I miss you everyday Grandma.  You were classy, kind, caring, and thoughtful.  You inspire me to try to be just like you.  You somehow knew every plant and bird in existence by name.  You had lots of energy and vigour until the very end.  I wish I could still visit you.  Thank you for making me such good food and taking such good care of me.  I really miss you and I wish we could have more time together.  I love you, Grandma.

One of my favourite photos of Grandma and I (1989)

My dear Aunt Dana, I will be always grateful to you helping me to come to Canada many years ago.  I do admire your passion for nature and your kindness to everyone else around you.  I am so proud of you how well you brought up your children on your own.  Not easy task to do. I will truly miss you.

Josef Jonak


My husband and I will miss Dana. We know Dana from the bird study group and Richmond Hill Naturalist club. 

 Dana taught me how to bake her Mother’s almond cake and grow Clivia.  Dana was a generous hostess and shared her bird  and gardening knowledge with a sense of humour. 
It was a joy for her to share her Pelee trip stories with us and photos of the birds her daughter had seen.  Her gentle soul touched us deeply. 

Dana will be fondly remembered. May she Rest In Peace and perpetual light shine upon her soul. 💕

Words can't express how much I miss you already. You passed so much on to me, and I see so much of myself in you. Our love of art, wild animals, cats,  sweet treats & baked goods, shopping, bathrobes, keepsakes and trinkets, good tv dramas and so much more. I miss your cooking, your funny bird calls, your dry sarcastic wit and you joking around with my dad. Christmas will never be the same without you. I'm so grateful for everything you taught me, and the kindness you showed to me. How you opened your home to me when I was in a bad place and you were always so kind.
I love you so much and  I can just imagine how beautiful your gardens are in heaven.

It was nice meeting you great aunt Dana in  May 2015. Rest in piece❣️

One of my greatest memories of spending time together were the times that we shared at Christmas. Regardless of where it was hosted, everyone pitched in to put on a fabulous feast of Czech food. It was always very loud with kids yelling and fighting, and parents using mild threats to reduce the noise - all to no avail. In recent years, I visited with Aunt Dana  and we had some really good conversations about family, and family history. Occasionally I would arrive at her place in Thornhill and would ring the door bell, but there was no answer. I quickly learned that I should always check the back yard first by yelling, "hello, hello, hello" as I walked around  to the back yard. Sure enough, she was there in all her glory tending her flowers and bird feeders! Then we'd have tea or coffee and some home-baked goodies. One of my many enduring memories of a truly remarkable woman!

Mom, what can you say.  you were a strong willed person and you fought to the end and never gave up.  

She was the most resourceful and creative person I knew, maybe because of where and when she grew up I can not say.  I am always amazed of what she fixed or the thing-ma-bobers she created for her garden and her birds down in her makeshift little workshop.  I also think that she was a great painter as well as she took this up when I was younger and was really good.  She was always there when I needed her with advice or any assistance she could give.  I remember when I moved to Burlington she help me and Kim to weed the overgrow gardens we had at the time.  Three hours it took, pulling and transplanting on a hot day, but she was there for it all helping out.  

 I think of a women who raised four children on her own and all I can say is wow.  She loved us all and she taught me what is right and what to fight for and gave me a strong sense of independence.  

I look at my life and I say thank you mom and I will forever miss you.

There are many things that will remind me of my Grandma Jonak: watching Downton Abbey and The Crown,  loud kisses on the cheek, and flowers flowers flowers! But most of all, I will remember feeling loved. From the great meals she cooked when we visited, to being spoiled with toys and treats, and staying with her during hockey games and school rotations. I will forever cherish that time spent together, and know how lucky I am to have had a Grandma who was always there with open arms and unending support. I will love and miss you forever
xoxo Kristin

So sorry to learn of Dana's passing. I have many fond (and funny) memories of time spent with Dana at the Richmond Hill Naturalists meetings and with the Bird Study Group where she generously shared her extensive knowledge and love of nature.
                    
                      Barbara J.

Dana was such a special grandma who enriched the lives of Aiden and Jenna in such profound ways. She taught them the love of nature and a curiosity for all that is in the natural world. Dana’s love of family and for nourishing us with her amazing food as she gathered as many as she could around her table have enriched us with such beautiful and lasting memories. I was so blessed to have you in my life Dana. We love you grandma and will miss you so very much. 

She was a marvelous Grandmother, who always spoiled me and my siblings.  She was a great cook and had a good sense of humour.   I loved the way she would drop the sentence, "I beg your pardon." into a conversation.  She was fun.


She was always kind, welcoming and generous.  We shared the love of animals, birds, and children.  We took many trips together which we will always remember.  She was a remarkable grandmother to our 4 children and will be missed by them.  We will miss you so so much.  We will see you in the heavenly gardens, with lots of birds around too!  Paul and Barb

To my dear sister who was a real role model and one of the strongest people I knew. I will miss our lunches at Swiss Chalet and I know your garden will never be the same.

Always in my heart,
Marie.

I couldn't have asked  for a more loving and caring mother-in-law.   She showed me unconditional love, so many delicious meals and most of all she raised the incredible man I get to love and for that I am forever grateful and thankful.  I will miss you.  


OBITUARY

Dana Marie Jonak

March 14, 1936 – January 5, 2021

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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