Paul Bernard Groves

1957 – April 1, 2025

Passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul, in his 68th year, leaves behind his beloved wife Debra Godin. He was the cherished father of Andrea Carrier, Tracy Godin (Steve Darlington), Matthew Groves, Paula Groves (Dave Roussy), and Luke Groves. Adored Papa of Cyrus, Cierra, Cameron, Katelynn, Preston, Avery, Aiden, Jada, Isabella, Luis, Matthew, Yasmina, Ty, Brianna, Faith, Xaiver, Nevaeh, Noah, and Ava. Paul was joyfully awaiting the arrival of his great-grandson.

Dear brother of Joan and predeceased by his siblings Morris, Wayne, Johnny, Ronald, Matthew, and Donald. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Paul was a devoted family man and a self-employed mechanic who ran his own shop with heart and precision. Known for his sharp wit and his unforgettable sense of humor, Paul had a special gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. He was a passionate coin collector and enjoyed the simple pleasure of a good cigar in his quiet moments.

Above all, Paul's pride was his family. He was their rock—loyal, dependable, and full of life. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and stories that will continue to be shared with smiles and warmth.

The Groves family extends sincere thanks to the ICU team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their compassion and care during Paul’s time there.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Rev. Laurie Bodnar Finney. A reception will be held at the funeral home following the service.

Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Julia Gron (Zuchowicz)

1930 – April 3, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Julia Gron (née Zuchowicz) announces her peaceful passing on April 3rd, 2025, in her 95th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jozef Gron (2023) and all of her siblings in Poland, Julia will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughter Ann (Derek Gruszecki), grandchildren Michelle and Eric, and many extended family members and friends.

Julia emigrated from Poland in 1962 to settle in Oshawa, Ontario. As a courageous immigrant, she built a new life through resilience and hard work. Julia was a loving and generous soul who cherished her family, her home, her garden, her baking, and her Catholic faith. She was a devoted member of the Rosary Society for many years. Though she faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in her later years, she is now in God's eternal care. Her warmth and strength live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at AgeCare Samac long-term care facility for over a decade of compassionate and dedicated care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa), with prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Marcin Dzilinski. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Whitby.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard

September 21, 1937 - April 1, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard on April 1, 2025. He passed away quickly at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, with his family by his side.

Gerard was born in De Bilt in the Netherlands on September 21, 1937, and immigrated to Ontario at age 13 with his parents and sister. He graduated from Central College, where he met his future wife, Barbara Ver Meer. He later pursued his studies at Regis College in Toronto and Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he earned his Doctorate.

Gerard served Presbyterian Churches in Huntsville, Barrie, Toronto, and Oshawa, and continued his ministry during his retirement. His deep love for his family and ministry left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his parents, Gerard and Marie Bylaard, his younger brother, and his sister, Hannie Capiteyn. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Bylaard, two children, Dena Marie Duchesne (Eric) and G. John Bylaard (Olga), as well as five grandchildren, Noah, Luke, and Leigha Duchesne, and Benjamin and Charlie Bylaard. He is also survived by his sister, Adrianna Veenstra, sister-in-law, Martha Veldhuizen, and numerous very special nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME, 124 King Street East, Oshawa, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Deon Slabbert. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in Oshawa.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Gerard, the family suggests the Parkinson’s Society or Gate 3:16 as possible recipients.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Donald Everett White

1957 - April 1, 2025

Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, a few days after celebrating his 68th birthday.

Predeceased by his beloved wife June (2002). Loving father of Christie (Tanner) and Thomas. He is survived by his sister Diane and many friends.

Don was a passionate sailor and proud member of the Whitby Yacht Club. He had a deep love for music, an infectious laugh and a larger-than-life personality that lit up every room he entered.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12–1 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 1 p.m. Interment Union Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Tracey Hughes

March 31, 1964 – March 31, 2025

Unexpectedly passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025 at her home in Trenton, at the age of 61.

Cherished mother of Holly Hendry (Steve Norman) and Heather Hendry (Connor Stewart). Devoted grandmother of Riley and Caleb. Dear sister of Quinn Galea and aunt of Kaleigh Galea. Beloved daughter of Howard Hughes and will be remembered by Bill Hendry. Predeceased by her mother Denise Galea (Tousse).

