Announcements

Peacefully surrounded by family at West Haldimand General Hospital, Hagersville on Monday, January 6, 2025, the Lord took home His child, Dick Koning, in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Sandra Koning for 60 years. Loving father of Richard (Brenda), Rodney (Sheila), Betty Ann (Gerry), Ryan (Mary), Russell (Emberlee), and Bethlynn (Steve). Loving grandpa of 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Dick is predeceased by his three brothers. He worked in the construction industry for many years, retiring from RF Almas. Dick enjoyed building and flying model airplanes as a hobby in his retirement and was a member of the Flying Tiger Model Airplane club. A big thank you to the W.H.G.H doctors and nurses for the care provided to Dad. The funeral service was held at Rehoboth United Reformed Church, 77 Glancaster Road, Ancaster on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. (The service will be livestreamed on the church website for those not able to make it in person). A private family burial preceded the funeral service. Donations to Shalom Manor or Ontario Christian Gleaners would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the book of memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

March 11, 1944 – January 6, 2025 Passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 in his 81st year. Beloved husband of 49 years to Joan (Packham) Fletcher. Loving father of Dave (Denise), Greg (Annie), Wendy (Dalton), Ken (Tammy), Joni (Michal), and Julie. Dear grandpa to Jonathan, Sarah, Michael, Breanna, Jason, Kennedi, Rachel, Jenni, Hollie, Carson, Rilee, Presley, Addison, Brinkleigh, Raelin, Emersyn, Tatum, the late Colin; and great grandpa to Ryker, Oliver, and Kinsley.  Brother of Larry (late Lyndie), Joan (late Jim), Bryan (late Adele), Evelyn (late Pat), Paul, Barry (Olga), Cindy (Mike), Sue (Craig), and Carrie.  Brother-in-law of Len (Hollie), Ray (Dianne), Jean (Joe), Gail (Bob), and the late Marion (Gord), Crawford (Carole).  Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill was a lifetime Jersey Dairy farmer, owning and operating Pleasant Nook Jerseys in Fisherville. The family will honour his life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel, R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where funeral service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1pm.  Interment Rainham White Church Cemetery, Fisherville.  As an expression of sympathy donation may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the charity of your choice.  www.rhbanderson.com

July 14, 1947 – December 29, 2024 It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Jane went to be with her Saviour and is now dancing in heaven alongside her twin brother, Geordie. She passed peacefully, with her daughters by her side, exactly as she had hoped for. A lifelong dreamer, determined optimist, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of reading, Jane’s legacy will continue to inspire and enrich countless lives around the world. After growing up in Caledonia, Ontario, with her parents Ken and Kate Berscht, sisters Ann (Mancel), Liz (Hubber), and Barb (Parkinson), Jane’s career began as a teacher in the Etobicoke Board of Education and continued in the Peel District School Board. An entrepreneur at heart, her creativity later birthed new business ventures including Yard Cards and The Baby Bookworms Shop in Streetsville. Driven by her vision, Jane dedicated her life to building Baby Bookworms and The Story Garden, trailblazing community literacy programs that offered hope and connection for individuals, families, and communities, preferably over a cup of tea. With an unwavering belief in the power of books to unite, educate, and empower, she taught thousands to read, creating opportunities for learning that transcended age, background, or circumstance. Whether launching literacy programs in underserved communities, making learning fun for her tutoring students, or inspiring families to share stories together, Jane poured her heart into everything she did. Jane will be missed by her daughters Amy Nagle and Carrie Baker, along with their husbands, her amazing grandchildren whom she loved more than anything, Roger Parent, as well as her sisters, the “Crazy Eights”, loving extended family, friends, and colleagues. Her impact extends far beyond her years, as the seeds of her calling continue to grow in the hearts and minds of those she inspired. A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at PORTICO Community Church in Mississauga on Saturday January 18, 2025 from 1 – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a book to someone in need in honour of Jane’s motto – “read with love, read for life.”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Doug Fox at Brantford General Hospital on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in his 90th year. Loving father of Kevin (Steffany), Laurie, Darryl, Randy (Deb), Marcy (Jose) and Jennifer. True dad to his step children Sue (Doug), †Steve, Sherry (Dave), †Scott, and Sandy (Jim). Dearly loved and cherished papa of †J.D, Crystal (Doug), Katelyn (Calvin), Clayton, †Tina, Jessica (Scott), Justin, Eli, Koen, Kyle, Elizabeth Jenny, Jamie, Brandon, Becky, Dylan, and many great-grandchildren. Brother of †Alfred, Ruth (†Don), †Bob and Irene (Calvin).  Husband of  †Beverly Fox. Doug will be missed by his partner Carol Bunn, mother of his children †Nancy and many friends. He had a lifetime love of excavating and was known to many as Doug the Digger. In his spare time he enjoyed helping at the Fox Lair Stables, was a big family man, loved playing the harmonica, woodworking and bird watching, enjoying campfires and was known for his pig roasts. Friends are invited to call at MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 28 Caithness Street, East on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service for Doug will be held at Miller Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1 p.m. Interment East Seneca United Church Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the book of memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

