Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Deanne Jean Sterby, of Hanover, passed away at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on Saturday, 10 May 2025, with all of her children present. She was 78 years old.
Born in Ottawa, on 1 August 1946, to the late William Kenneth and Anne Marie (nee Cumming) Glaeser. Deanne loved spending time with family and her numerous friends. She has been called a friend magnet! She genuinely cared for others and relationships filled her with joy!
Deanne and her husband Henning raised their family in Brampton. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher in North York. After retiring, the Sterbys fulfilled their dream of living in the countryside, and moved to Hanover.
Deanne always kept a very busy social calendar; chorus, book clubs, Mahjong, attending live theatre, and other outings. She appreciated art and music, especially Gordon Lightfoot. She also loved to travel, and visited an extensive list of countries and attractions. Deanne had the gift of picking out the perfect greeting card for every occasion. She wrote thoughtful words with beautiful penmanship. Deanne likely sent a thousand cards over her lifetime! She will be dearly missed.
Loved mother of Jenna (Scott) Lane of Michigan, Kirsten Sterby of Waterloo, and Karsten 'Bo' (Lisa) Sterby of Ottawa. Proud grandma of Kaitlin and Cooper. Fondly remembered by her brother Jim (Gloria) Glaeser of Nova Scotia, and Jan (Russ) Kern of Florida. Predeceased by her husband Henning (2013).
To honour her wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held from 10:30-11:15 am on Friday, 16 May 2025, at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, where a Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 am.
For those that are unable to attend, the Memorial Service will be live streamed directly on the obituary page on our website, and through the Mighton Funeral Home YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@MightonFuneralHomeLtd The live stream will start approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the service - at that time, please look for the live video post on the obituary page on our website or the Funeral Home YouTube Channel to join the service. For people unable to join at the time of the service, the live stream video will remain posted and available for viewing afterwards.
Deanne was a breast cancer survivor. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Tribute Slideshow
Memorial Service Live Stream
A lovely service that honoured my Ancaster High School Charter Members reunion friend and co-planner. Sincere condolences to all her family from me and my brother, Graham Smith. Special thanks to Jenna and Scott, who welcomed us all and who led the most meaningful part of the service
- Pat Smith SaundersWe are so saddened by Deanne‘s passing. She will always have a place in our hearts, and we have so many memories of her that will make us smile. She was a lovely person and neighbour, and will be missed so very much.
- Carol and Marc BernardBo, Kis, & Jenna,
I just watched the beautiful service for Auntie De. Watching you all speak brought tears to my eyes as I know how much you love and will miss her and how much she loved each of you. I look forward to seeing you all and sharing stories when she is interred. Auntie De was such a huge part of and influence on my childhood. Visiting her and Uncle Henning at their home in Brampton, which we often did, are some of my favorite memories. It was a home filled with warmth, tradition, laughter and love. They had a guest room designed just for their nieces and nephews with jungle wallpaper, twin beds with the softest and fluffiest duvets and of course a ton of children's books. I especially remember the summer I visited when I had them all to myself and Auntie De and I went to Canada's Wonderland and she taught how to make strawberry jam with berries we picked ourselves. And I remember the nursery she had set up for you Bo with bright primary colors and a prism in the window that cast rainbows around the room. I am so grateful that she visited a few years back and I was able to spend time with her again. When she left she gifted me with a beautiful butterfly pendant as she knew the significance of butterflies to me. Always thoughtful and loving. Hearing about how she spent her life so intentionally and prioritizing relationships is an inspirational reminder for me. Sending love and prayers for comfort as you navigate your grief.
Tia
A sad loss of such a warm and bubbly friend. She will always be remembered for her permanent smile and her efforts with the original AHS group.
- Barb & Gary WeldonWhat a beautiful service, for a beautiful woman! I had the pleasure of meeting Deanne, on some of her visits here to Michigan. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent chatting with her. She truly did have a gift of connecting with people.
I'm sorry you lost her all too soon, but I'm so glad all her children were with her in the end. I'm sure that gave her great comfort.
I appreciated the live stream, and the video shown throughout. I see bits of your mom in each of her children. But Jenna . . . her smile lives on in you! Like your mom, keep sharing it with those you meet, even in your sorrow. She continues to live within each of those whose lives she touched, and I'm blessed that one of them was mine.
