Jeannie passed away peacefully the morning of January 6, 2020 with family at her bedside. Born on January 24, 1957 and raised in the Ottawa Valley, she moved to Toronto to work at Sick Kids’ Hospital. She loved her short career, first as a secretary, then accountant, and was also a volunteer cook at Houselink for a number of years. She was fiercely proud of her son Tyler, a graduate of University of Toronto and OISE, and his career as a math and science educator.
Survived by loving son Tyler Borovijs (Kelly Miller), sisters Claire Poirier (Camil), Harriet Hodgins (John), sister-in-law June. Predeceased by parents Alec and Lulu McDermid; brothers Bob (Alice), Campbell (Beatrice) and Douglas; former spouse Yancy Borovijs. Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews Nancy, Bob, David, Brian, Alexander, Douglas, Laura, Cora Lee, Anne, Darlene, Nancy, Campbell, Linda, Ted, Jacqueline, Marc; and by cousins Russell, Elda, Gary, Lloyd, Lynn, Ken, Richard, Karen, Denise, Terry, Alan, Jeff, Tim, Ron, Don and Euretta.
Jeannie loved life and its simple pleasures – a cup of Tim’s (three milks, no sugar), a long walk, listening to music, sharing wine with friends, and socializing. Her face would light up with pleasure when family or friends came to visit.

Jeannie faced major health challenges with raw courage, perseverance and dry wit. A tough character who brooked no fools, she was generous, game for adventure and full of life.

As a carrier of Lupus and Hughes syndrome (antiphospholipid syndrome, or APS), the effects of dozens of strokes gradually reduced her ability to enjoy her favourite activities. Jeannie’s world became smaller as her physical restrictions and speech impediments grew. It was gratifying to know her spirits were lifted by the company of family who stayed by her side through her final week of care in hospital and hospice.

The family thanks staff and volunteers at The O’Neill Centre for Jeannie’s long-term care. Heartfeult thanks also to staff at Toronto Western Hospital and Kensington Hospice for recent care and support, and to Dr. Melissa Li for enabling our transfer to Hospice for our family to say their final goodbyes.

A memorial for Jeannie will be held in the Ottawa Valley in summer 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kensington Hospice or Lupus Canada. Condolences to the family may be offered through www.abc-toronto.com. “Don’t weep at my grave, for I am not there. I’ve a date with a butterfly to dance in the air. I’m singing in the sunshine, wild and free; playing tag with the wind while I’m waiting for thee.” (Sharon A. Bryington).

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our cherished mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Andrew and son Edward (Brenda). She will be forever lovingly missed by her children Barry (Janice), Andrea (Richard), Eric (Maria) and Sharon (Tim). Dearly loved grandmother to Chadwick (Heidi), Melissa (Joe), Marcine (Jakub) and Taylor and great grandchildren Douglas, Alexis, Caden, Evelyn and Malina. She will be forever remembered by many friends and family. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice.

September 14, 1925 – December 1, 2019

 Jean passed away peacefully at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital in Orillia Ontario on Sunday December 1^st.

Jean will be missed by her children Lesley Corte, Bud Davies and daughter-in-law, Michelle Biehler and her grandchildren Ben (Kristen), Emily and Hannah.

Jean was born on her mother’s visit to Dunfirmline Scotland and grew up in Beaconsfield Quebec. After marrying her beloved husband John Davies in 1950 they lived in many cities across Canada forming deep friendships along the way before settling and retiring in Tsawwassen British Columbia.

After living in Tsawwassen for 37 years with John (pre-deceased), she recently moved back to Ontario to be cared for by family.  Jean loved to hear about the lives of her grandchildren and was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments.  She loved being surrounded by them at special times of the year even if she couldn’t get a word in edgewise.  Family and friends were very important to her and she strived to keep her immediate family, extended family and friends connected.

Well into her 90’s, Jean continued to be a good sport and up for anything including sailing on Georgian Bay, visiting Whistler Peak and taking a ferry ride to Victoria, BC.   She was a model for active aging being involved in her community and participating in many sports, social events and volunteer activities.  Her daily visits to Macdonald’s kept her engaged with her many good friends and current events.

Special thanks to Dale and Bill Becks, Arlene Scudamore, Cynthia DePelham, John and Elfriede Biehler and Ruth Bowles, for their ongoing love and support.

Much appreciation also to Gail Wilson who over the past six months brought a daily spark to her day.

Many thanks to Raija and everyone at Saint David’s house  whose care and friendship supported Jean’s independence and helped to make her last years rich and full.

Jean will be missed but her memory will be everlasting.  As per her wishes there will be a small family celebration of life when her children and grandchildren are together over the holidays.

Jean supported many worthwhile causes over her life.  In lieu of flowers or for those wishing to make memorial donations as expressions of sympathy, please give to a cause that is meaningful to you and your family.  Also —Wear Purple!

Robert ‘Rob’ Masson, age 57 passed away peacefully on November 29, 2019 at Princess Margaret Hospital after defying the odds and living with Hodgkin’s lymphoma for almost five years. Rob was born December 4, 1962 in Guelph, Ontario to Peter and Joan (Champion) Masson, and grew up with his two sisters, Catherine and Sue in Georgetown, Ontario. Our family enjoyed many happy summers together in Québec’s Laurentian Mountains. Rob’s maternal grandfather, Cyril ‘Cy’ Champion was a special boyhood pal. ‘Pa’ taught Rob to swim, catch and clean fish, and to live well in the great outdoors. At age 9, Rob was swimming competitively with the Chinguacousy Swim Club, and was nationally ranked at age 16. As a Canadian Swim National Team member, Rob competed in the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, and other international meets worldwide. Rob channelled his love for swimming into a successful quarter-century coaching career, inspiring hundreds of young athletes at five Ontario swim clubs. His passion for wilderness led him on countless adventures to remote areas across Canada, with rustic cookouts and good brew along the way. A perfect day for Rob meant being out on the water in the Laurentians, the Great Lakes, Ontario’s cottage country and British Columbia, with many a tall fishing tale to share. An avid music connoisseur, Rob taught himself to play the guitar and enjoyed strumming favourite tunes and jamming with friends. We will all miss Rob’s sense of humor and love of good times.

Rob is survived by his mother Joan, sisters Catherine (Kamil) and Sue (Nick), and nephews Luke and Ben, his Aunt Dawn and cousins Cary, Glen and Lori and their families. He is fondly remembered by friends and swimmers across Canada. Family, friends, coaches, swimmers and others whose lives Rob touched are invited to a celebration of Rob’s life to be held January 19 from 1-4pm at C’est What, 67 Front Street East,Toronto (speeches will begin at 1:45, casual attire).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rob’s name to Princess Margaret Hospital or a charity of choice that supports development of Canada’s swimmers.

 

July 27, 1947 – November 23, 2019

Predeceased by his parents Liberty Allan (né Mario DiFonzo) and Alma Delores (née Miandro) Wayne and his brother Terry, Richard Wayne of Toronto will be sadly missed by his sister Diana Baker, wife Margaret McCallen, children Carolyn (Mat) and Greg, grandchildren Essa and Émil, and extended family.

Richard’s family are thankful, as was he, for the care that he received at Princess Margaret and Humber River hospitals, and from his family doctor.

No service is planned; his family encourages you to honour him in your own way, perhaps by watching a classic movie, eating a good Italian meal, or making a donation to your favourite charity.