Tracey retired from Chrysler after dedicating over 35 years of service. She was a radiant soul who lived for her family and her music—especially the electrifying sound of Metallica. She embraced joy in every aspect of life and carried an indomitable spirit, even after surviving a quadruple heart bypass.

Visitation will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 1:30 p.m. with Msgr. James Hannah officiating. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 355 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

James Douglas Hammond

 March 30, 2025

James ‘Jim’ Hammond peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Northumberland Hills Hospital, at the age of 75.

Beloved husband of Judy. Predeceased by his son Kevin (2023). Loving brother of Mike (Chris), Ted, the late David (Debbie), and the late Stephen. Jim will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and friends. He had a kind heart and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King St. E., Oshawa. A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Groveside Cemetery, Whitby.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Antonio Naccarato

Friday, March 28th, 2025

An obituary is not available at this time for Antonio Naccarato. Family and friends are invited to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences on our Memory Wall. To honour Antonio’s memory, you may also choose to plant a memorial tree in his name through our tree store.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and again from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Armstrong Funeral Home, located at 124 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6. Wake service prayers will take place at 7:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 11:30am at St. Mary of the People Catholic Church, 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1J 3B9, officiated by Rev. Joel Pabilona. Interment will follow at 1:00pm at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, 355 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby, Ontario L1R 3L4.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

John Gilbert "Gil" Bateson

– March 27, 2025

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in his 89th year, with his wife and daughters by his side.

He is greatly missed by his wife Catherine Bateson (née Gillett) of 58 loving years. Loving father to Sharon Thorne (Mark) of Oshawa, and Lynn Bateson of Whitby. Cherished grandfather of Brandon Thorne (Mercedes) of Bowmanville, and Kyle Thorne of Oshawa. Great Papa to Lyla and Clara Thorne. Predeceased by his parents John and Elsie Bateson, his sisters Pauline Dalton and Alwyn Barkworth, and cousin Margaret Tracy.

Gil will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephew in England and Italy, and by extended family and friends. Gil immigrated to Canada from Blackpool, England in 1974 with his wife and daughters. A skilled carpenter by trade, he accepted a job rebuilding vintage cars. He provided a safe and happy home for his family and enjoyed fishing and weekend family camping trips.

Gil and Cath worked hard at their relationship, dedicating their lives to one another—something to be proud of and admired. He was a rock for his daughters and grandsons, and he adored his great granddaughters.

Cremation has taken place. A private service will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Society, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Betty Brooks

Passed away March 25, 2025

Betty Brooks (nee Metcalfe) peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, just a few months shy of her 99th birthday.

Beloved wife of the late Fay Brooks (2013). Loving mother of Dave (Jackie), Peter (Bonnie), Nancy Hartwig (Dennis), Diane McCloskey (Michael), and Jim (Joan). Cherished grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of ten. Predeceased by her brother, Bill Metcalfe.

Betty was a devoted animal lover who cared deeply for all creatures, big and small. She found great joy in knitting, sewing, and playing bridge with her friends. A dedicated volunteer, she gave countless hours to helping others and proudly served on the Bowmanville Hospital Board.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of The Court at Pringle Creek, her wonderful PSWs, the paramedics, and the staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their care and compassion.

Cremation will take place, and Betty and Fay will be interred together at Thornton Cemetery at a later date.

In memory of Betty’s love of animals, donations may be made to an animal charity of your choice.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.

Aleksandra "Sandra" Was

March 25th, 2025 - 76 years old

With heavy hearts, the family announces the peaceful passing of Sandra on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 76.

Beloved wife of Frank for over 46 years. Loving mother of Andrea (Mike Ploughman) and Jason (Catrina). Devoted grandmother of Briana and Auston. Cherished daughter of Klara Cichocki and the late Stanley. Dear sister of Krystyna (Andrej), sister-in-law of Teresa and the late Lucy, and aunt of Margaret (Atilla) and Christopher (Nina). Sandra will be sadly missed by her extended family and friends.

Sandra had a big heart and a constant smile, always ready with a warm meal and kind words, bringing people together over lunch with her generous spirit and love for good company.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 1-2 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 2 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Lakeridge Health Foundation – Cancer Support. Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca.