Drury Funeral Centre Ltd.

08/28/2025

As always, a great day was had at the annual Matthews House Hospice golf tournament, thank you for having us!

08/26/2025

In great sadness the family of Sherryl Jackson (née Emery) announce her passing in the early morning of August 24th.

After a brief but tumultuous battle with colon cancer, Sherryl passed peacefully in her sleep at Matthews House Hospice with her daughter by her side. Diagnosed with cancer in only April of this year, Sherryl faced the disease head on, with hope and determination despite the pain and multiple complications. As a testament to her character, her strong will never faded until her final wishes came to be: resting in hospice with her children coming together.

Sherryl is predeceased by her husband Derek, and is survived by her daughter Kayla Jackson-Hogan (James Hogan) and son Douglas Jackson. Beloved by her family, she will be greatly missed by her siblings Fred (Gillian), Patrick, Cindy and Mary Ellen (Scott), as well as her in-laws Janis and Catherine, and all of her nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a pillar of the community be it through her time teaching at Ernest Cumberland School, her community choirs: The Minor Melodies (children) and The GNO- Girls' Night Out (ladies) or her various volunteering positions throughout the years.

Music was always at the heart of Sherryl's being and it brought her life meaning to share it with everyone she encountered. Piano études, choral harmonies, religious hymns, and good old rock n roll were the backdrop to her life and what the family hopes to share in her remembrance and celebration on October 3rd, 2025. Visitation will occur at 1pm at Drury's Funeral Centre, followed by a ceremony at 2pm in honour of a life lived musically. Bright colours only, with boas and tiaras encouraged!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to Matthews House Hospice in Alliston, or the South Simcoe Arts Council- to keep music and the arts alive in the community.

08/22/2025

Dwight D. Westecott passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on August 21st, 2025. Beloved son of Fred Westecott (deceased) & Lenore Westecott. Brother of Martin B. Westecott (Kathy). Fondly remembered by Aunts & Uncles, cousins, friends & helpful neighbours.

Dwight grew up in the greater Alliston area. Eventually moving on to earn his Bachelor of Science at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario. Over the years to follow, Dwight had a successful career in the world of pharmaceutical research & human diagnostics where he was proud to make a difference in the lives of others. In his down time, Dwight spent hours collecting beautiful art pieces, weird & wonderful things for his home, boating on Lake Simcoe & working on several machine embroidery projects for which he was fascinated by technology.

All are welcome to attend the celebration of Dwight's life this Saturday, August 23rd at Drury Funeral Centre 519 Victoria St. E., Alliston. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Funeral to follow at 11 a.m. with interment at the Alliston Union Cemetery. Once complete, loved ones, friends & neighbours are welcome back to the Funeral Centre for light snacks, refreshments & kinmenship.

At Dwight's request, dress comfortably, casually & colourfully. Bonus points for something blue. In memory of him, in exchange for flowers, please consider making a donation to neuropathy research. The Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) https://www.foundationforpn.org/donate/

Dwight is now relieved of pain & suffering. May he find serenity & peace in the arms of love.

08/14/2025

David Mortimer

Sadly, the family wish to announce that David died suddenly on Tuesday August 12, 2025 at Sunset Manor in Collingwood. David was in his 83rd year.

Beloved husband of 60 years to Brenda Mortimer (nee Wilson). Loved father of Dave Jr. (Carolyn) and grand-daughter Katie. David is survived by son Scott and his family, brother Les and predeceased by brothers Bob and Blaine.

For those who knew David, they knew he was as tough as nails. He was a loyal friend and a man of few words, but when there was something to be said, he would say it. David grew up with an appreciation for hard work and spent many years as a bricklayer. He was also active in the horse community and ventured to many horse shows in both Ontario and Alberta. But baseball and hockey were his passion (forever a Blackhawks fan) and he continued to play both until a few short years ago.

Mort will be remembered by his many good friends from the North Dufferin Baseball League, and later the Dufferin Simcoe Rockers Old-timers baseball. Also the Alliston Coasters and Tottenham Polar Bears hockey teams, and his extended family.

A celebration of David’s life will be planned. Date and time to be announced. In remembrance, if you wish, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Drury Funeral Centre, Alliston.

08/13/2025

DAROLYNN DAWN HEIGHT

With her three daughters by her side, Darolynn lost her courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer on August 11, 2025.

Darolynn was born on October 21, 1939 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Hilda and Donald Wright (predeceased).

A loving and devoted wife of 48 years to Douglas (predeceased), and an amazing and wise Mom to Janice, Kimberley and Linda. A respected and loved mother-in-law of Gerry and Vince, and proudest Grammie to Daine (Heather), Wade Thomas, Emilee, Malachi, Jordan (Kylie), Jessica (Adrian) and Dani. Proud Grammie to eight great grandchildren: Carson, Huxley, Rory, Barrett, Winnie, Cecelia, Fox and Indie. Each the recipient of at least one, if not many, treasured made with love crocheted blankets and sewn quilts.

