Death Notices

BIRCH, Catherine "Jean" (nee Geraldi)  February 27, 1931 - June 27, 2022.  It is with heavy hearts the family of Jean Birch announce the peaceful passing of a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister on Monday, June 27, 2022 at the age of 91. She is now reunited with the love of her life, her beloved husband of 72 years, Tom (2022).  Cherished and loving mother of Catherine Hatt (Rick), Bill, Bob (Bev), Jack (Michele), Brenda Stephenson Ballam (Peter), Charlie (Charlene) and Paul (Chris).  Jean will be sadly missed by her 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Helene Wasson and sister-in-law Betty Antonio.  Predeceased by her parents Robert Maxwell and Helen Geraldi, Charles and Mary Jane Birch, her brother Bill Geraldi, son-in-law Mark Stephenson, grandson Justin MacDonald and great grandson Blake LaPlante.  She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Born February 27, 1931 in Tweed, lived her childhood and adolescence years in Lakefield and adult life in Peterborough, Woodstock, London, Simcoe and more recently Welland.  She was deeply devoted to her faith and relied on it all her life, sometimes through challenging times.  Her passion was a life of labor and love for her family.  There was nothing she wouldn't do for family.  She was the greatest supporter and fan at all family sporting events loved animals and loved to sing and hamburgers.  Her butter tarts were the BEST.  As per Jean’s request cremation has taken place.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 211 Union St. Simcoe on Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Internment: Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate are asked to consider the Juvenile Diabetes, Ronald McDonald House, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing.  The family would like to thank the staff at Woodlands of Sunset, Welland for their care and compassion for the last seven months, Deacon Tom for his comforting visits and to the Dr’s and nursing staff on 6th floor Welland Hospital.  Arrangements entrusted to the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St.  North, Simcoe N3Y 3R3.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com  (519) 426-0199