Obituaries

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Irene Houtby Obituary

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Irene Houtby (nee Gough), 83, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her son, David, her son-in-law, Doug, and their beloved pets. Born on November 30, 1941, in Thorold, she led a remarkable life, radiating compassion, grace, and a deep love for her family.  

Irene made her home in St. Catharines, where she raised her family. A dedicated employee at General Motors, Plant One, her colleagues remembered her fondly for her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand. After thirty years of service, Irene and her husband, Fred, retired to Haliburton.

Irene was a pillar of her community and a woman of deep faith. Her involvement with the Catholic Women’s League at St. Anthony’s Church in Haliburton showcased her commitment to service and her unwavering dedication to helping others. Whether she was organizing events, leading initiatives, or simply offering a listening ear, she exemplified the essence of volunteerism. Through her work with the school snack program, Irene ensured that no child went hungry, demonstrating a compassion that knew no bounds.

Her charitable spirit extended to her time at Haliburton Highlands Hospital, where she volunteered with grace and selflessness. Irene provided comfort and support to those in need, leaving a lasting impression on both patients and staff. She understood that kindness could heal in ways that medicine alone could not, and her gentle presence made a significant difference.

Irene was surrounded by a vibrant social network of friends, and her weekly gatherings became a cherished tradition. These moments, filled with laughter and camaraderie, were her way of nurturing the connections that mattered most to her. Whether over a glass of wine, a game, or a simple chat, she created a space where everyone felt welcome and valued.

Outside of her community commitments, Irene was an avid golfer and curler. She found joy in the games and the camaraderie of friends on the course and the ice. These pursuits were more than just hobbies; they were opportunities to connect, laugh, and create cherished memories with those she loved.

Following the passing of her husband, Fred, Irene relocated to Cambridge to live with David and Doug. Together they embarked on adventures around the world, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Together, they explored new places, embraced different cultures, and shared countless laughs along the way. These travels enriched her life, bringing her joy and allowing her to experience the world's beauty alongside her family.

Irene was perfectly imperfect, embracing life’s challenges with remarkable strength and grace. She taught us that it’s okay to be flawed and that our imperfections make us human and relatable. Her authenticity drew people to her, and her ability to find joy in the small things reminded us all to cherish every moment.

Irene is predeceased by her husband, Fred, and her daughter, Mary. She is survived by her sons, David (Doug) and Larry (Irene), as well as her grandchildren, Tom (Chelsey), Joe (Megan), Rob, Taylor (Dave), and her great-grandchildren, June and Kinnon. Her love for her family was a guiding light in her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Visitation & Funeral Mass

Friends and family are invited to call at the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 13523 Hwy. #118 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 (705) 457-9209 on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 for a Visitation from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Noon). A Funeral Mass will follow at ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH, 27 Victoria St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0, beginning at 12:00 pm (noon). Irene's burial will take place immediately following the service at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Cemetery, 460 Pine Avenue, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Irene's memory can be made to the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation. 

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Mary Pearsell (nee Formica) Obituary

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It is with hearts full of fond memories and immense gratitude that we say goodbye to our Mom, Gram, & Nonna. After a day surrounded by family, during peaceful sleep, in the presence of caring nursing home staff, she left us on January 27, 2025, at Hyland Crest Long-Term Care in her 95th year.

She was born in a Haliburton (Guilford Township) lumber camp on March 1, 1930.  Beloved wife of the late Gordon Pearsell (m. 1950). Loving Mom of Deeno (Charlene) and Marina Maughan (Miles). Cherished Gram of Abbey Saunders (Charlie), Lesley Broadworth (Daryl), and Reuben Maughan. Proud Nonna of Connor Broadworth. Predeceased by her husband Gordon Pearsell (2015) and by her Italian immigrant parents Eugenio (1968) and Vittoria (Biagi) Formica (1999). Lovingly remembered by her sisters Gladys (Howard Roberts, predeceased) and Deena (Joseph MacCauley, predeceased). Fondly remembered by nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Mary was an original parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where she was a dedicated, long-term volunteer. Mary was educated at Shaw’s Business College, Toronto; one of the first women in her family to become a working professional.

