Announcements

After a short illness at Brantford General Hospital on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in his 86th year. Beloved husband of the late Janet Quinn (nee Keating). Loving father of John and Sarah. Proud grandfather of Adelaide and Maeve (mother Christine). Brother of the late Antony, Maureen, and Eileen. Survived by his siblings Mickey, Eddy and Estelle (†Tony) Berry. Peter will be missed by his companion Helen Hamilton of 16 years. A Celebration of Peter’s life will be held at MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 28 Caithness Street East, Caledonia on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Donations to The Navy League of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca.

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce both the birth and passing of our sweet girl, Claire Lynn Almas. On February 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., Claire bravely entered the world on her own terms, 15 weeks early. Beloved daughter of Michael and Sydney Almas (nee Smith) of Hagersville. During her time in the NICU at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Claire was often described as feisty by her nurses. She loved to squeeze her parent’s fingers, sleep on her tummy, and listen intently to the voices of her family. She had her mommy’s nose and lips, daddy’s toes, and a head of hair that undoubtedly would have turned into beautiful curls. Despite being so tiny, our girl put up a strong fight. Ultimately, she was too tired, and Claire passed peacefully in the arms of her loving parents on the afternoon of March 2, 2025. During her short life, Claire was loved unconditionally. She will be deeply missed by her grandparents Johnny and Sharon Almas, Kelly Smith and Don Heaslip, Trevor Smith and Bev Wydysz. Always remembered by her aunties and uncles, Emma and Luke, Becky and Brad, Trevor, Mikayla, Tyler and Amy, Zac and Emily, Adam and McKenna, and Avery. Tie breaker and cousin #5 on both sides of her family, Claire’s absence will be felt by her big cousins Josie and Johnny, Brooks and Millie, Blake, Sullivan and Sonny, and Brynlee. Claire will also be missed by her many great grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, honorary aunties and uncles, extended family and friends, and of course, her fur sister Ivy, who would have loved and protected her fiercely. Mommy and Daddy would like to extend our most sincere thanks to everybody who helped us through this journey, kept mommy safe, and provided wonderful care for Claire. To our midwives at Midwives of Brant, Heather Pittman and Michelle Moore-West. Thank you for your love, compassion, and ongoing support. Our lovely nurses from the 4B antenatal ward – Amelia, Vicky, Jessi, Amy, and countless others who supported our journey before Claire’s arrival. Both the L&D and MFM teams, especially Dr. Sapna Sharma, every single nurse we crossed paths with in labour and delivery, and Auntie Emma for making sure we always got the VIP treatment every time we needed help. Claire’s favourite NICU nurses – Farheen, Shauna, Bronwyn, Victoria, Lindsay, Luke, and Cat, and every person we met from the RT team. We are so lucky that Claire had you by her side during the times we couldn’t be. Extra special thank you for taking such good care of our girl, Dr. Edward Pugh, Dr. Karen Thomas, and especially Dr. Hamdi Najjar – who has the absolute best bedside manner and always went above and beyond to make sure Claire was comfortable and we were supported and cared for. Thank you Hamdi. Thank you to RHB Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd for their care in this delicate situation. In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities South

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 7th, 2025, just four days shy of her 96th birthday. Reunited with her husband Lloyd after 37 years and her son Murray (1971). Loving mother of Joan (†Don) Houser.  Cherished grandmother of Julie Houser (Russ Perry), Steven Houser (Amanda), and great-grandmother of Brody and Addison. Will be sadly missed by her twin sister Hilda (†Glenn) Caughell, her sister Thelma (†Don) Sutor (Blaine Fisher). Predeceased by her brother Ross (†Audrey) Kriter, sister Lois († Maurice) Yager. Helen was an employee of A&P for 40 years, volunteered at Grandview Lodge Tuck Shop for 30 years, and spent countless hours working with the UCW. Family will receive friends at BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, 315 Broad Street East, Dunnville on Tuesday March 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Funeral service will be held at the South Cayuga Community Church, 6182 Rainham Rd, Dunnville, on Wednesday March 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment Dunn Cemetery. If so desired, donations to South Cayuga Community Church or Grandview Lodge Tuck Shop would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Donna May (Hanna) Smelser, 74 of Dunnville on February 28, 2025. Donna died peacefully with her daughter’s by her side. As per Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Arrangements entrusted to BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, 315 Broad Street East, Dunnville.  Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.

