Abhishekah Anne Bennedict

1995 – 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Abhishekah Anne Bennedict in 2025. Her vibrant spirit and kind heart touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she brightened.

For those unable to attend the Funeral Service in person, we invite you to view via Livestream by CLICKING HERE just prior to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Visitation:
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Visitation (continued):
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Monday, April 21, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Funeral Service:
11:30 a.m.
Monday, April 21, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home Chapel
1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Margaret MacDonald

December 16, 1935 - 2025

In loving memory of Margaret "Marg" MacDonald (née Fisher), a woman of boundless creativity, love, and passion, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in music, art, teaching, and the many lives she touched.

Born on December 16, 1935, Margaret’s life was one of purpose and dedication. A gifted artist, musician, and teacher, she touched the lives of many through her passion for the arts. Margaret’s love for music started early—completing her Royal Conservatory piano requirements, composing her own pieces, and becoming a beloved singer with the Earle Terry Singers. She led choirs, composed musical productions, and directed theater productions that showcased her creative vision. Her musical gifts were complemented by her love of visual arts, where she was an accomplished painter, photographer, and custom framer.

Margaret’s teaching career spanned both elementary and high school levels, where she imparted knowledge and inspiration to many students. As a piano teacher, she nurtured the talents of countless young musicians, leaving an indelible mark on them with her "stern but loving" teaching style.

Throughout her life as a military wife, Margaret moved 14 times, bringing warmth, creativity, and a sense of home wherever she went. She embraced each new place and made lasting connections by hosting dinner clubs, socials, and community events. Alongside her beloved husband Sandy, Margaret created a life full of love and adventure.

Margaret's greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She was the devoted mother to Sylvia (Ian) and Cat, and a proud and loving grandmother to Heather, Alex, and Michael. Known as “Nanna” (or “Nanamon”), Margaret’s love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she played a special role in their lives.

Margaret is survived by her beloved husband Sandy, her sister Katherine Cochrane (née Fisher), and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many friends, former students, and colleagues who will cherish her memory.

Margaret’s life was a beautiful story—one that she created with love, laughter, and song. She leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered forever.

If you wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, the Earl Terry Scholarship Fund, local community theaters or orchestras, or any foundation supporting dementia research.

Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event will begin printing on April 26.

Lynda Doiron

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Lynda Doiron, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years, Douglas; her children Tosha (Julius) and Alex (Rose); her grandchildren Holden, Allaura, Maxwell, and Mina; and her sisters Judy and Ursula. Lynda was predeceased by her brother Paul, and her parents Betty and Bert.

Born and raised in Charlottetown, PEI, Lynda moved to Toronto as a young adult. She later married and raised her family in Oshawa, where she lived until her passing. Lynda had a zest for life—joyous, outgoing, creative, loyal, and deeply caring. She faced her short battle with cancer with courage and humour, even cracking jokes until the very end.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date—where there will no doubt be rhinestones and lobster, in true Lynda style. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their care and support.

Hanna Struik-Gould

1942 - 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Hanna Struik-Gould, aged 82, who passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa.

Beloved wife to Cleo Henry Gould for 45 devoted years, Hanna was an avid gardener who found joy in her daily walks, bike rides, and friendly games of bowling. Her appreciation for the simple pleasures of life was a hallmark of her kind and thoughtful spirit.

She was a loving sister to her brothers John and Peter, and sisters Alie and Yoke. Hanna is predeceased by her sister Ineka, and her parents Cora and Len.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Datar and the caring staff at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, for their compassion and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hanna’s memory may be made to the Oshawa Humane Society.

Hanna will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with all those fortunate enough to know her. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, yet her memory will remain a lasting comfort in the hearts of those she touched.

James G. Abdee

April 2, 1938 - March 29, 2025

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of James G. Abdee on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Affectionately known to many as Jim, he was in his 87th year and leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love. The quintessential family man.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years, Carole, and is survived by his cherished wife of 24 years, Rose Marie. He will be dearly missed by his sister Bev (Jim) and four children Susan (Ross), Sandra (Jim), Gary (Tamara), and Jason (Keka). He was a proud grandfather to Amanda, Zachary (Sakshi), Marc (Laura), Ashton, Max, Avery, Caroline, and Grace, as well as a cherished great-grandfather to 5.

He embraced Rose Marie’s family as part of his own including her 4 children Mary Louise (Jim, predeceased), Michael (Patsy), Jim (Michelle), and Chris (Bonita), 9 grandchildren Andrea, Patrick, Candace, Kristen, Marshall, Abigail, Thomas, Nicholas & Jordan, and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as Rose Marie’s brother Jack (Beth) and their family.

Jim was also a loving uncle to Mary and Michael (Heather). To say he was loved by all is an understatement.

Born to George & Maud in 1938, Jim grew up in East York, attending Holy Cross Catholic School and later attending St. Michael’s College. In 1959, Jim married his beloved wife, Carole, and together they built a wonderful life over 40 blissful years. Sadly, Carole passed away at the age of 59. In time, Jim reunited with his childhood schoolmate, Rose Marie, whom he later married, sharing 24 years of love and companionship.

