In Loving Memory of Alice Gwendoline Zyba née Monkman

Alice Gwendoline Zyba, known to all as Gwen, passed away peacefully at 94 years
of age on March 4, leaving behind a life defined by compassion, service, and quiet
strength.
Born Alice Gwendoline Monkman on 14 May 1931 in Settrington, Yorkshire, Gwen
was the beloved daughter of Albert and Annie Monkman née Frank. A proud
Yorkshire lass, she carried with her throughout her life the values of kindness,
resilience and plain-spoken warmth that defined both her upbringing and her
character.
The second eldest of eight children, Gwen grew up surrounded by family and
remained closely connected to her siblings and their families: Robert & Joan,
Lawrence & Peggy, Sheila & Reg, Kathleen & Ben, Richard & Edna, Elizabeth &
Edward, and David & Janet. She was a dearly loved aunt and is fondly
remembered by her many nieces and nephews.
Gwen attended Malton Grammar School, leaving in 1947 to begin her training in
nursing — a vocation that would become her life’s work. In 1956, encouraged by a
fellow nurse and driven by a spirit of adventure, Gwen made the brave decision
to emigrate to Canada. She left England aboard the Empress of Britain, beginning
a new chapter while never losing her strong connection to home and family in
Yorkshire.

She settled in Hamilton, where she began work at the Nora Francis Henderson
Hospital, Maternity Wing, living in residence. Over the years, many Hamilton
families welcomed their children into the world under Gwen’s care — with some
later remarking that she had delivered three generations of their family. Gwen
devoted more than forty years to the nursing profession, caring for others with
dedication, dignity, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
In Hamilton, Gwen met her husband, Andrej (Andy), and together they built a life
centred on family and friendship. After living in several homes, they settled on
Limeridge Road, which became the family homestead for over forty years and the
heart of many cherished memories. Her husband Andy passed away in 1992.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her children: David & Sue, Andrew & Sylva, Mary, Kathleen, and Nadia & Eman. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Bob, and her daughter-in-law, Charlene, both remembered with enduring love. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Christina; Stephan & Shannon; Derek & Sylvie; Leanne & Mike; Bradley; Quinn &Hannah; Liam; Allison & Max; Nick & Oma; and Emily & Matt. She was also the proud great-grandmother of: Kendra & Mitch, Colton, Ali, Daelyn, Layla, Devyn, Katelyn, Abby, Riley, Sofi, and Kora. And the cherished great-great-grandmother of: Aurora, Aunna, and Andrej. All were the heart of her life and her greatest pride. Gwen’s life was one of love — to her family, to her patients and to all those fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, strength and gentle presence will live on in the many lives she touched. Forever loved. Forever remembered. A gentle heart, a healer’s hands, A strength born of the Yorkshire land. Through years of care, through love so true, She gave her all in all she’d do. Though now at rest, her spirit stays, In lives she touched, in quiet ways. Forever loved, forever near, A guiding light we hold so dear. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on StoneChurch Rd. E, in gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness shown to our Mom in her final days. Compassionate Palliative Care and Support Services | Kemp Care Network