It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the matriarch of our family, Mary Bogensic (née Ertl). She passed away peacefully after a period of in-home care, at her beloved daughter Lisa’s residence.  Mary was able to maintain a very independent life, even driving herself around, right up until her recent hospitalization. She was fortunate to spend her remaining months in the environment of a loving home, supported by family and friends, which greatly enhanced her quality of life.  Many reading this will have known Mary and have special memories of time spent at the Hilltop Lodge in St. Williams, where she worked as proprietor for over 50 years.  She was always so sweet and caring to each person she met – treating everyone like they were her own children.  Mary’s passing is deeply felt by many people in her community and all those she touched everywhere.

Mary is survived by her beloved children Lisa [Les, and deeply loved grandson Evan], Frank [Leigh] and siblings Anne [Jim], Frank [Pearl], Konrad [Bonnie], Veronica [Cliff], sisters-in-law Diane, Ruzica [John] and much-loved nieces and nephews.  She meets in Heaven her cherished husband Frank, brother Otto, brother-in-law Oto, sister-in-law Anica [Juka] and ‘Hilltop Family’ members who loved Mary like a second mother.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anna Trzcieniecka, Dr. Naas, Care Partners, the teams at Hamilton Health Sciences and Norfolk General Hospitals and the First responders for your kindness and compassion.  Private messages can be sent through Wareing Cremation Services along with links to the below suggested charities.          https://wareingcremation.ca/blogs/obituaries

In lieu of flowers or mailing sympathy cards, and in honour of Mary’s giving nature, please consider donating any amount to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF), both of which carry-on important work that has helped our family and many others through the years.  Donations benefit many through research support and funding of medical equipment for hospitals.  HHSF manages donor gifts to enable excellence in patient care.  Every gift in Mary’s memory impacts lives.  Ways to give:  https://www.hamiltonhealth.ca/memorialgiving  or call HHSF at: 905-522-3863.

In keeping with Mary’s final wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will be held at her beloved St Williams home of over 50 years.

At a future time, a special celebration of Mary’s long and fulfilling life will be announced and held at Hilltop Lodge – the special place that Mary and Frank Sr. built.