In Celebration of

Marie Germaine Derby

February 8, 1937 -  October 19, 2021


nee Vienneau

Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the age of 84.

Beloved wife of the late George, whom she missed every day. Loving Mom of Nadine Hollis-Wong (John Dubreuil) and loving Step-Mother to the late Willie Derby. Much loved and very proud Nanny of Mackenzie (Justin) and Tyler (Marta). Dear sister of Jean-Guy (Colette), Melinda (the late Beverly Branch), Lauza (the late Jean-Paul St.Hilaire), Edna (Clifford Bremner), Nancy (Emile Chamberlain), Shirley (Gilles Daigle), and the late Charles, Adrian, Andre, Anthony, Yvette Ponomarenko, and Liza Vienneau. Aunt Gerry is lovingly remembered and missed by many nieces and nephews in Ontario and Bathurst NB.

She cherished her time with friends and neighbours and spending her summers gardening with Donna and Ian.

Should you wish to attend the visitation and Funeral Service, please register by clicking on the link below.

Interment Assumption Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made to RBI’s for Rachel, c/o Sick Kids Foundation.

Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca

Guestbook 

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Ian and Donna Ferguson (Neighbour)

Entered October 25, 2021 from Etobicoke

We were blessed with not only a good neighbour but also a good friend. We will remember Germaine for her lovely smile and her kindness and generosity. She will be dearly missed.

Andrew Bremner (Anunt)

Entered October 25, 2021 from Burlington

Hello Nadine and family,
I can't believe how fast time passes, I still think of the families gatherings with the mysterious foods and your dad's records playing . Aunt Gerry is going to be missed !!!

Carolyn Culver (Niece)

Entered October 25, 2021 from Mono

You will always be remembered by me Aunt Gerrie. I love you. Again so sorry for your loss Nadine, John, Mackenzie & Tyler. Sending you hugs, warmth & I am sure you have so many fond memories to keep her memory alive in your hearts. xo

Steve and Mary Shaw (Neighbour)

Entered October 25, 2021 from 24 Delroy Drive Etobicoke, M8Y1M7

To the family of Germaine Derby,
We have had the honor of living next door to Germaine, for twenty-two years. Germaine and George were wonderful neighbours.
We heard of Germaine’s passing last week and it filled us with sadness and sense of loss.
Throughout many years, we shared our experiences of our young children growing, into teenagers and then adults. Germaine always offered support and we shared the stories of our loved ones; In our stories of of joy and sadness alike, Germaine was always empathetic. She recognized the best qualities of our imperfect family, reminding me often how wonderful Mary, Anthony, Natasha, and Emma are and how privileged I am to live in their company.
There were times when living beside Germaine, was less than idyllic, at least from the point of view of a much less ambitious homeowner: Germaine often expressed different theories of why, after a heavy rainfall, water would gather at the foot of her driveway and much to my consternation, the source of this pond was thought to be connected to Mary’s ingenuity or my negligence.
Many times, Germaine would say “Anthony is a good boy! He is a really good boy! Yes, he is!” or “Mary works so hard! Steve, she never stops”. At times her praise, conspicuous in its omission of my name, gave me pause for concern.
Germaine’s sociability could be dangerous at times. On occasion I arrived home, desperately in need to use the washroom. Germaine would engage in conversation until I had to end the exchange in an abrupt manner.
In all seriousness, I could never maintain the standards that Germaine set for herself. She worked tirelessly on her home and garden.
When George died, she survived and was not defeated in grief, but managed to fight through pain.
Germaine was very proud or her children and grandchildren and would often talk about their accomplishments. She talked of her grandchildren, Mackenzie, and Tyler, with love and pride, but never in the spirit of bragging. She spoke as if their beautiful qualities, and educational accomplishments were transcendent, and she was in awe of her grandchildren.
We learned of Germaine’s passing on October 20th, Mary’s birthday. The news was very powerful and sad for us.
Today there was a heavy rain; I came home to see the pool or water at the foot of Germaine’s driveway and tears came to my eyes.
Germaine, you were a wonderful person! We will miss you.
With much love from,
Mary, Steve, Anthony, Natasha, and Emma

Photos 

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