Announcements

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Floyd Gary Bruce Helka, April 5, 2025, in his 74th year. Floyd is predeceased by his father Bruce Freeman Helka and is survived by his mother Mary Katherine Helka (nee Hoover). Floyd has three children: Jason, Jeremiah and Amie and he has many grandchildren. Brother of Dale and her husband Rick Waxman, Faye (the late Rodney Phibbs) and her fiancé Gord Morris, Teresa Helka and her partner Rob Turvey and Brice and his wife Irene. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Floyd suffered a heart attack and stroke in 2010 and he was cared for by his mother for a few years until he moved to Maple Grove in Dunnville. We are grateful for the care and attention Floyd received from the staff at Maple Grove and Haldimand War Memorial Hospital who were very good to Floyd while he was in their care. He will be missed by all. At Floyd’s request, cremation has taken place.  Funeral arrangements entrusted to COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Jarvis (519-587-4414).  Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rick (Jake) Jacobs, a loving dad, and proud grandpa. Surrounded by family and friends he passed away in his home March 25 at the age of 71. Rick was a kind-hearted man who found joy in training racehorses, playing music, cracking jokes, and watching sports. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and resilience. He is survived by his children Jayme Jacobs and Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs (Alex Perrett), and grandkids Dezmund Jacobs, Arlo Perret, and Macklin Perrett.  A special thanks to homecare nurse Clysen and PSW Jesse, Dr. Fasano and the Movement Disorder Clinic. He will forever remain in our hearts.  Arrangements by Hyde & Mott Chapel, Hagersville. www.rhbanderson.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Elizabeth Honchar (nee Rumble). Surrounded by her family, Susan peacefully entered into rest on Monday, March 24, 2025, in her 80th year. Beloved wife of Pat for 59 years. Proud and loving mother of David (Lisa) and Jamie (Heather). Adored grandma of Mack, Aussie, Cooper, and Peyton. Cherished sister to Peter Rumble, Carolyn Rumble and Dorothy Robertson and sister-in-law to Marilyn Burke. Caring aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews. Susan is predeceased by her parents, Laura and Harold Rumble, sister-in-law Jillian Rumble and grandbabies Grace and Seth Honchar. As the matriarch of the family, Susan spent her life caring for her family. She will be fondly remembered for her home cooked meals, homemade cookies, and prize-winning preserves. Susan was a lifetime resident of Caledonia. Not only was she a devoted member of the Caledonia Baptist Church, she was also their longest standing member of the congregation. Susan was a selfless individual who dedicated countless years to serving others, always putting service above self. Her unwavering commitment to the community was evident not only at the Baptist Church but in her years of involvement with the Caledonia Fair. Additionally, Susan was a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering hot meals and a friendly visit to those in need. Her generosity and kindness touched the lives of many, and her legacy of service will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Susan was a talented quilter, creating many beautiful pieces that she entered in the fair and gifted to her family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting and donated many prayer shawls to the church. Over the years, Susan cherished time at the cottage with her family and friends. She treasured her extended family on Tangamong Lake. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice for their care and compassion throughout her brief stay and the immeasurable support and guidance of Susan’s niece Nancy Rumble Fobel. A private service will be held. Interment Caledonia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Caledonia Baptist Church or the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice (Kemp Care Network) of Hamilton. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

With sadness I announce the passing of my beloved father, Roy David McCormick who left us on March 28, 2025 at the age of 84. Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. Member of the Iron Workers Local 736 since 1963. Former member of Hagersville Minor Ball, Minor Hockey and the Kinsman. Family will miss his wit and humour, always ready with a comeback. I will never forget your love, generosity, and kindness. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer father. Thank you. You can rest easy now Dad.   Love, Lisa

  November 21, 1953 – March 19, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a remarkable woman, Diane Reynolds.  She finally succumbed to the horrible disease of cancer after putting up a courageous and valiant fight for over 4 years. Diane was a devoted daughter to Ray and Ruth Cox, a cherished and supportive wife of Gavin Francis. Loving mother of Kelly Palermo(Chuck), Karyn McClure(John) and Taylor Francis(Kate) and an extremely doting and protective grandmother to her grandchildren Brayson, Jordyn and Lorelai. From an early age her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic. This was clearly demonstrated on her summers working on the family farm in Nanticoke. Diane also had a passion to help people and began this calling while in her teens as a volunteer “candy striper” at the Queensway Hospital in Etobicoke.  This vocation eventually developed into a lengthy and admirable nursing career which lasted 47 years at the Mississauga General Hospital, where she spent 44 years in the Emergency Department with the last 38 years as a charge nurse. But working in this chaotic and hectic environment and helping people with their physical injuries and trauma was not enough. So in addition to working in the Emergency Department she recruited a special group of nurses called the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who were specifically trained to care for the special needs of survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Diane was also a visionary. She realized that these survivors deserved a special place to be cared for, away from the hectic and sterile environment of the Emergency Department. So in 1998 she created and raised the funds to build Chantel’s Place, a private, secure area in the hospital that provides a supportive atmosphere for survivors of sexual assault, child abuse and domestic violence. Diane was also a part time flight nurse,  providing critical care to patients during air medical transport back to their home country of Canada. As well, in her “leisure” time she worked as a cruise ship nurse which enabled her and Gavin to travel throughout the world. On her days off Diane enjoyed gardening and caring for the family property with her dad and her children at Peacock Point.  It was her haven away from the hecticness of the hospital and the congestion of the city. She loved the Peacock Point community and volunteered at the many events and sold 50/50 tickets with her mom by her side. She became a member on the Peacock Point Cottage Owners Association, holding various positions and eventually retiring as the president. Diane’s greatest joy was her grandkids. She loved sitting on the back deck and watching them kibitzing on the Cox property. She enjoyed playing bingo with her mom and the kids in the community hall while munching on 5 cent candy treats purchased at the same store she worked in as a teenager during her summers at the Point. Many of her days ended with a walk to the Peacock