Jim had a distinguished 25-year career with the Toronto Fire Service, joining as a firefighter in 1963 and retiring as Acting Captain. Following retirement, his dedication to the fire service continued as a proud member of the Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans Association. He cherished bringing his family to firefighter picnics and gathering with fellow firefighters at firefighter breakfasts.

Beyond his firefighting career, Jim was a hardworking entrepreneur. In 1969, he founded Country Downs Landscaping, establishing a thriving family business that continues today.

His Catholic faith was central to his life, and he served as an active member of the St. John the Evangelist parish, including as a Treasurer for the Knights of Columbus.

Jim’s love for his community extended beyond his professional life, serving as a dedicated hockey coach and President of Cedar Hill Minor Hockey League.

He cherished time at the cottage, calling BINGO, captaining his boat, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Oshawa Generals.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, who cared for “Sweet Jim” with kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or chalice.ca, an organization close to Jim’s heart.

Jim’s smile, warmth, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2025
DeStefano Funeral Home-Horvath Suite
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Visitation:
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2025
DeStefano Funeral Home-Horvath Suite
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Funeral Mass:
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Friday, April 4, 2025
St. John the Evangelist Parish
903 Giffard St
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
905-668-3676

Interment:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Friday, April 4, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
905-889-7467

Jack Edward Michalowski

2004 - 2025

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at DeStefano Funeral Home Chapel, located at 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

A Celebration of Jack’s life will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the same day, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at DeStefano Funeral Home Chapel, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Octavio Borges "Tav" Deviveiros

1972 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Octavio “Tav” Borges Deviveiros on March 19, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital. Surrounded by his loving immediate family, Tav passed peacefully at 6:20 p.m. at the age of 52.

Tav is survived by his beloved wife Sandy of 27 years and their four children—twins Jacoub and Kaitlin (24), Meggan (21), and Emma (14). He will be deeply missed by his parents Antonio and Natalia Deviveiros, his siblings Osvaldo Manuel Deviveiros and Brenda Rocha, and their families.

Born in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island in the Acores, Tav took great pride in his heritage. He recently returned to his homeland with his family for a meaningful vacation. He was an Outside Operations Supervisor specializing in Mechanical HVAC Sub-Contracting, and a man of many skills, often called upon for his “MacGyver” abilities.

Tav had a heart that radiated joy when his home was filled with family and friends. Whether riding with his BROMISTA RC brothers, grilling at the BBQ, or planning the next beach vacation, Tav brought laughter and warmth wherever he went. His quick wit and infectious smile made him the one people gravitated toward.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin, and friend. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at De Stefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A service will take place the following morning, Friday, March 28, 2025, at De Stefano Funeral Home beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tav’s honour may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Nancy Ethel Profenna (née Talbot)

January 17, 1927 – March 5, 2025

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Nancy Ethel Profenna, at the age of 98, following a long struggle with dementia.

Nancy was a devoted wife to Victor (predeceased 1998), loving mother to Judith, Janet (Peter), and Stephen; cherished Grams to Kristen and Kyle; and Great Grams to Remy, Barrett, and Brayden. She is also survived by many relatives in her native Wales.

Born in Wales, Nancy came to Canada as a war bride, arriving in Halifax before settling with her husband in Montreal, where they raised their family before relocating to Toronto. Her life was centered around family, friends, and community.

Nancy had a passion for entertaining and cooking, always creating a warm and welcoming home. She enjoyed the challenge of Duplicate Bridge, found joy in painting, and was an avid world traveler, especially fond of cruises.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Age Care Samac for their exceptional care and kindness.

A private Celebration of Life will be held later this Spring to honour Nancy’s long and meaningful life.

Joanna Spiak

1937 - 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joanna Spiak (née Galak), on January 28, 2025, at the age of 88. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Joanna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always offering unwavering love, support, and kindness. She was known for her readiness to help others, and her warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. This compassion was reflected in her work as a nurse, where she cared deeply for those in her charge.

She leaves behind her cherished children, Andrew (Isabel) and Diane (Jarek), as well as her two beloved grandsons and five great-grandchildren, who will always remember her as the chief purveyor of sweets and homemade soups.

Joanna will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

Visitation
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Rosary
7:00 pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

Memorial Mass
10:00 am
Monday, February 10, 2025
St. Hedwig's Catholic Church
411 Olive Avenue
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Interment
Resurrection Catholic Cemetery
355 Taunton Road
Whitby, Ontario, Canada

A reception will take place at Sikorski Hall following the interment.

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to view the service via Livestream by clicking here just prior to 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

James (Jim) Yeates

1952 - 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James (Jim) Yeates, who peacefully passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 72. Jim was the beloved husband of the late Mary Jane and the proud father of Bryan and Christine (husband Ryan). He was also a loving grandfather to Liam and Connor, who brought him so much joy.

Jim was known for his kindness, generosity, and the way he always made people feel welcome. He loved being involved in his community, whether through Scouts Canada or the Whitby Curling Club. His passion for sports and his commitment to others were just a few of the things that made him so special.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim’s memory will live on in the many lives he touched, and he will forever be in our hearts.

Celebration of Life
2:00 pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025
De Stefano Funeral Home
1289 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
905-440-3595

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region.