Obituaries

With heavy hearts, the family of Ethel Hawman (née Burbidge) shared the news of her sudden passing at home on February 25, 2026. Ethel Elizabeth Hawman (née Burbidge) was born on June 8, 1940, in York Region to her loving parents, Estella and Gordon Burbidge. She was the adored baby sister, affectionately known as “Toots,” to Gord and Lorne (both predeceased). Ethel grew up embracing farm life, a love that would shape the rest of her years. She met her devoted husband, Bill, while playing hockey on a pond in Vellore — a story that perfectly captured her spirited nature. Ethel loved sports and was quite the softball player in her day. In later years, she especially enjoyed watching curling and thoroughly delighted in the recent Olympics. Bill and Ethel shared nearly 67 wonderful years of marriage. In 1973, they purchased their dairy farm in Omemee and moved from Kleinburg with their three children, Lynn, Alan and Tom. A few years later, Brad arrived to complete their family. Ethel was the mastermind behind the breeding program and the development of the Tomalynn pedigree herd. She was not only a devoted wife and mother, but also the farm’s bookkeeper, milkmaid, gardener, and Bill’s steadfast partner in every sense. Her dedication and expertise were recognized when she was awarded the Master Breeder’s Shield from Holstein Canada — an accomplishment she was immensely proud of. Faith was also an important part of Ethel’s life. She was an active and dedicated member of Bethel United Church, contributing her time to bookkeeping, choir, UCW activities, and wherever help was needed. Bill and Ethel loved to travel whenever they had the chance — whether attending crop tours, camping at the Plowing Match, or spending time in Texas with the Taffy Group. If there was a road trip to be had, they were ready to go. Ethel is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Bill; daughter Lynn (Clare) Grills; and sons Alan (predeceased) Tom (Deb) and Brad (Julia). Ethel was blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren who each held a special place in her heart: Ashley Cadeau-Grills (predeceased) (Brent), Heather Grills, Laura Merrill (Jesse), Eli Hawman (Kara), Zach Hawman (Brianna), Maggie Hawman (Rob), Emma, Grace and John Hawman.

Her legacy continues through her seven cherished great-grandchildren — Sheppard, Jack, Joey, Charley, Cooper, Gwendolyn, and Danika — with one more blessing expected in March. She will also be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Isobel Burbidge, Mary Burbidge, Velma Atkinson, Mary and Jack Proctor, and Joan Fenning. Ethel was predeceased by her son Alan and brothers Gordon and Lorne Burbidge, as well as in-laws Glen Atkinson, Ruth and Steve Brown, Gloria and Don Coffey, Ken Fenning. Ethel’s life was one of devotion — to her faith, her family, her farm, and her community. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering work ethic will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Friends and family celebrated Ethel’s life on Tuesday, March 3 at Celebrations, 35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay, Ontario. Visitation took place from 10:30am to 11:30am, and a service to followed at 11:30am. Following the service, a light lunch was held, which provided an opportunity to share memories and connect with one another. In lieu of flowers donations to Bethel United Church 90 Bethel Road, Omemee ON, by e-transfer to or to a charity of your choice. Donations may also be made by cheque through the Mackey Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Emily Cemetery, Omemee at a later date.