Marie died peacefully, at Hamilton General Hospital on Saturday, January 29, after having suffered a stroke earlier in the week. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday on January 9.
She was the only daughter of Kenneth and Helen (Todd) Saunders, the middle child of five, and was predeceased by two brothers, and their wives, William (Dorothy) and Robert (Evelyn), and sister-in-law Gertrude (Hewitt) Hall.
Survived by daughter Maureen (Jeff Topp), of Hagersville, and son Todd, of Hong Kong. ‘Grams’ to Jennifer Topp (Alexandre Hendrick), and Great Gramma to Arthur, of Toronto.
Also surviving are her brothers Tom (Greta), Dave (Caroline), sister-in-law Ruth (Hewitt) Zadanyi, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.
Marie grew up on a dairy farm near Nanticoke, ON. In her youth, she was captain, and pitcher for the Ontario Champion Jarvis Jills Softball Team. She attended Hamilton Normal School, becoming a well respected teacher, following in her mother’s and aunt’s footsteps. As a 4H Leader, she taught many a young gal in Hagersville to sew and cook. Marie sat on the Board of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario, culminating in the role of Provincial President, having worked her way through the chairs of the West Haldimand General Hospital Auxiliary, and the HAAO Region 4 Association.
She served on the Board of Governors for West Haldimand General Hospital, as well, and was an active member of Hagersville United Church. In 2012, Marie was honoured to receive a Queen’s Jubilee Medal, in recognition of her contributions to the community.
Howard and Marie started the highly successful Hewitt’s Dairy Bar in 1962, and upon Howard’s death in 1994, continued to oversee operations at both the Dairy and Dairy Bar, until the sale of the company in 2014.
She was a force to be reckoned with, an astute business woman, but also very generous with her time, and supported many causes and charities. She will be missed.
The family will honour her life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel, 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Sunday from 2 - 5 p.m. and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. where a private family service will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022. Interment Hagersville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marie’s name to Hagersville United Church, or the West Haldimand General Hospital and Healthcare Foundation.
Proof of vaccination is required.
Condolences
Posted by
Alice Guthrie
on
Jan 31st, 2022
I will always treasure Marie's memory; this dear lady gave me great encouragement at a time I truly needed it. Thank you Marie. Rest in peace.
Posted by
Lori Holstein
on
Jan 31st, 2022
Maureen, Jennifer and family....so sorry for the loss of you mom and grandmother. Such a great lady, a wonderful roll model and teacher for so many of our local families...
She will be missed....
Posted by
Shannon Maude
on
Jan 31st, 2022
I am so very sad to hear of your mom's passing. Fondly remembering her "hard ass" ways while working at the Dairy Bar. Thanks for all the lessons. Rest i peace Marie. Condolences to you all.
Posted by
Sharon Fess
on
Jan 31st, 2022
The words “a force to be reckoned with” brought a smile to my face. My association with Marie was business related and over time and many conversations I grew to greatly respect her for her life accomplishments. Sincere condolences to her family. Rest In Peace Marie.
Posted by
Adrian Jacobs
on
Jan 31st, 2022
My condolences and prayers for you Maureen in the passing of your mother.
Posted by
Awde Wayne
on
Feb 1st, 2022
My condolences to Maureen, Todd and family on the loss of your mom may she rest in peace
Posted by
Jack and Wendy Payne
on
Feb 1st, 2022
We are so sorry to here of the passing of Marie she was a lovely lady.
Posted by
Laura Williams
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Sending my condolences to the Hewitt family. Your mom was a pleasant lady and would always take the time to chat while we sat in the Dairy Bar. She leaves a legacy behind. Much love to you.
Posted by
Karen Dyet Sweeting
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Sincere sympathies to Maureen, Todd and family on behalf our my family. God speed, Marie.
Posted by
Doyle Brian
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Howard and Marie ran a tight ship. They gave me employment when I was at a very tough time in my life. Marie never backed away from giving you her brutally honest opinion whether you liked it or not.
The Dairy Bar is a landmark from Marie's slogan of 'Something new for '62'. I was very proud to have worked for the Hewitt family and send my very sincerest condolences.
Posted by
Christine Bartnik
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Maureen and family , so sorry to her of your loss. 4h meetings in your Mom's kitchen are among my favorite memories growing up in Hagersville. She was a kind, generous, and extremely capable woman . There was always a right way to complete a task and she made sure we learned it !
Posted by
Doug and Cindy Moerschfelder
on
Feb 1st, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to you.
Posted by
Gene Emslie
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Sincere condolences to Maureen, Todd and family on the passing or you Mom. As busy as she was she always greeted you when you came in. Few things were more comforting than a trip to the "Dairy Bar". Family and friends working behind the counter, family and friends (Russ Lickers, Jim Newman, Wayne (Hewitt) Emslie, on "their" familiar stools telling stories and sipping coffee with pie or a burger. What wonderful memories were created at this local landmark.
Posted by
Bonnie McClung
on
Feb 1st, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by
Jim & Dale Hugehs
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Maureen, Todd, Jenn and families
Our hearts go out to you all in this time of grief. Marie, as stern as she could be, was a one of a kind person. She instilled in me an ethic that will live in me forever.
