C By Teresa LaTchford tlatchford@yrmg.com Cherry Webster loved by students, friends mary and junior grades, music, special needs children and French at Park Avenue Public School, at schools in Aurora, but spent the majority of her time at Prince Charles Public School in Newmarket. "The students who needed most, just gravitated toward her because of her empathy and because she was so giving," he added. "She was just an amazing person in everything she did." Cherry juggled her teaching career, raising her children, Darryl and Kim, and teaching private piano lessons. On top of that, she decided the Newmarket Saints games needed a certain spice so, for every game, she would lug her equipment, plus her children, to the second floor of the recreation complex to rev up players and fans. "I still meet people today who knew my mom as the Leafs' farm team organist," Darryl said. "I have been to some faraway places and people know who my mother was; a beautiful person." But closer to home, he remembers his mother being someone who always put everyone else first, almost to a fault, as he wonders if she ever had time for herself. When he was 12, he attended a goalie school in Orillia, but was too shy to spend the night at the camp, so his mother crammed his hockey equipment into her IROC Z28 at 5 a.m. three times a week to allow him to have the experience. "She would encourage any idea we had," he laughed. "I wanted to travel with a band that made no money and she never discouraged me." When his sister, Kim, moved to Manchester, Cherry never discouraged her and remained close with her daughter. Cherry always enjoyed travelling to see her daughter and felt very much at home there. Her empathy for others began well before her family was established or before she became a teacher. When her classmates were choosing to go to Paris as part of French studies, she went to Africa where she could do mission work on top of teaching French. In addition to her other talents, Cherry had written a children's book, but had never done anything with it until she was diagnosed with a brain tumour that claimed her life in April. With help from her family, the book, The Amazing Adventures of Squeaky and Vashy, has been published. The family is currently working on organizing a life celebration to be held in August. "We want the celebration to be as unique as she was," Bill said. It will be a celebration with music and memories to pay tribute to a life that was taken too soon. Cherry Webster was a bright light in many people's lives: "She was my first teacher when I started at Prince Charles, she made me feel comfortable and she was one of the best teachers I had. "I still think of her often and, like a lot of others, have mentioned I, too, still use her songs to help aid my own children in their mathematical journey." Lifestories 31 | Stoufville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, May 19, 2016 A celebration of lives well lived and people well loved Read more Life Stories on yorkregion.com herry Webster's notes will continue to ring true in the hearts of those who knew her. To some, she was a loving wife and devoted mother of two. To others, she was a dedicated teacher and the community will remember her forever as the organist who played at the Ray Twinney Complex during Newmarket Saints games. She was an energetic and encouraging spirit who will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have crossed her path. "She was a unique person," her husband, Bill, said. "She was mystifying, talented, smart, funny and shared my love for music." They first met at the "Jolly" Miller Tavern in Toronto more than four decades ago. Both were musicians and teachers who were just beginning their careers. It was only six months later that the couple married. In 1974, the couple moved to Newmarket, a move they called the great white north at the time. Over the years, Cherry taught pri- --Melanie Walsh-Boland "I wouldn't have survived my first few years of teaching at Park Avenue without her as a mentor and shining guide. She was such a dedicated and hard-working teacher. Her sensitivity to others, enthusiasm, positive approach, creativity and kindness were appreciated by everyone." --susan collett "Mrs. Webster was my Grade 4 teacher and a teacher I will never forget. I still remember, to this day, the songs she taught us to help with math. "I have also used these to help teach my children. I remember days of going to the Newmarket Saints hockey games and being more excited that my teacher was the musician playing on her keyboard. Thank you for the wonderful memories. You will never be forgotten." -- Jennifer Gillison Classifieds Ruth passed suddenly at Markham Stouffville Hospital with family by her side. HODGES, Ruth Idella March 16, 1939 - May 17, 2016 She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her brothers Bill Hodges (Susan), and Kenneth Hodges. Nieces Margaret Hodges (Harry Ivanic), Bev Hodges, Wilma (Mike Chambers). Greatly missed by nephews/nieces Tyler, Amanda, Cassandra, Gerald and baby girl Chambers. Will be lovingly remembered by Pat McGeachie (Art Parratt), Dylan Gott (Alexis), MacKenzie Gott (Sebastien). Dear friend to Cathy Holden. Ruth worked at Cheeseborough Ponds, retired from Giant Tiger, Stouffville. She was with Markham Vets Hall, most recently Richvale Lioness and Markham Fair. Stouffville Lions will miss her great smile and big hug. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm · 905-853-2527 · Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 · Fax 905-853-1765 · For delivery questions, please contact 1-855-853-5613 HEISE, Anna Lillian (nee Baker) Peacefully at Parkview Home on Sunday, May 15, 2016 with her family by her side. Anna, the daughter of the late Ralph and Elsie Baker (nee Cober), and predeceased by her husband Paul. Loving mother of Kathleen Empringham (Ron), Vernon Heise (Mary), Merlin Heise (Kathy), Shirley Smith (Eldon), Walter Heise (Brenda) and Ray Heise (Sharon). Also remembered by her 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Clinton Baker and the late Marion McIlroy, Grace Bennett and Dorothy Wideman (Harold). Friends may visit at THE MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME, 10366 Yonge St., Richmond Hill (4th traffic light north of Major Mackenzie Dr.) on Friday, May 20th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in Heise Hill Brethren in Christ Church on Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 a.m. Interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Fordwich, Ontario at 4 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Gideon Bibles. MOORE, Margaret Patricia (nee Green) In her 91st year, Margaret passed peacefully on Monday, May 9, 2016 surrounded by her family at Country Home, Stouffville. Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband, Kenneth F. Moore (2006). Cherished mother of Pamela, Diana (Ron White) and Fred (Magda). Loving grandmother of Ken, Melissa, Brian and Shannon. Our family is forever grateful for the love and extraordinary care provided by the caregivers at Country Home. Memorial service to be held at Grace Anglican Church, Markham Saturday, June 4th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, York Region. CHILD, Herbert A. Sr. Peacefully passed away, with his family by his side, on Monday, May 16, 2016 at the Markham Stouffville Hospital in his 80th year. Beloved and devoted husband of Dorothy for 58 years. Loving father of Herb Jr., Bill (Kate) and Cindy (Paul Gawlik). Cherished grandpa of Layna, Jordan, Jackie, Jenny and great grandpa of Penelope and Isla. Dear brother of Ken (June). Family will receive friends at the Anglican Christ Church Stouffville, 254 Sunset Blvd., Stouffville, 905-640-1461 from 10:00 a.m. until Memorial Service time at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. If so desired, online condolences may be made at www.oneillfuneral.ca Lifenews.ca JEFFREY SCOTT NIHDA November 10, 1967 to May 17, 1986 It has been 30 long years since we lost Jeff to drinking and driving. There is not a day that goes by that we don't wonder how good he would have turned out as a full adult and a Father. We miss you and love you Jeff, as now your mother Jeni has joined you in heaven. May you live on through your street named for you in Markham, Jeffrey Nihda Crescent. With much love forever! From your family and friends. Alexander Brown May 23, 2015 Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure You are always close to our hearts In lieu of flowers please donate to "Lions Club Camp Kirk" Thru Lioness/Lions Clubs in A-16 in memory of Ruth. Family and friends are welcome to a Celebration of Life at Claremont Legion, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 4 p.m. with a Lioness Service at 6:30 p.m. Work Where You Live SEARCH HUNDREDS OF LOCAL JOBS Love your wife Beverley, children Carol, Elizabeth, Robert, Susan and Robert, your grandchildren and great grandchild.