Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
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Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Julia Elizabeth Rose Byers, of Hanover, passed away peacefully at The Village Senior's Community, Hanover on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was 96.
Born in Normanby Township on March 26, 1927 to the late George and Freida (nee Weigel) Seim. Many will remember Julia or Mrs. Byers as a Teacher for Normanby Central Community School for many years. She was a member of both the Hampden Women's Institute as well as the United Church of Canada.
Survived by sons Jim and his wife Jane of Victoria, B.C, and Bernie and his wife Patti of Port Elgin. Loved grandmother of Andrew, Geoffrey, Kelsi (Jordan) and Ali (Darren) and great grandmother of Kynli, Teagan and Hazel. Predeceased by her parents, beloved husband Hudson Byers, sister Minnie Fischer and brother Fred Seim.
Cremation has taken place and a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Hampden Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Hampden Cemetery or to the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre (https://oec.bwdsb.on.ca/) in support of her love for the outdoors and teaching, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.
Jim and Bernie, your two wonderful families. Julie was an incredible guiding force in my life at a time when force was needed. No need for details however spending those precious farm hours with your family kept me on a path I still follow today. For this is not a loss but a gift.
Love ya Julia, love to you all.❤️
I was saddened to her of Julia's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting her when I joined Alsfeldt United church years ago. She was a huge part of that church for years. She was a lovely lady and we had many laughs together along with many serious conversations. I still make her stuffing recipe! I missed her when she moved away to Hanover. Ron and I want to send our condolences to her family.
- Deenie MatthewsShe was my teacher in grade 5&6 at Neustadt Public School . [First as Miss Siem and then Mrs . Byers] She was an inspiration to me . I later went to Teacher's College and became an elementary teacher . Sympathy to the family especially during this difficult time .
- Thelma Archer [Yungblut ]Bernie, Patti and families. We send our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother. It certainly sounds like she touched many lives in her 96 years, such a tribute to her.
Sincerely Rae and Steve Mason
So sorry to hear this news. From all accounts we've heard of her over the years from family, Julia was a pillar of strength and as fine a mom and grandma as ever was or will be. Our sincere sympathies from our family to yours.
Brett, Brigitte, Katherine, Alexander
Our deepest condolences to all love ones.
My mom Donna taught in Ayton with Julia for many many years.
A kind and gentle soul. I shall always remember our family being invited to come see Julia's Christmas tree all aglow with candles. A glorious site to behold. Thank you Julia. Moreover, Mrs. Byers took the time to teach me to read. Under her tooliage,I quickly fell in love with reading. Thank you Mrs.Byers. God bless and God speed.
Warmly, Michelle and Donna Maine
Julie was Miss Seim when she was my Grade 5 and Grade 6 teacher at Neustadt School (1949-51). She was a wonderful teacher who made school a pleasant place to be, and inspired me to become a teacher too. In 1982 she surprised me at a speech I was giving in Grey County with a booklet she'd prepared of photos and anecdotes from grade 5 & 6. It is a treasure I keep to this day. So sad to hear of her passing. Miss Seim, later Mrs Byers, made the world a better place.
Ken Weber
Jim, Jane, Bernie, Patti and your families;
You have our condolences on the death of your dear mother / Grandmother /Great Grandmother. Keeping you in our prayers.
Allan & Jackie Penfold
My sincere sympathy to Julie's family. I remember Julie's love for students and education. That awareness came early when she encouraged me as a student at Normanby. An educator myself, I have seen the impact of her investment in student's lives for decades, even long after her retirement. She will be truly missed. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind.
- Heather BenderJim, Bernie and your families,
I was very sorry to learn of Julie's death. She and my mother (Nelda Weigel Dickison) were first cousins. Julie was a bridesmaid at my mother's wedding and I was a junior bridesmaid at Julie and Hudson's wedding which I remember well as a lovely occasion.
What a wonderful career she had as a teacher and as the tributes suggest she touched many lives. Indeed a life well lived.
Warmly,
Sheila Dickison
Dear Julie. You were so much a part of my growing up on the farm in Hampden. Jim and Bernie I am thinking of you.
- nancy andersonBernie, Patti and family. So sorry for your loss. Our sympathy to you at this sad time.
- Sandra and Jim RackleySincere condolences to Jim, Bernie and Families. Rowland and I had a great friendship with Julie & Hudson. We always enjoyed the maple syrup and our many visits! We shared much in our time teaching at Normanby Community School. Blessings to you with love and prayers.
- Marlyn HowardTo Bernie, Jim and families. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother. For so many years Julia was like a second mom to me and my siblings, Anne and Peter, and my memories of summers spent at the farm are among my most treasured. Your mom touched many lives. May she now rest in peace. Much love, CJ
- CJ ("Jane") SheltonBernie we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Patti during this time.
- Brad & Barb LeifsoJim Bernie and families: So sorry to hear of Julia's passing. We will cherish our visits with her. She would always want to hear about our family and was just as eager to relate to us about hers. A wonderful teacher and person. Our deepest sympathy to all.
- Ken &Carolyn KestnerTo Jim,Bernie and families; Bill and I send our condolences to you in the passing of your mother,Julia. We were neighbours for many years in Hampden and always remember her kind heart.It has been an honour to know her as a friend.Bill and Marlene Douma.
- Marlene DoumaWe are so sorry to hear of Julia's passing. I remember her wonderful laugh, especially when the teenagers dropped in. I also remember her from the Ayton school. A wonderful and talented lady. Thinking of you all. Dave and Shirley
- David and Shirley MerceyOur deepest sympathies to the family.
- Karen Goulard (Rintoul)Jim & Bernie and families.
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your dear mother Julia. My late husband Brian Wade considered Julia his 'other Mother'. I know he thoroughly enjoyed helping both your Mom and Dad on the farm. Later when Julia moved into Hanover I am so glad I got to know her when we'd vist. She was so caring and always made us feel special. God rest her soul.
Jim and Bernie. My sincere sympathy to you and all your families. What a wonderful mentor I had in Julie. I always knew that she was in my corner. I credit her encouragement to many of the the successes that I have experienced during my life time, not only the time that I had her for a teacher at Hampden, but also during the many conversations we had later on especially during my time at Noahs Inn. Rest In Peace, Julia.
- Bryan SchenkMrs. Byers was one of the best individuals at Normanby Community School. Her love of reading, book,s and the library was monumental in stirring a great love of reading in me. Such fond memories, of a beautiful human who inspired many. Deepest sympathy to the entire family.
- Laurie Zimmerman HopfMy sincere condolences to Julia's family. I have fond memories of her as a passionate teacher and librarian at Normanby school when I was a student there. She was also my neighbour and always welcomed us kids inside when we biked over to visit. I have never forgotten her. Rest in peace, Mrs. Byers.
- Shannon (Mackey) GrubbMy Sincere Sympathy, Julia was a favourite teacher of mine at the Neustadt Public School. We first knew her as Miss Seim,then later as Mrs Byers.
- Marion HaackJulia was one of my favourite teachers, sympathies to the family
- Joan {Klages} KaufmanJulia was one of my favourite teachers and got me interested in reading about history. Still do. My condolences to her family.
Marla Lembke
One of best teachers I had! Mrs Byers sent a letter at the end of school year to each student, I still have!
My deepest condolences to the family! Prayers as you move through this difficult time!
Judy Miller Herell
Condolences from our family, Julia was a strong woman and will always be remembered.
- Steve GerhardtSo sorry for your loss. Our sincere sympathies.
- Marlene Lipskie