Rev. Richard Stienstra, at 92 years old, went home to be with his Creator and Redeemer on Sunday, March 2, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Trudy, and his children, Wendy, Margo (Richard), Deborah (Greg), Michael (Carrie), Daphne (Jack), and Lyn (Art).  His ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild will miss their playful and loving Grandpa. He will also be missed by Mary (Sandy) Postma, his remaining sibling. Richard’s strong faith, integrity, and good-heartedness walked with him throughout his life and in his ministries with congregations in Caledonia, Michigan; Edmonton, AB; Abbotsford, BC; Dundas, ON; and Dunnville, ON. Visitation for Richard was held at Grace Reformed Church, 514 George St., Dunnville on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral Service was held at Grace Reformed Church on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 2:30pm. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Christian Education organization of your choice, in memory of Richard Stienstra. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, Dunnville (905-774-7277). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.  “Great is Thy faithfulness, mercy, and love”

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Larry has gone to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Married to his wife Carol for 56 years.  Loving father of two sons Nathan (Janelle Beacom), and Aaron (Roshni). Proud Grandpa of Chelsea, Rowan and Londyn. Larry was a faithful member of Waterford Baptist, now Waterford Bible Church for over 56 years. He played harmonica on Sundays and served as a deacon for many years. Larry was loved by many and will be missed.  Family and friends were welcomed at Thompson-Mott Funeral Home, Waterford, on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. Visitation was also held at Waterford Bible Church on Sunday March 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Waterford Bible Church  www.thompsonmottfuneralhome.com.

On Monday, March 3, 2025 at West Haldimand General Hospital (Hagersville) the Lord called home his child Janny Bevaart at the age of 93. Beloved wife of †Jan Bevaart (2022). Loving mother of Diane and Eric Stam, Brian and Sharon, Clarence and Debbie, Paul and Melinda, †Richard (1972), and David and Jody. Sister of †Gerrit (†Nel), †Gerard (Nellie), Willy (Ab), Joop (Margeet), Gerda (†Jan). Sister-in-law to Anton (Susan), Nelly (†Wolter). Special Oma of 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff at Parkview Meadows (Southview) and West Haldimand General Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to our dear mother. Visitation on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at MT. HOPE COMMUNITY CRC, 3076 Homestead Dr., Mount Hope, where the Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1 p.m. Private family interment to precede the service at Mt. Hamilton Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to Calvin Christian School in memory of Janny. Please sign the Tribute Wall at kitchingsteepeandludwig.com

March 6, 1928 – Jun 2, 2001  As new generations move through life stages and hobbies of young and old collide, there’s you.  Memories and funny recollections of growing up with Grampa Chuck.   The smile when I tell my teenage dirt bike loving son how his Great-Grampa would rip up the road on his mini-bike…hat backwards and aviators on! As he goes skating with his buddies, there are stories of that handsome Charlie Clause, who was always light on his feet, catching the eye of young Margaret Close. How learning to skate on the pond was a right of passage for all of us. Around the holidays, I re-count how I would brag to my young classmates that MY grandparents were ‘Mr. & Mrs. Clause’…so, my Grampa was practically Santa. The ultimate flex for a primary-school kid!  I can close my eyes and still feel the strength of your hugs and the stubble on your cheek.  You’re here Charlie.  In the hearts and memories of your Clause-Close clan, you’re here.   With loving remembrance,  ♥All your branches and twigs.

Peacefully, at Dover Cliffs Longterm Care, Port Dover, in his 73rd year. Christopher Montague, formerly of Simcoe and Jarvis, was the beloved father of Wayne and his wife M.J.. Dear grandfather of Dylan, Alex (Alyisen), Denyka, Harmony, Dawson and Kylie. Brother of Mary Anne Van Remmen, Helena and Bob Church and Tom and Terry Montague.  Friends were invited to call at COOPER FUNERAL HOME,  19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Sandusk Road, Jarvis on Tuesday, February 25 at 11 a.m.  Interment of cremated remains followed in St. Ann’s Cemetery. If desired, donations to South Coast Wellness Addiction and Mental Health or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca