On Jan 3 2026, after seven years of separation June Hoorelbeck (Smith) was reunited with her beloved husband and the love of her life, Don. Though we find peace in knowing they are together once more, she will be deeply missed by all who loved her, especially her family.
June passed away peacefully at the age of 86 with her loving family by her side. Dearest mother of Allen Hoorelbeck, Suzanne Jackson (Dave), Lori deBakker (Brian). Treasured grandmother of Courtney Hoorelbeck (Mike), Samantha Jackson (Kieran), Benjamin Jackson, Christina Mel (Corey), Ashley Kerr (Tyler), Madison deBakker and Grace deBakker. Precious great grandmother of Abby and Charlie Kerr.
Dear sister of Marilyn Waites (the late Glen), the late Betty and Doug Farnsworth, sister-in-law of Janet Hoorelbeck (the late Gordon). She will be missed by several nieces and nephews.
June was born in Leamington Ontario on Feb 9, 1939, to the late Glen and Ruth (Lott) Smith. Often talking about her days growing up on the farm and picking potatoes, hanging tobacco, and letting the cows out, June was a true farm girl. After high school June attended business college for two years and began her career as a secretary.
In 1958 she married her true love, Don. They started a life together in St Marys and had their first child Allen. They would then move to Wallaceburg to build their career and family further with the arrival of Suzanne and Lori. June and Don spent the rest of their lives raising their children and enjoying their grandchildren for over 60 years in Wallaceburg.
After being a stay-at-home mom for numerous years June became the secretary at A. A. Wright Public School for over 20 years. June was the heart and soul of the school and thoroughly enjoyed her career there. Her numerous stories of dealing with the children and their daily needs were always a joy to listen to. June would meet former A.A. Wright students everywhere she went in town, and it would bring a bright smile to her face whenever they spoke to her.
In retirement June and Don spent their winters at Oakside Mobile park in Zephyrhills, Florida for over 18 years. Here they thoroughly enjoyed the community, the activities, the various outings and all the special friendships they made.
June, aka Junebug, was also the “Nuts and Bolts” lady. She loved to spend her time in the kitchen making her strawberry jam, banana bread and her famous Nuts and Bolts. Handing these special treats out to her favourite people in the community gave her immense pleasure and always put a smile on her face.
Family and grandchildren were the core of June’s life. However, June’s heart was split in two when Don passed in 2018 and she carried a profound sense of loss. We take solace in knowing that they have been reunited and are now together again in their home above.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Her Funeral will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11am, followed by burial beside her beloved husband in Riverview Cemetery. June was a cancer survivor in 1988, if desired donations in memory of June may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia where Don peacefully passed in 2018.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
