Vanstone, Erma

Our cherished mother, Erma Elizabeth Vanstone (née Heatlie), passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in her 94th year, with family by her side. Born October 13, 1932, in Saint-Philippe, Québec, to Alvin and Dorothy Heatlie, Erma was raised on the family farm along with two sisters. In her late teens, she moved across the river to Hawkesbury, Ontario, where she worked briefly at the Smith Clinic. She met Howard on a blind date, and it was love at first sight! Her energy and devotion then created a warm and loving home for their quickly growing family—four daughters within four years. Mom’s sewing talents served her well during the early years when in the evenings her Singer sewing machine would magically transform fabric into dresses for her little girls. She made family gatherings special with her turkey dinners, delicious baking and hospitality. Erma was actively involved in church, school, and social activities. When her daughters were older she worked at Tul Safety (now Tulmar) where her sewing experience proved an asset. Throughout her life, Mom, and Dad delighted in spending time with family and friends, camping, curling, skiing, swimming, partying, walking, or enjoying the sunset from the deck at Lake Clear. Mom always found time to preserve our family history in over 40 photo albums she lovingly created. In 2019, Erma moved to Chapel Hill Retirement Residence in Orleans, Ontario, where she received excellent care and enjoyed many musical activities. We are forever grateful to Dr. Guindon and the first-floor staff for their loving care and kindness over the final years of Mom’s life. Special thanks to Loreta, Liberty, Shirley, Marie-Édith, and Chantal, as well as her dear friend and companion, Nancy. Predeceased by her husband Howard (2017) and her older sister Audrey Ellard (2018), Erma is survived by her four loving daughters—Judith (Guy Williams), Lynn (Art Wilkie), Ruth (Graham Overton) and Gail (Will Logan); four endearing grandchildren—Emilie Caputo (Mauri), Matthew Logan, Derek Logan and Geoffrey Logan (Émilie Mayer); four precious great-grandchildren—Izabella, Dante, Adrielle and Caleb; and her beloved sister, Vivian Olmsted. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Mom was surrounded by her loving family during her final days, until New Year’s Eve, when she was reunited with her dear Howard to ring in 2026! A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In memory of Erma, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd, Orleans Ont. and Hillcrest Funeral Home, 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill, Ont.