Darolynn was a sister to Dwayne Wright (Ellen), aunt to Sarah (Charlie) and David, and great aunt to Sophie, Olivia and Max.

Darolynn loved to travel, and trips took her and Doug to 67 countries around the globe. Later in life, she had many travel adventures with close friend Marie McKillican. Darolynn led one of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Red Hat chapters for several years, volunteered at Matthews House Hospice for over a decade, and enjoyed the friendship and conversation had at the “first of the month club”, “the birthday lunch club”, Club 54 weekly exercise classes and Friday’s crafts gatherings.

A heartfelt thank you to the kind and caring staff at Matthews House for a peaceful end of life journey.

A Celebration of Darolynn’s Life will take place at Drury Funeral Centre, 519 Victoria St. E., Alliston, on Thursday August 21, 2025 from 1- 4 p.m. with reflections shared at 2:00 p.m. www.druryfuneralcentre.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Matthews House Hospice or Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Alliston would be greatly appreciated.

08/05/2025

Brigitta Mueller (nee Breier) passed away peacefully at the age of 92 with family by her side at Stevenson Hospital Monday July 28th.

Brigitta has been battling illness for the past months but always thought of her family and their well-being over her own. She was always concerned that they would be alright and felt she needed to be here for them. Such a loving, smiling, strong courageous woman. She had a way of captivating people, and they seem to just fall in love with her.

Gitta/Mom/Oma/Kissi Omi as she was fondly known as will be deeply missed by her children Gerry Weber (Lucy), Juergen Weber+ (Josette), Joe Mueller (Donna), Birgit Gauthier nee Mueller (Mike), Michael Mueller (Marlene) 15 Grandchildren – Stephen Weber (Linda), David Weber (Alexandra), Lindsay Taylor (Rob), Shannon Rachynski (Paul), Jesse Gauthier (Ian) , Ray Walker (Kim), Alexander Weber, Amanda Asaro (Nick), Bobby Mueller (Katharine), Bradley Mueller+, Karli Mueller, Dylan Mueller (Ashley), Kayla Mueller, Madison Mueller and Jason Mueller 15 Great Grandchildren – Kaleb, Avery, Emilie, Pearce, Olivia, Liam, Andrew, Vivian, AJ, Ruby, Elias, Theodore, Hudson, Natalie, Caitlyn and recently 1 great grandchild Josie. She will also be missed by her Sister Karin Ott who she had many antics with especially in the past few years, and nephew Roland, also her Sister Renate Shuermann and brother Peter Breier still back in Germany along with many extended family and friends too many to mention. Predeceased by her Husband Helfried, Son Juergen, Siblings Gerd, Ellen, Friedhelm, and very recently Werner.

Gitta was born 1932 in Datteln Germany and came with her husband Helfried and children in 1960 on the ship SS Homeric to start a new life in Canada and has been here ever since. They lived on Gerard Street in Toronto and moved progressively further north over the years and finally in1987 they moved to Gilford where she lived for over 30 years. A couple of years ago she moved to Alliston with her daughter and son-in-law to the community of Briar Hill and made some very nice friends.

Mom loved to bake, crochet, do German crossword puzzles which she went through so quickly, most types of music, and to have the house full of family and friends. Over the years it gave her pleasure to pass on the baking of traditional Christmas cookies to the grandkids. She crocheted blankets for all her kids and grandkids to make sure they had something special from her. All new arrivals in the family received one.

Over the past week I’ve received notes and comments that describe her as a role model, honest, full of life, direct, warm, joyous, a radiating personality and always there with advice. She always had an open heart and a hug to give. There is a reason for the title of Kissi Omi…. She will be missed, more than we can express. Our hearts are sad but happy that she is reunited with the Love of her Life.

We want to thank the Staff of Stevenson Hospital for their kindness and assistance with making her comfortable in those final hours.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 30, 2025, at the Briar Hill Community Center in the Great Room from 1 to 5pm. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated.

08/01/2025

Darcy Wallace Hoover of New Lowell, Ontario passed away at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital on Tuesday July 29th 2025. Born in Alliston, Ontario on August 17th 1968.

Beloved father of Rhiannon, Marlon , Kyle & Serena. Beloved son of Shirley and the late John Hoover of New Lowell, Ontario. Loving brother of Timothy (Jamie) and James (Nancy) also of New Lowell, Ontario. Missed by nephews Travis, Tyler & Colin, nieces Samantha & Jacklyn. Remembered by grand nieces Bethany, Georgie & Rosie.

Growing up in Beeton & then Everett, Ontario, Darcy was a bright & creative young boy. He became a standout student through his formative years. His interest in film & the arts soon saw him following that on a path towards theatre management & marketing. His unique skill set had him ascending to positions in this field in both domestic & international markets. With these goals behind him, Darcy returned home & began to raise a family. These four special people would be his most cherished accomplishment. Darcy would finish his career in Ontario with the City of Orillia as the Manager of Marketing Corporate Communications. Always a lover of music & classic film, he could be found listening to a selection of British Invasion classics while viewing a Sci-fi flick from a similar era. Quick to recall an event one had shared from the past, he had the ability to quickly pivot & engage a conversation with any person from all walks of life. Truly an original.