Rosary, Visitation & Mass of Christian Burial

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Friends & relatives are invited to call at the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton,Ontario (705) 457-9209 on Thursday afternoon, January 30, 2025 for Rosary at 2 p.m., followed by visitation from 3 – 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 27 Victoria Street Haliburton, Ontario on Friday morning, January 31, 2025 at 12 o'clock (Noon). Spring Interment St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Anthony Cemetery Fund or SIRCH Community Services would be appreciated by the family.

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To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Pearsell (nee Formica), please visit our floral store.

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Gabrielle Gervais (nee Courtemanche) Obituary

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The passing of a holy soul – never to be forgotten

loving sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

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Gabrielle “Gay” Alma Gervais, previously Gabrielle Courtemanche, passed away peacefully in Extendicare, Haliburton, Ontario, on the evening of January 8, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, she was the daughter of Aldea Richer and Jean-Baptiste Courtemanche, and sister of Maurice, Gilberpe “Jill”, Laurette, and others just to name a few. Gabrielle and some of her siblings were fostered by Marie, who loved and cared for them all deeply. 

Gabrielle went to the University of Ottawa to become a school teacher. She was strong-willed, respected by her peers, and a devoted Catholic. So devoted that, she almost became a nun -but before she took her final vows, Raymond Hector Gervais had swept her off her feet and proposed to her in a Catholic church. They married on July 18, 1959, in Sudbury, as witnessed by Edmond Gervais and Jean-Baptiste Courtemanche. Together they built a life in Sudbury and then moved to Toronto, before finally settling their roots in Haliburton. They welcomed daughters Dianne, Helene, and son Raymond. 

Gabrielle’s love was never-ending and knew no limits. She helped foster many children over the years while raising their own. Sometimes, there were as many as 13 mouths to feed at a time. Everyone would sit around the big kitchen table and await a feast of homecooked food and even enjoyed a family trip to Florida with Ray and Gabrielle paying out of pocket and squeezing 13 kids in a Caravan. Even if at times that child would step out of line, Gabrielle would make sure each and every child felt her love. 

In her retired years living in Haliburton County, she remained an active member of the community. Gabrielle would volunteer at the Lily Ann Thrift Store, continue to spread the word of God to children learning the Bible and assist her husband with cleaning and operating the Silver Maple Motel. When she had time to herself, she enjoyed reading, playing Solitaire or Mahjong on the computer, or watching TV with her dog. She also enjoyed the company spent with her grandkids, John (Audrey), Sarah (Jeff), Raymond, and Arianne (Riley), and great-grandkids Emma-Rose, Erin, Sophia, Chloe, and Brayden. 

Gabrielle Gervais had lived a full life surrounded by people who loved her. She had a kind, loving heart. She will be missed greatly.  

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Visitation & Mass of Christian Burial

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Friends are invited to call at ST. ANTHONY'S  ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 27 Victoria St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 on Monday, January 13th, 2025, for a Funeral Mass beginning at noon (Visitation one hour prior). As an expression of sympathy, donations in Gay's memory can be made to Haliburton 4C's - Lily Ann Thrift Store or to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy #118 Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 705-457-9209. 

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me 

By David Romano 

 

When tomorrow starts without me 
And I’m not here to see 
If the sun should rise and find your eyes 
All filled with tears for me 
 
I wish you wouldn’t cry 
The way you did today 
While thinking of the many things 
We did not get to say 
 
I know how much you love me 
As much as I love you 
Each time that you think of me 
I know you will miss me too 
 
When tomorrow starts without me 
Please try to understand 
That an angel came and called my name 
And took me by the hand 
 
The angel said my place was ready 
In Heaven far above 
And that I would have to leave behind 
All those I dearly love 
 
But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates 
I felt so much at home 
When God looked down and smiled at me 
From his golden throne 
 
He said this is eternity 
And all I promised you 
Today for life on Earth is done 
But here it starts a new 
 
I promise no tomorrow 
For today will always last 
And since each day’s the exact same way 
There is no longing for the past 
 
So when tomorrow starts without me 
Do not think we’re apart 
For every time you think of me 
Remember I’m right here in your heart 

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