27 | | durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | GERRITS, Willem Albert December 12, 1922 - July 19, 2022 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Willem's life began nearly 100 years ago in Hellendoorn, in Overijssel, Netherlands. A happy family life was ruptured by World War II and the German occupation. After the War, Willem emigrated to Canada, sponsored by Douglas and Mamie Redner to work on their farm in Prince Edward County, Ontario. There, he met and married their daughter, Joan Redner. In 1954, they moved to the Oshawa area where Willem worked at General Motors, Joan as a nurse. Their two children, Elizabeth, and Doug, were raised amid a vibrant Dutch community and new Canadian friends. Following retirement, Willem and Joan returned to Prince Edward County, living in Wellington and then Belleville. Willem's final years were spent happily at Belleville's Hastings Manor. He was predeceased by his wife Joan and son Douglas. Sadly, his beloved sister Grace (Gerrits) Pannekoek passed away on July 21st. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law Gordon Evans, brother-in-law Gerrit Pannekoek, many generations of nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends across Canada, the Netherlands and USA. The family thanks Dr. McPhail and the staff at Hastings Manor. Willem lived a long and good life, surrounded at the end by those who cared deeply for him. Arrangements entrusted to the Burke Funeral Home, 150 Church St. Belleville. Further condolences and messages may be sent to egerrits1@icloud.com. STAUFFER, Elizabeth "Betty" Lucille ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth (Betty) Stauffer on July 17, 2022 at Lakeridge Health in Bowmanville, Ontario, in her 80th year. Betty was a loving wife to Moe (Maurice) for 61 years. She was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest and Luella "Dolly" Andrews. Betty was a loving mother to her two boys Tim and Todd. She was a cherished nana to April (Andrew), Tyler, Samantha (Caleb), Travis (Hannah) and Shannon (Greg). She was also a very loved great-nana to her seven great grandchildren Jaxon, Parker, Maddix, Luke, Sawyer, Aria and Graham. Each summer for the past 51 years, Betty could be found with Moe at Ayren Links Golf Course in Bowmanville. Betty was much loved by the Ayren Links members and staff alike. She could be found in the Pro Shop every day and will be fondly remembered for her smiling face and friendly teasing by all who knew her. Betty adored the animals at the golf course and they provided much comfort to her in her later days. In following Betty's wishes, a small private service for family was held. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations are made in her name to the Oshawa Humane Society or the Alzheimers Society of Durham Region. Online condolences may be shared at makfunerlhome.com O'BRIEN, John Edward Retired Toronto School Board Principal August 26, 1939 - July 17, 2022 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday July 17, 2022 at Oshawa Lakeridge, at the age of 82. Eldest son of the late Catherine Mae and Harold O'Brien. Brother to Robert O'Brien. Devoted husband of Patricia (née Coombes), together for 57 years; loving father of Michelle and Jennifer; cherished grandfather of Brendan, Claire, Rachel and Charlotte; and caring father-in-law to Dan and Damien. Sharp witted and ever the eternal optimist, John was a thoughtful and caring man who loved his family dearly. John gave generously of his time to help others, always the 'calm and caring' person you wanted in your life. Especially important to him and in which he took great pride were his teaching years with the Toronto Board of Education. With a dream to enrich the lives of children, John decided to pursue a career in teaching - starting as a Phys Ed teacher in 1960 at Earl Beatty School - and found his true calling as a much-loved primary school principal across a host of Toronto schools including Duke of Connaught, Clinton, and Norway, his last and most cherished school, where he retired his educator's hat in 1995. During the course of his lengthy teaching career, John was admired and appreciated by teachers and students alike for his involvement in all aspects of the school day, and for his steadfast devotion to the school community. John's passion for sport and the nurturing and encouragement of kids to pursue their dreams extended to his family, be it coaching his eldest daughter Michelle's soccer team, to the supportive attendance to his grand- children's ringette, soccer, karate, tennis, and dance recitals. John's love of travel saw him embark on many wonderful trips around the world with family and friends by his side. From his ten trips to Australia to visit his youngest daughter Jennifer's family, to the 50th wedding anniversary celebration tour of New Zealand, to his many trips to Ireland, as well as Israel, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, and his visits to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and across the United States, John was doing what he loved best and with his favourite person at his side, his travel buddy and constant companion, Patricia. Honouring John's wishes there will be a celebration of his life with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The War Amputations of Canada. Online messages of condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com CARLEY, Celine Alice Marie (Malenfant) ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, and Aunt at age 70 of Oshawa Ontario, on July 22, 2022, passed away after a battle with cancer. Celine is survived by her sons, grandchildren, great-grand- children, mother, sisters, brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sons, Steve (Wendy), Chris. Grandchildren, Chrrie, Cole, Gracie, Scarlet, Violet, Sarah, Chrystal, Lisa (Blake), and great-grandchild, Colt. Mother Rollande (D'Amours), sisters and brothers, Guy (2021) (Marg), Colette (Doug), Colombe (Glen), Lynda (Pat), Lise (Steve), and Marcel (Carmen). She is preceded in death by her father Gratien (2002) and brother Guy (2021) Celine will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Celine was a loving, kind, giving woman who gave more of herself than she had. She loved with her whole heart and soul and gave the most loving hugs, if you were lucky enough to experience her hugs, you know. She had a contagious laugh and a smile that would light up the room. She was always up to trying something new and loved spending time and having fun with her grandchildren. A mass will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Notre Dame Church at 382 Hillside Avenue Oshawa, Ontario. HOGAN, Bernard Carl ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Born August 13, 1936 - Passed away peacefully on Monday, June 27, 2022 at the Oshawa Lakeridge Health. Beloved husband of almost 60 years to Norma Olive Fay (Rusaw); and loving father of Karen Elaine Hogan. "Grandpa" will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Cory and Philip. "Son" of: William Hogan and Sarah (Laundry). "Brother" of: Frank (Mary), Margaret (Wes), Leo (Mona), Clifford, Eileen (Howard), Patricia (Wilf), Jack (Mary), Joan (Alan), Shirley (Cliff), Donna (Ed) and Glen. "Brother-in-law" of: Harold (Norma), Herb (Murretta), Joy (Norman), Phyllis (Elmer) and Lois (Hugh). Bern was born in Picton, Ontario and raised in the Trenton area. He gave 36 years to the General Motors of Canada, in Oshawa. After retirement, he never slowed down; enjoying life to the fullest. Bern continued with his many passions of fishing, golfing, travelling (cruise ships) and his impeccable gardens. Winning many City of Oshawa "Bloom Awards." Bern was an amazing individual who made friends easily; blessed with the gift of gab, he always had a story. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. for family and close friends Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Colborne, Ontario at the Keeler Center. OBITUARIES | REMEMBERING THE LIVES OF THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY There is a link death cannot sever, love and remembrance last forever. A loving person, so gentle and kind; what a wonderful memory you left behind. Long days, long nights, you bore your pain. To wait for a cure, but all in vain. Till God Himself knew what was best. He took you home and gave you rest. Always so good, unselfish and kind none on this earth your equal I'll find. 1-800-263-6480 classifieds@metroland.comCLASSIFIEDS OBITUARIES | ANNOUNCEMENTS | JOBS | MARKETPLACE