He will be missed.
A family only service is to be held in his honour.
Rest well Darcy

08/01/2025

Lois Swenson (née Pingle), 105, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Alliston, Ontario.

Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, and she leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and strength. To know Lois was to love her; whether it was a seventy-year friendship or a brief encounter, she enriched the life of every person she met.

Lois will be remembered by her children, Larry (Barbara Jane), Sharon, and Debbie Hogarth (Tom); grandchildren Stephanie (Brian), Alex (Gord), Samantha (Jordan), Ainslie (Paul), and Madison (Karl); great-grandchildren Hazel, Ivy, Matthew, Andrew, Paisley, Cecelia, Jude, Wylie and Mack; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. She will also be remembered by her beloved baby brother, Bruce Pingle. She is predeceased by her husband, Ben, and her siblings Oscar Pingle, Edith Burr, Phyllis McRobbie, Ronald Pingle, and Ann Spicer.

Lois was born on November 27th, 1919, in rural Saskatchewan. She was the fourth of seven siblings born to Walter and Luella (Thompson) Pingle. She spoke fondly of her childhood on the family farm, riding horses barefoot to school and getting out of chores whenever possible. It was in Saskatchewan that she met her future husband, Ben Swenson, whom she married October 27th, 1940.

Post World War II, Lois and Ben settled in Alliston, Ontario, where they started Pine Drive Mink Ranch. They were pillars of the Alliston community for more than seventy years; besides working at the ranch, Lois worked at Stevenson Memorial Hospital and Taylor's Jewellers. She was an avid curler and golfer, and she loved walking, reading, playing bridge, drinking coffee, and most of all, chatting.

Lois was unfailingly positive, meeting every challenge with her trademark optimism. She had a sly sense of humour at odds with her sweet demeanor—a sense of humour no one could resist. She was smart and thoughtful, with a sharp mind and a quick wit. She was a constant source of comfort to her close and faraway family, and to those who chose her to be their family. No matter where she was, Lois was a home that we all returned to.

She was a small lady who lived a big and beautiful life, and we will miss her profoundly.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Good Samaritan Retirement Lodge. Lois spent many happy years with you all, and we are endlessly grateful. We would also like to thank the staff at Matthews House Hospice and Stevenson Memorial Hospital for their careful and compassionate care. And we would especially like to thank Donna and Jim Bartlett, whose friendship meant the world to Lois and to us.

The family will receive friends at Drury Funeral Centre in Alliston (519 Victoria St E, Alliston) from 11am until time of service at 1pm on August 9th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Matthews House Hospice or to Stevenson Memorial Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

07/28/2025

07/23/2025

John R. Rey

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19 at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston, Ontario.

Loved husband of Gayle Rey. Loved dad of Taylor Rey and cherished father figure of Brett Jaggard. Loved granddad of Billie Grayce. Cherished brother of Deb Lemme, Karen Rey and Stefan Sikora. John will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Matthews House Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

07/21/2025

Borden Drury

Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Beloved husband of 55 years to the late Bonnie Drury (July 6, 2025). Loving dad of Grant (Kelly), Andy (Shannon), Angela and grandpa of Gavin (Danicca), Sullivan (Mackenzie) and great-grandpa of Miles. Dear brother of Barbara Thomas (John), Faye LeQuelenec, Susan Drury and predeceased by Calvin, Gwen, Mark and Pauline. Borden will be fondly remembered by brother-in-law Glenn Kouri (Midge), his nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Bonnie and Borden will be held at Drury Funeral Centre 519 Victoria St. E., Alliston from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Fdn. or Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated.

07/14/2025

Mary Barbara “Ann” Maw

Ann Maw passed away peacefully in her 89th year at Matthews House Hospice on July 11, 2025, due to complications from a fall.

Loving and devoted wife to Jack Maw for 70 years. Mother to Peggy (Randy) Cork, Pat (Wayne) Hislop, Jack (Sonia) Maw, Jeff (Jo-Anne) Maw, Terry (Karen) Maw. Grandmother to Jennifer (Curtis), Kristy, Colin (Natalie), Derek (Shauna), Scott (Kristen), Jeremy (Kelsey), Justin (Stephanie) and Quinten. Great Grandmother to Emmerson, Graydon, Thomas, Andie, Ava, Amber, Aria, Amy, Carter, Parker, Allison, Mason, Sawyer, Adelina, Navy, Daisy and Caroline. Will be missed by her brother Doug, brother in law Jim (Orma) Maw and sister in law Joy Lostchuck, along with many nieces and nephews.

She also formed many lasting friendships throughout her life, from the Briar Hill Community to her first home in Nashville, from her childhood in Kleinburg to her coworkers at Sears.

We would like to thank everyone who checked in on Ann, either by phone or visiting her at Matthews House. To the staff at Matthews House, thank you for making a painful journey a little easier.

As per her wishes cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at Drury Funeral Centre, Alliston at a later date.

To honour her memory donations to Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated.