STEINWALL, Claribel Edith (nee McHeyzer)

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Claribel. She died peacefully on June 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, just shy of her 83rd birthday. She was the strong and loving wife to Annesley (Mike) and beloved mother to Allan (Rebecca), Alec (Nancy) and Andrew (Mina). She will be sorely missed by her sisters Estelle (Ron), Eleanor (Carlyle), Eunice (Desmond), Elaine (Ed) and brother Randolph (predeceased by her brothers Cecil and Eric). Born in Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where she became a school teacher before emigrating in 1960 to Canada, joining there with her parents (predeceased) Marguerite and Clarence McHeyzer and soon to be husband Annesley. Annesley and Claribel were married 62 years, raised their family and built their home in Toronto, Canada, where Claribel worked and retired after a 35-year career with Bell Canada.

She was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family and was the deeply-loved “gramma” and “ma’am” to her grandchildren, Frank (Juanita, Robbie, Andrew); Maegyn, Riki-lee, Emily, Jackson, Claire, Sam and Madeline.

She lived her life on her own terms and held true to a simple philosophy grounded upon love and family, and the enjoyment of life. She had a deep faith in God and Christ and knew that there were guardian angels always at work in the world. She was a lover of music and at any celebration she was the first on and the last to leave the dance floor. She enjoyed watching horse races and playing her Friday night cards. She was an incredible cook, she had a keen wit with a contagious laugh, and had a no-nonsense approach to getting things done. She was our family’s strength and glue, and she will be sorely missed by her numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a force of nature. Her love knew no bounds and she embraced her myriad of family and friends with gracious, loving open arms.

At her request a private internment will take place with family, followed by a celebration of life for family and friends to be held at Pine Hills Cemetery, (see address on this site) on June 25th, at 1:00pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be left on the guest book (see the link on this page)

You showed us how to live with strength and conviction; you showed us how to love unconditionally, and most importantly – you showed us that to maintain the strong bonds of family, all pettiness and anger must be put aside so that love can shine through.