Louise DeShane

DeShane, Louise….

Louise slipped from her dreams peacefully and with grace to her death 1 day ago, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the age of 80. Her dreams over the last few months took her back to Nova Scotia where she was born and spent her early years. She shared memories of ‘Donny’ Sutherland in his convertible, cruising around town, her deep friendships from high school which she maintained with annual visits and the Sperry Monument where she will join her father and mother. Louise challenged and changed the landscape of many social agencies in London. Her clarity and force of personality created a large group of people who adored her – her students from Fanshawe College whom she mentored, the women of London who continue to benefit from ‘My Sisters’ Place’ through her generosity and leadership and her friends with whom she shared her fine mind and her love of beautiful things. Louise continued with her passion to find just the right word as she tackled cryptic crossword puzzles and to find just the right gift for the many occasions that she and her husband, Wes, enjoyed celebrating. She was a creative collector of exotic plants which she nurtured in her colourful garden, designed to attract birds and butterflies. Several decades ago Louise declared that ‘purple’ would be her colour. She sported it always in the elegance of her fingernails and often in her costumes. This colour symbolizes wisdom, independence, dignity, grandeur and devotion – all elements that she gave unstintingly to benefit those who knew her. Over the past six months, Louise and Wes’ home has been filled with floral tributes and the loving care of Wes who predeceased her recently. She is survived by their son Peter and his wife Jen. Loving grandmother of Barron and Raphael. Dear sister of Gilbert Sperry and his wife Joyce and sister-in-law of Noreen DeShane. Cherished aunt of Kathy Sperry and her partner Mark, Wendy Sperry and her partner John, Deborah Sperry, Greg Sperry and his wife Kim and their families. She will be missed greatly by her dear friends; Suzanne, Susan, Nancy, Diana and many, many others. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 pm on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The celebration of Louise’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 2 pm. As an expression of memorial, donations may be made to My Sisters’ Place, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 or the Participation House Foundation, 101-620 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 3R9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com