It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Auntie Alma (Dyck) on the morning of Monday, Nov. 23 2019, in her bed at her Tabor Manor home at the age of ninety four.
Alma was born on May 28, 1925 to Margaret and Abraham Dyck. She was raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake with four siblings, Eric, Henry and Helen who preceded her in death and Jake who resides in Chartwell in Niagara. At the young age of four as a result of an accident, Alma lost the majority of her eyesight, which of course impacted her entire life. She never married nor had children of her own and consequently her family and all her friends became very important to her. She was the first cornea transplant patient at Toronto General when she was thirty which unfortunately was unsuccessful. At the age of sixty-five a second cornea transplant took place that gave her 80% of her vision. It was a miracle after almost sixty years without sight.
Alma lived a frugal and very simple christen life. She resided at Pleasant Manor for many years where she had a wonderful circle of friends. She was quite social in a smaller gathering, however never wanted any attention to come her way. Alma could speak her mind, but she always made you feel loved. She was the ultimate “baby whisperer” and babysitter and all children loved her. Her faith was strong and brought her much comfort throughout her life and death. Following a fall and broken hip at the age of ninety she was released from hospital into Long Term Care at Tabor Manor until her passing. There she was reacquainted with her longtime friend Anna Wall. Their friendship spanned more than eighty years. The Tabor Manor staff have been absolutely wonderful in their attention, love and care for Auntie Alma and we will always be grateful for that. Although we often encouraged her to become the “First Centurion” in the family (and she quite liked the idea of that) … that was not to be.
In accordance to how Aunt Alma lived her life … an intimate, Christian graveside service has taken place at Lakeshore Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so to the “Radiant Care Home.”