and Great Oma of Ava Emily Ludin. Predeceased by her parents, Reinhold and Kathe Poles and by her sister Giesla Poles (2016).

At her request, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Interment will take place at future date in Hanover, Ontario.

Special thank you to the staff at Sunnyside Home and Grand River Hospital for their care and compassion given to our family over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Grand River Hospital Foundation as expressions of sympathy.  

​Please visit Marianne's obituary notice on Facebook.

August 3, 1954 - March 15, 2019

Allen passed away peacefully with family by his side in his 65th year.  

He is survived by his beloved wife Wilma Desnoyers, Daughters Crystal (Safet), Alecia (Cristian) Tiffany (Marvin), grandchildren Alexander, Edin, Tyvan, Zeren, Braeden, Adrian and Yolan,  Mother Muriel Desnoyers, brother Doug, sisters Sharon, Darlene and Brenda, Son in law of Dorothy Hackett, brother in law Danny and sister in law Denise, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews , cousins and friends.

Predeceased by his father Claude Desnoyers, father in law William Hackett and brother-in-law Terry Hackett.

Al was raised in Hamilton, ventured to Vancouver and returned to Kitchener, where he raised his family. Al was an avid baseball and hockey player and passed his love of sports down to his grandsons. He retired from Canada Post after many years of service. He spent most of his retirement with his grandchildren by the pool and at the trailer.

Dad, you spent over 43 loving years by Mom’s side. You had a heart of gold and loved each one of us unconditionally.  We will forever hold your contagious smile and laughter in our hearts.  You will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 30th, 2019 at The Polish Legion Branch #412, 601 Wellington Rd N. Kitchener from 12:30 -3:30. Donations may be made to a charity of choice as expressions of sympathy. 

​Please visit  Allen's obituary notice on Facebook.

Peacefully surrounded by his family on March 13, 2019 at the age of 88. 

Beloved husband of 61 years to Moira Clifton (nee: Thomas). Loving father of Beverley, Andrea and her husband Bert Twomey.  Adored Grandad to Alex.  Brother to Ron, his wife Megan, sister-in-law Irene and cherished nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the nurses, staff and volunteers at Lisaard House, Cambridge.  Many thanks to neighbours and friends for their ongoing support and recently Community Support Connections (“CSC”).

Cremation has taken place.  Donations can be made to Lisaard House. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday April 27, 2019.  Venue to be determined and will be announced at a later date. 

Passed away peacefully at the age of 63 on March 13, 2019 at his home, with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer.
 
Sadly missed by his wife of 36 years Nancy Chabot (née Cormier). Loving father of Douglas and Christopher (Sheila). Proud grandfather of Lana, Leia and Amelia. Survived by his siblings Gisele, Marcel (Brian), Claude, Regent (Sandy), Jocelyne, Denise (Roger), Carol (Ken) and Richard (Mary), his sisters-in-law, Louise, Linda and Mary as well as many nieces and nephews.
 
He is predeceased by his parents Rosaire and Prezilda, siblings Yvon, Johnny, Huguette, Muguette, Andre and Real, his brothers-in-law John, George and Ben and his sisters-in-law Sharon and Shirley.
 
He was employed as a millwright for 34 years at Long Manufacturing.
 
Dan was fun-loving. He enjoyed golf, baseball, motorcycling, boating, tinkering in his garage and especially spending time with family and friends.

Thank you to ParaMed nurses Agnes and Mariah; you were awesome.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 12pm – 3pm at The French Club, 647 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, Ontario.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.