Herma Celtina Evelyn

It is with profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of our beloved Herma Celtina Evelyn, née Wayne, affectionately known to all as Aunt Herma. She peacefully took her final bow on May 5, 2026, at her home in Hamilton, Ontario, at the age of 91.

Herma was born on October 30, 1934, at Number 22 Belair, West Coast Berbice, Guyana, to the late Isaiah Thomas Wayne and Mary Phillips Wayne. She was a woman of remarkable strength, unwavering faith and resilience.

In 1986, she immigrated to Canada through the sponsorship and loving support of her niece Cheryl, who she lived with for many years before her marriage.

Aunt Herma was predeceased by her beloved husband of many years, Wilfred Evelyn. During his lengthy illness, she faithfully cared for him at home and later visited him daily throughout his years in hospital and rehabilitation care, becoming a fierce advocate for his comfort and well-being. She continued to speak lovingly of him, reminding family and friends what a good husband he had been and how deeply she missed him.

She was the tenth of thirteen children and leaves behind her only living sibling, Lawrence Wayne, and sister-in-law Evelyn Wayne, along with countless nieces, nephews, relatives, dear friends, and many others whose lives were enriched by her love, kindness, and presence.

Aunt Herma had a personal faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized. She loved praying with family members and drawing strength from her faith. She was wonderfully stubborn, full of laughter, deeply compassionate, and unforgettable to all who knew her.

She shared a special bond with her great-nephew Amari, who lived with her during the past three years, and she lovingly supported his mother, Tanya. She counted her blessings including her close friendship with Angela Dauda and Jean Culley as well as her daily conversations with her niece Dorothy in America and her niece Cheryl in Welland.

Known for her warmth, lively spirit, strong faith, and generous heart, Aunt Herma loved family, friends, flowers, fragrances, food, and fun. She was a gifted cook and often greeting visitors with her familiar words:

“Girl, you hungry?”

“Boy, you want something to eat?”

The holidays and family gatherings brought such joy to Aunt Herma and her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family, simply talking, laughing and sharing her faith. Hardly a day passed without her calling someone or receiving a call herself.

She was the family historian — the person everyone turned to when they wanted to learn about family roots, relationships, and treasured memories from years gone by.

Her remarkable memory for past events was truly extraordinary. That extended to her memory of Holy Scriptures.

She lived by Ephesians 4:32:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”

Her beautiful legacy of love, kindness, devotion, faith, and family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

“Those we love don’t go away;

They walk beside us every day.”

Though Aunt Herma is no longer with us, the seeds of kindness she planted will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Rest peacefully Aunt Herma, and thank you for everything.

Visitation at Markey Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton on Thursday June 4, 2026 from 5-9 p.m. and on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Chapel Service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Eastlawn Cemetery.