Ines Chard

Ines Louise Chard (née Martini)

November 14, 1936 – January 24, 2026

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Following a rich and fulfilling life, Ines passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 24, 2026. She was the loving mother of Karen (John Judge) and Richard, and a cherished “Nonni” to Owen Reeves (Margaret Bennett), Jaimie Reeves, Taylor Chard (Celine Potter), Andrew Judge (Brett Morrone) and Julia Judge (Michael Dean) and Bis-Nonni to Mikko. She is survived by her in-laws Bruce Lee, Ann Martini, Pete Pipher, Bob Chard, Gail Chard, and Alice Chard, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews, Martini cousins, and lifelong friends Olga and Audrey. 

Ines was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Wilfred (“Wilf”) Chard; her siblings Santo Martini and Noreen (“Pinky”) Lee; parents Pietro (“Peter”) and Irma Martini; in-laws Jack and Alma, Margaret, Gus, Don, Al, Muriel, Walt, Pearl, and June; and many close and much-loved cousins, including Orlando who predeceased her by only 2 weeks.

Born in Drumheller, Alberta, to Italian immigrant parents, the family later moved to Weston, where Ines proudly graduated from Weston Collegiate Institute. A longtime resident of Woodbridge, she remained deeply connected to—and proud of—her family and roots in Alberta, Italy, and Weston.

 Family was central to Ines’ life. Her parents, siblings, and their families lived in close proximity to each other in Woodbridge. She cared for her parents in their final years, while also hosting her grandchildren for countless after-school visits and weekend sleepovers. Ines and Wilf enjoyed many years of travel, particularly across Canada and throughout Europe, with many close friends and family. 

Community was also important to Ines. She found additional purpose through volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Red Cross, York Finch Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. In the evenings, she could be found in the family room knitting baby blankets, hats, and booties for hospitals across the GTA while watching Jeopardy with Wilf. She collected children’s clothing for the Purpleville Mission Society with friends from St. Margaret Mary Church. She was also a board member and volunteer at the Woodbridge Library—where she was, unsurprisingly, an avid borrower of books.

We joked that she missed her true calling: hosting a lifestyle show on keeping a spotless home, conserving water and energy, recycling, and reviving every houseplant you thought was beyond saving. Though the house was immaculate—right down to dusting inside cupboards—she always welcomed friends and family with a warm beverage, a biscuit, and slippers to wear indoors. She loved listening to people’s stories and learning from their experiences. Her trusted ear, steady presence, and wise counsel will be deeply missed. 

We would like to thank the family, friends, and neighbours who visited and supported Ines—and us—over the past four months. Words cannot express the gratitude and love we have for Eunice and Joanne, who cared for our mother and grandmother each day as if she were their own. Their patience, advocacy, and grace will never be forgotten. We also appreciate the support of Raynne during Ines’s final hours. Thank you to the caring staff of Amica Peel Village as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Etobicoke General Hospital who cared for her with skill and compassion following her stroke. 

Family and friends will be received at Ward Funeral Home (4671 Highway 7, Woodbridge) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow in the Ward Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, please join us for a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a cookie or sandwich with us, as Nonni would have served.If desired, donations may be made in memory of Ines to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Hospice Vaughan.

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