Deanne and I first met teaching The Three “R” program in Brampton in 2020! We became very good friends and did many fun things together! We kept in touch when Henning and Deanne moved to Hanover. Sadly Covid hit and we were estrange for a number of years! A few weeks ago we got together for an overnight and caught up with our glasses of wine! Deanne was my wine budddy! My husband Joe and I send sincere condolences to her family! May she rest in peace!
Althea and Joe Taylor
I am so saddened to lose such a dear friend. She had such joy in life. She attended my concerts, loved going out to celebrate our birthdays and was always there for support. She listened and cared. We miss her at Mahjong already. I am thankful that she was part of my life.
- Beth CruickshankDeanne's Family
I remember the years I shared with Deanne at Calico Public School. During that time, I had the privilege to observe her dedication as a teacher.
After we retired Deanne became a motivating factor for us to keep in touch and we did. We formed a group which she called the Calico Cats. Calico Cats started a book club and read an assortment of books which we discussed at our monthly a Book Club Meeting.
Eventually we just talked and didn't and instead shared personal stories . Deanne was very excited to share her stories especially about her grandchildren.
Deanne will be missed, however her presence will remain with us.
RIP Deanne
We wanted to send our Sympathies to the Family
Although we did not know Deanne long, but it felt like we knew her forever.She was the type of person that was such a Joy to be around.
Our boys Deslin and Cecil absolutely loved her company and getting to know her.
She will be missed by us all.
To Deanne's family . Very sad to learn of Deanne's passing. May the many happy times lift you up during this time of grieving and bring back all the great memories.
Don
My deepest condolences to Deanne's family.
- Alice Hill
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss, my thoughts are with you.
Although I hadn't seen Deanne in a while I always remember her positive and cheerful attitude. May she rest in peace.
Brought back memories of Deanne during our time over many years at school in Ancaster. Condolences to the family.
Alan
I send my sincere condolences in this time of grief. The Bible gives a comforting hope that your loved one will soon live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.
- Gale EllisDeanne and I chummed as teenagers in Ancaster. She was a great friend, but time and distance lost touch until she walked into the District School in town to view the Art Show two years ago (she had come with a friend) and I was sitting at the sales table in the lobby and recognized her. We chatted and got caught up .. since, our emailing about the AH&VS reunion and her trip to B.C. RIP dear lady, and my condolences to friends and family.
- SueDeanne my friend, you wil be sooo missed. I enjoyed our dinners and sleepovers after Mahjongg and will always treasure our week together in Naples.
Your kindness and caring and warmth will never fade from my memories. Huge hugs and love on your journey my friend.
To your family Deanne, I send my deepest sympathies and am so glad you had time with your Grandkids, who you shared your joy with I know, and you also shared that joy with us, your friends, who were so happy for you.
I will always be grateful for your friendship.
Thank you for being my Ancaster friend of many years. Deanne you worked so hard making our class reunions work. I still have the cards you sent when I was diagnosed. You always knew the words to say. Miss you
- Marianne AshDeanne was my customer for several years. She was always so upbeat and thoughtful. I am so thankful to have known her and will miss our chats.
Sending sincerest condolences to Deanne's family.
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Deanne's passing. She was such a bubbly person and a joy to be around. Our condolences to the family.
- David and Shirley MerceyTo Deanne's family
I am sorry to read this from Mighton's FH.
I met her when I joined Acappella Showcase in Milton. Over the past few years we've talked on the phone and had lunch. I've lived in Mildmay since 2006 and am now living in Hanover at The Seniors Village since February. I was unaware that she was ill. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Take care of each other, please! Thanks to God for blessing us with memories. May God bless you!
Karen Scott
We met Deanne through another dear friend and we instantly became friends. Turned out we are neighbours. What a shock. We enjoyed dinner together at our place recently and she also dropped one of beautiful cards with a joyful greeting in our mailbox. We will miss her tremendously. So sorry for your loss. Linda and Bruce
- Linda Yenssen and Bruce McDonaldPlease accept our condolences on the loss of your Mom. She will be missed.
- Robert and Sandra Watterson