1938 – 2025 With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Earl Phillips on March 19, 2025, at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.  He is survived by his wife, Valerie, and children, Mark (Rachel) and Carla (Jim), and brother-in-law, Roger Smith (Liz Smith, predeceased).  Cherished grandpa (“Pa”) of Caitlin and Coralie.  Predeceased by his parents, Mark and Irene Phillips, and brother, Clair Phillips. Earl was born and raised in Hagersville, Ontario, then moved with his family to Corbeil, Ontario, where he resided for almost 40 years.  Earl spent many years working for the Municipality of East Ferris. Earl loved to garden and was known for his perfectly manicured lawn. Funeral service will be held at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12 noon (visitation 1 hour prior to service).  Cremation to follow with interment of cremated remains at Hagersville Cemetery at a later date. In-lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.    www.rhbanderson.com

Passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on Thursday March 20, 2025 in her 50th year. Beloved wife of Wayne Pender. Loving mother of Braden. Dear daughter of Ivan and the late Marlene Touesnard. Cherished sister to Louise and John Townsend.  Adored aunt of Alyssah and Lindsay. Sister-in-law of Jason Pender and aunt to Mathis. Lisa was a college professor for 20 years and a passionate figure skating coach for 30 years. The family will honour her life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Friday, March 28, 2025 7-9 p.m. and Saturday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Hagersville United Church, 34 Main St. S., Hagersville on Sunday March 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice or Hagersville United Church.  www.rhbanderson.com

On March 12, 2025 in her 95th year, Helen took her final breath at Anson Place Care Centre in Hagersville.She has now been reunited with her husband Peter (2021), son Brian (2010), and grandson Braden (2014).Left to cherish her memory is daughter Sharon Fess (Bill) along with grandsons Scott Fess (Tonya), Dave Fess, and Nolan Bacher (Kirsten). Also survived by her precious great-grandchildren Taylor, Allie, Tanner,Owen, and Austin Fess, Dawson, and Bryce Bacher. Several nieces and nephews will also mourn her loss. She was predeceased by her brother Bill Cain and all of her Bacher brothers and sisters-in-law. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at Anson Place for their kindness, compassion and care throughout Helen’s long stay. For those wishing to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Alzheimer’s Society, Trinity Lutheran Church Fisherville or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Goodbye Mom, you have earned the right to rest in peace and enjoy the flower gardens in Heaven.

March 31, 1947 – March 8, 2025 Passed away with her family by her side at Caressant Care in Woodstock at the age of 77 after a long courageous battle with Alzheimers. Predeceased by her parents Jack Herod and Stella Herod (Patterson), her sister Ann Vinnai and her baby sister Barbara Herod.  She will be forever missed and always cherished by her children Amy (Kevin) and Jack. She will be forever lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Meagan, Ryan, Seth, Camryn, and Evan and by her great-grandchildren James and Niklause. She will be missed so much by her very loved niece Kim and her nephew Randy as well as Tracey and Jodi. Jackie had a love and passion being a hairdresser for many years and her fun, spunky personality always made her the life of the party. Cremation has already taken place and a family service will be held at a later date with the interment of ashes.  Big thanks to Hyde & Mott Chapel in Hagersville for your guidance through such a difficult time.  www.rhbanderson.com

October 9, 1936 – March 10, 2025 At Anson Place, Hagersville on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the age of 88 years. Wife of the late Gerald (Judd).  Loving mother of Ruth Ann and Robert Cousineau, and Jeff and Christine Hoover.  Grandmother of Lindsey and Robert, Tiffany and Craig, Easton, Brett and Johanna, Shannon and Patrick, Shane and Racheal, and eleven great-grandchildren. Sister of the late Willard and Marilyn Marshall. Sister-in-law of Reg and Adele, Ida and Roman, Elaine and the late Bill, and the late Glen, and Doug and Peggy.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Shirley was a school teacher for many years and started out in a one room schoolhouse. After she retired, she was very active in many positions including President of the retired Women’s Teacher Federation for Ontario. The family will receive friends at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4 – 8 p.m. with funeral service to be held in the chapel on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11 a.m.  Cremation to follow.  www.rhbanderson.com