The Lord called unto Himself, His child, Trintje (Tina) De Boer, from Anson Place Care Centre, Hagersville on Monday, December 30, 2024, three days before her 97th birthday. Tina was predeceased by her husband Gerrit (2008), and her sons Ron (2022), Jerry (2014), Alvin (2001), and Richard (2000). She was the loving mother of Avaline and Harvey Campbell and Martin and Sandra. Dear Beppe of Laura Campbell and Bryan (Toni) Campbell and great grandmother of Max, Caleb and Olivia. Sister of Hillie Corporaal and Dorothy Dykstra. Predeceased by her siblings Richtje, Wijtze, and Hiltje. Friends are invited to call at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. Funeral Service for Tina will be held at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, 139 Talbot Street East, Jarvis on Friday, January 3 at 11 a.m. (The funeral service will be livestreamed on the ‘Jarvis Ebenezer CRC’ YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in person). Interment Knox Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario or Muscular Dystrophy Research would be appreciated by the family.  Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hilda Evelyn De Leeuw (DeJong) on Sunday, December 22 at University of Ottawa Heart Institute in her 63rd year. Hilda will be missed by her loving daughters Danielle and Hailey. She will be missed by her longtime friend Herman. Dear sister of †Tiena , Peter (Donna) and Gary (Melanie). Aunt of Mindy (James), Stephine (Robert), Em- ily and Miles. Great Aunt of Jacob, Seth, Tiberius, Robert and Arthur. Predeceased by mother Minke, father Jacob and sister Tiena. Friends are invited to call at MILLER FU- NERAL CHAPEL, 28 Caithness Street East, Caledonia on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2-6 p.m. Interment York Cemetery on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. Donations can be made to the SPCA or the charity of your choice. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the book of memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

April 17, 1964 – December 20, 2024 The family is heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of our beloved Cathy after a hard-fought battle with pneumonia. Welcomed into Heaven by her mother Faye Graham and nephew Matt Fagan. Cathy was the loving mother of Tim Morris (Kelly) and Greg Woods (Christina). Dear daughter of Ron Graham and Faye Graham (predeceased), sister to Rob and Denise Graham, Rick and Cheri Graham, Debbie and Mike Noss, Becky Anderson, and Joanne and Mike Fagan. She was a fun-loving Aunt Cathy to 14 nieces and nephews. Her generous happy free spirit will always be remembered. Private Family celebration of Cathys life to follow.

They are finally back together. He clasped her hand and their hearts were one again. Sadly, our Nan started her final journey at 80 years of age at the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton on December 20, 2024. Devoted wife to the late Sidney Dean Brant. Loving mother to Tina and Tammy. Greatest Nanny to Shaedyn, Emma, Vlora, Sage. Sister to Jack and Deanna McNaughton. Predeceased by her parents Daniel and Viola McNaughton, brothers Sandy (Judy), Earl and Lorna, Dan and Elaine, Reginald and Mary, William and Leone, Muriel. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was a volunteer with Six Nations Veteran’s Association and The Red Barn. Dedicated for 14 years to Canada Post. Cherished member of The Breakfast Club. The family honoured her life with a visitation/service at Hyde and Mott Chapel, Hagersville on Sunday, December 22 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service was held in the chapel on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Grand River United Church. www.rhbanderson.com

Peacefully at his home in Caledonia, comforted by his children and his best friend Chris, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in his 75th year. Loving father of Dion (Danielle), Sabrina, Jesse (Shelby), Lia, and Katie (Michael) White.  Grandfather of Lily, Ashlynn, Everleigh, and Malia. Brother of the late Edith (the late Clare) Gibson.  As an avid sports fan, you would find Norm at home doing crossword puzzles and watching football, especially his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, or enjoying a bottle of Blue at the local watering hole. At Norm’s request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. If desired, a donation to McMaster Children’s Hospital would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements entrusted to MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Caledonia (905-765-2712). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the  Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

Passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton in her 83rd year. Predeceased by her parents Charles and Violet Townson. Predeceased by her husband Wallace “Donald” Fess.  Loving mom to her three children Kimberly Ann Fess, Donald Wayne Fess (Marcia), and Eric Denton Fess (Kellie). She had five grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as Nan. Cameron Wayne Fess, Gabriel Marie Leslie (Matt), Mason Morgan Fess (Elizabeth), Jeffery Charles Fess and Marquise Fithian Fess. Each one of them held a special place in her heart. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren whom each stole a little piece of her heart. Morgan Elizabeth Leslie, Weston Marcus Leslie and Dawson Gabriel Leslie.  Nancy was the youngest of eleven children. She enjoyed traveling and being with her family and loved her trips to the casino.  Nancy lived in Balmoral, Ontario and then Jarvis, Ontario.  Nancy and Don settled into a home in Hagersville, Ontario where they raised three children.  Nan will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Although there is sadness here, there is rejoicing in Heaven. We Love you Nan! As per Nancy’s wishes cremation has taken place. SERENITY BURIAL & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093 have been entrusted with the arrangements.