William Robert Mazurkewich, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2021. He was 87.
Born and raised in Fort William, Bill was the middle child in a Ukrainian-Canadian family of 13 children. His family faced the kind of economic struggles we can only imagine today, living in a three-bedroom home on Alexandra Street. Yet Bill (Butts), who came from a family of over-achievers, didn’t let financial shortcomings hold back his career aspirations. He carved out a path as an accountant for Caland Ore in Atikokan, followed by a 15-year stint at Ontario Hydro, all while upgrading his credentials by taking accounting courses and studying law. He loved politics, becoming Treasurer of the Liberal Riding Association in 1966. He told family he stepped aside to let Pat Reid take the liberal nomination for Rainy River District in 1967. He later served seven years as a councillor for the Township of O’Connor. Bill also poured much of his energy into his fraternities: he was Master at the Atiko
Mrs. Iris Mary Lucchese, age 97 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, with family by her side.
Iris was born on August 10, 1923 in Truro, Cornwall, England. Iris overcame every challenge that arose in her life, from childhood illness, to the Depression in England, to witnessing the Battle of Britain and surviving the bombing of London during World War II.
Iris emigrated from England to Canada after the War. Her experience as a telephone operator in London made her a natural fit as a dispatcher for Lacey’s Taxi. She met the love of her life, Lino Lucchese, and they were married for 40 years. In 1958 they purchased Lacey’s Taxi which they operated for 36 years. Iris and Lino loved to travel and visited many places around the world, including many trips to Italy and England.
It is with great sadness that the family of Frank William Daigle announce his passing on April 25, 2021 at Hogarth Riverview Manor at the age of 93. He was born on March 11, 1928 in Fort William, and grew up in North Neebing, where he lived his entire life in the family home. Frank was a proud employee at CN Rail for 35 years. He told many stories about his life on the railway. Prior to retirement, he and his wife Marie attended many events over the years at the North Neebing Community Center. He also loved bowling and competed in tournaments and won many trophies.
Mrs. Lena (Filomena) Buttazzoni passed away on April 22, 2021 following a lengthy illness with family by her side.
Born on October 24, 1931 in San Daniele del Friuli, Udine, Italy, Lena was the eldest of four children. In January 1953, she came to Canada to marry her childhood sweetheart, Tony. She arrived with only a travel trunk filled with linens that she embroidered and her Singer sewing machine which she used regularly until her passing. Lena and Tony were married for 68 years and created a loving home in Westfort where they raised their daughters Luisa and Silva. Tony and Lena were happiest when they were together and with family.
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, Sofie Cleverdon, peacefully, on April 22, 2021, at the age of 96. Sofie was born to John and Chrissie Gerassimou in Port Arthur. She married Jack Cleverdon on November 16, 1945, and spent her life raising a family that she loved very much.
Sofie spent six years attending Central School after which she worked for her parent s restaurant, the Central Candy Kitchen, until the business closed in 1961. She was also employed at Murray s Grill and the Provincial Paper s Canteen. Sofie also was a working partner in our family business, Cleverdon Painting and Decorating. Mom shared the responsibilities with Dad as a Custodian for the Orange and True Blue Hall and the Canadian Order of Foresters. She was not afraid of a hard days’ work. Mom was widowed at the age of 59 and was there to raise her five children on her own. Another example of her strength and endurance to overcome any obstacles she faced.