Magdalena (Madeline) Vaitonis passed peacefully on May 20 at the age of 96 at Shalom Village, Hamilton. Her family mourns her loss and is deeply grateful for the rich legacy she leaves behind. Only child of her late parents, Magdalena and Juozas Martinkus. Predeceased by her loving husband, Povilas Vaitonis, and cherished daughter, Gina. Survived and cherished by her children, Danute Yates (Robert) of Dundas, Vida Vaitonis of Toronto, Nijole Vaitonis (Ivan) of Dundas, Algis Vaitonis of Delray Beach, Florida, and Ruta O'Grady (Tony) of Hamilton. Treasured Grandmother to Greg, Stephanie, Tasha, Brie, Kristina, Matthew and Lauren. Proud Great Grandmother of Beckett, Audrey, Sophia, Tessa, Reese, Nyah, Bianca, Luka and Adalyn. She will be missed by the many friends whose lives she enriched. Settling in Hamilton in 1949 as a refugee from Lithuania with her husband, Povilas Vaitonis, and her 1st daughter, she embraced her new life and flourished in her new country. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and mother-in-law, she was also a highly respected and accomplished real estate agent, a wonderful friend to innumerable people in Lithuanian and other communities, and one of the the pillars of the Lithuanian Hamilton community. She led a rich and fulfilling life, guided by her principles of fairness and kindness to all. Compassionate towards all who needed help, she was also fearless when she encountered what she felt was injustice. She loved adventure and never walked away from a challenge. At the age of 40, after raising her six children as a full time homemaker, she embarked on a 35 year career as an outstanding real estate agent. Her natural ability to connect and empathize with people of all walks of life made her a valued advisor, confidant and friend to the clients she served. She took on key roles in the many organizations she volunteered with, but was always modest about her contributions. She was President of the Lithuanian Catholic Womens' League, Chair of the Board of Directors of Rambynas, a Seniors Apartment Residence and the President of the Condo Board where she lived.
Deepest appreciation to her personal caregivers, Myrna and Isabel, and the wonderful staff at Shalom Village, in particular, Dr. Danielle O'Toole, nurses Jackie, MaryAnn and Christina, PSW's Emira and Rose, and Recreation Therapist, Oliver, to name only a few of the dedicated staff whose loving and joyful care sustained her. Visitation will be held at Marlatt Funeral Home, at 615 Main St. E. Hamilton on Wednesday, May 25 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 58 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton on Thursday, May 26 at 11:00. Burial and reception to follow at St. John's Lithuanian Cemetery, 2185 Stavebank Rd., Mississauga. Time of Prayers will be announced on Marlatt Funeral Home website. Donations to Shalom Village, Hamilton would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.marlattfhhamilton.com
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