My father, Jim, and I send our condolences to you and your families. May Marie rest in peace, and may she live in your hearts forever. You will all be our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Posted by
Frank and Dale Vecero
on
Feb 1st, 2022
We have so many great memories of the "Dairy Bar". As kids we were lucky enough to live just down the road so it was exciting times to go and get ice cream, especially after Choir Practice. Like our Brother said lots of friends and family worked there and you couldn't go in without knowing someone. Always enjoyed our conversations and will miss our weekly chats at Church. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by
Henry & Anja van der Vlies
on
Feb 1st, 2022
We were saddened to hear of Marie's passing. As dairy goat farmers we owe a lot of gratitude to Marie and Hewitt's Dairy. Sincere condolences to her family.
Posted by
Cheryl Woolvett
on
Feb 1st, 2022
My condolences to Marie's family. Marie was a great community ambassador and will be missed by many.
Posted by
WIlliam and Sara Zondag
on
Feb 1st, 2022
Our condolences in the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. I met Mrs. Hewitt many years ago when Hewitts first started picking up our dairy goat milk. She was a strong woman who cared deeply for the well being of the farmers who depended on Hewitts to pick up their milk. I remember well the time that I was asked to go along with Mrs. Hewitt and Christine R to Woolwich Dairy to do some price negotiations with Tony Dutra. I was amazed at the knowledge and care she communicated on our behalf. We will be forever grateful for her influence in the success of our farming business. Blessings to each of you as you lean on the many memories, yet grieve the hole that has been left behind.
Posted by
Nancy Fess
on
Feb 2nd, 2022
Sorry to hear of Marie's passing. Enjoyed working at Hewitt's Diary Bar. Marie certainly had her options but she had a very kind side. Enjoyed working at Hewitt's Diary Bar with Howard, Marie, Maureen and Todd and welcoming Jennifer into the family. After ending working, still had coffee with Marie at times and than she would call me occasionally to find something out and than we had a nice visit. I will miss those surprise calls and keeping up on family. Marie is at rest My thoughts are with all her family.
Posted by
Lynne (Morris) Garn
on
Feb 3rd, 2022
Sincere sympathy during this time of sorrow.
Mrs Hewitt was a lady that spoke her mind but always included words of wisdom.
May all of her contributions and great memories help to ease your broken hearts.
Posted by
Dianne Miller
on
Feb 3rd, 2022
Sincere condolence’s to the Hewitt and Saunders family on the passing of Marie. In many ways Marie was a great asset to the Hagersville community.
May she Rest In Peace. Sincerely George and Dianne Miller
Posted by
Bruce Dunstall
on
Feb 4th, 2022
Dear Maureen and Jeff, Todd, Jennifer and Alex and little "Bonus" I am so sorry to hear about Marie's passing. As an employee of going on 35 years we go back a quite a way and it has always been a pleasure working for Howard and Marie, my family and I will always remain grateful. Rest in Peace Marie and God Bless.
Posted by
Dianne Strohm
on
Feb 6th, 2022
So sorry to hear about Marie's passing. A little story to share. Howard stopped by the office on his way to the Dairy Bar with his first load of milk in one liter "glass bottles". I asked if he had chocolate, that my daughter loved chocolate milk. He said yes, went and got me one off the truck. Howard wouldn't take any money. He said "don't tell Marie". I knew better than to ever mention a word about it. I will always remember his kindness. I still have the bottle. Rest easy Marie. God Bless.
Posted by
Scott DeWare & Scott Elson
on
Feb 6th, 2022
Dear Todd, Maureen and family. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Much love, S x 2
Posted by
Scott DeWare & Scott Elson
on
Feb 6th, 2022
Dear Todd, Maureen and family. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Much love, S x 2
Posted by
Kimberly Phillips
on
Feb 6th, 2022
Dear family, you have my deepest and most heart felt condolences on your mother’s passing. Todd it is wonderful you made it home for this sad time. I wish each of you virtual hugs from my hospital bed. Clayton Awde told me as a teenager if I could work for Marie I could work for anyone. The discipline she demanded of me has stood the test of time in my work life. I have very fond memories of your parents. Sincerely, Kimberly
Posted by
Andrew and Rosemary Taylor
on
Feb 7th, 2022
Dear family, we are all sad to hear of your loss. Marie is a special lady to our family. Whether we worked with her or were privileged to visit her, we were always made welcome. We will miss our Hagersville chats. Our love and prayers to you all. Andrew and Rosemary Taylor and family.
Posted by
Jenny Bomberry
on
Feb 7th, 2022
Sincere condolences Maureen...best pie maker for "mincemeat"...missed after she retired...
Posted by
Jenny Bomberry
on
Feb 7th, 2022
Sincere condolences Maureen...best pie maker for "mincemeat"...missed after she retired...
Posted by
Jenny Bomberry
on
Feb 7th, 2022
Sincere condolences Maureen...best pie maker for "mincemeat"...missed after she retired...
