Services & Obituaries

BRULE, Rheta…

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London on Thursday, April 16, 2020, Rheta Mary (Childs, Murphy) Brulé in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Ray Brulé (2019) and the late Richard Mills Murphy (1991). Dear mother of David Murphy and his wife Anne Van Egmond of London, Suzanne Frank and her husband David Turnbull of London, Andrea Martin and her husband Steve of Penticton, BC, Janet Murphy and her husband Jeff Redden of Penticton, BC, James Murphy and his wife Jan of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mary Ellen Rossouw and her husband Andrew of Calgary and Karen Murphy of London. Dear step-mother of Janet Craig (Hugh), Susan Strong, Hugh Brulé (Dean), Claire Brulé (Al Mackie), Anne Coles (Jim Pianosi), and Albert Brulé (Anne). Also loved by her grandchildren Allison Hall-Murphy, Carmen Beattie, Cedric Beattie, Vaughn Oliver, Alec Murphy, Peter Murphy, Amy Hughes, Chris Jackson, Luke Rossouw, Emma Rossouw, and Jessica Rossouw and Alyssa Murphy and by her great-grandchildren Noah Gelb, Rosetta and Camilla Hammond and Daphne and Maya Papanikolaou. Dear sister of Barry Childs of Montreal. Predeceased by her mother Mary Jean Childs, her brothers Hugh Childs, Albert Childs, Donald Childs, Doug Childs and her sister June Wilde, her sisters-in-law Liz , Barb, Connie and Lucy and her brother-in-law Judge J. Albert Brulé and her sister-in-law Bernice Reily. Rheta enjoyed her years as a medical secretary at St. Joseph’s Hospital, London Ontario. She loved animals, music, ballroom dancing, bowling and travel, especially to tennis tournaments. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 am. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROSENBERGER, Glenn….

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London, on Friday, April 10, 2020, Glenn Rosenberger passed away at the age of 60. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Donna Rosenberger. He is survived by his step-mom Betty and his sisters Sharon, Maureen, Linda and Donna. Glenn will be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and their families. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Glenn’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Glenn’s memory may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Centre, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PETERS, Helen Mary (nee Blower)….

At Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Helen Mary Peters in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Edward “Ted” Peters.

Loving mother of Stephen Peters and his wife Lorraine of London, Julie Butler and her husband Jeff of Strathroy, Lauren Buckley and her husband Mike of Waterloo. Dear grandmother of Chris (Leanne), Miranda, Kendall (Jeremy), Kevin (Ashley), Cory (Cara), Greg, Aaron and Andrea, and great-grandmother of Caleb, Layla, Asypen and Myles. Predeceased by her daughter Anita Peters (1961) and her brothers Albert and Cyril Blower.

Helen was a fiery redhead with many talents, passions and interests. She was involved with the Anglican Church where she taught Sunday school and was President of the Altar Guild for many years, arranging the flowers for the weekly services. She loved working in her garden and was Past President of the London Garden Club where she was a horticulture and design teacher and Judge. Her specialty was creating miniature designs for which she won many awards. She loved animals and always had a dog and some cats around the house. She also enjoyed painting landscapes, collecting and finishing antiques, playing golf, teaching the grandkids to swim, knitting and dancing with the love of her life – Ted. She was a busy lady and will be sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Helen’s name may be made to London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or to Alzheimer Society of London, 35 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RUSHTON, John Angus….

1922-2020

It is with great sadness that the family of John Rushton of London and formerly of Port Elgin, announces his passing on April 5th, 2020, in his 99th year.

John was the loving husband and best friend of Ruth (Black) Rushton for over 72 years!  John and Ruth started to date each other when Ruth was in grade 8 (1937).  They were engaged on February 14th, 1942 and married on June 14th, 1947.

John was the devoted and much loved father of Susan Schoen and her husband Bob of Grayslake, Illinois, USA and Cindy Stewart and her husband Paul of London.  Papa, as he was known, will be sadly missed by his wonderful, loving grandchildren Matt Schoen, Maura Schoen, Charlie and Melissa Schoen, Kelly and Tommy Doyle, Jack Schoen and his dear, sweet great granddaughter Charlotte Ruth Schoen, all of the USA.  John was predeceased by his “Favourite Canadian” grandson Jonathon Stewart (January 8th, 2020).  John was also predeceased by his sister Freda Brubacher and brother-in-law Ralph of Elmira as well as his brother -in-law Duncan Black and sister-in-law Jane of Florida.  John will be affectionately remembered by the Rushton, Brubacher, Black, McIntosh, and MacDonald extended families.

John was a Postal Worker on the Canadian National Railway and a Managing Auditor for Revenue Canada until his retirement in 1987. He was a faithful member of Wesley-Knox United Church where he was a Life Time Member of the Official Board and sat on the Board of Trustees. John loved the cottage in Port Elgin and spent many wonderful times with his family and good friends!

The Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Chartwell Royalcliffe London for their wonderful care over the last 4 years. As well as the great team of Nurses and Doctors at LHSC Victoria Hospital London, for John’s care over the last 2 weeks!

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Donations to Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street London, ON N6C 1E7 would be greatly appreciated.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COULTER, Betty

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020 sadly we had to say goodbye to our sweet mom and grandma, Betty Coulter.  Mom went peacefully to join her beloved Larry (September 2010). Left behind to cherish her memory are her four children, Robb (Anne), Cheryl (Ken), Kevin (Nancy) and Les (Steph). Betty was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who loved to call her G.G. Eldest daughter of Leslie and Marina Norton, she is survived by her younger brothers Vaughn and Nick, predeceased by sisters Joan. Shirley and Erie.

Cremation has taken place, with a celebration of her life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“Grab that brass ring”

KURILSKY, Nonna…
Peacefully at Kensington Village Long Term Care, on Tuesday March 31, 2020, Nonna Kurilsky of London Ontario in her 96th year passed. Beloved mother of Dimitry Kurilsky and his wife Trish and Natalie Graham and her husband Dennis all of London. Also loved by her grandchildren Sasha Butler (Stuart) in Calgary and Deena Kurilsky in Toronto; and Alexa, Dmitri and Katerina Graham in London. Great grandson Paxton will remember her fondly from a visit last year and photos/videos of her holding him as a baby. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Alex Kurilsky.

Nonna was born in a rural area of Belarus (near Mogilev), part of the iron curtain. She and her family got their chance to escape the oppressive regime of Stalin when the Nazi army overran Belarus in WW2. The family fled to Poland and then to Stuttgart Germany managing to get through numerous checkpoints by cleverly using their multiple language skills. They lived in a tiny flat in Stuttgart for 5 years towards the end of the war and for a few years after. Nonna completed her high school while there. The family was looking for more opportunity, and on her father’s urging she registered with Canadian Immigration Service and was soon on a ship to Canada, landing at Halifax Pier 21 and not long after making it to London. She worked hard for a number of institutions in London Ontario doing food preparation and serving to earn enough money to sponsor her parents and her brother’s family so they could follow her several years later. Nonna met her husband Alex in London and they started a family in 1953. She has always been extremely thankful to Canada and would remind all of us every time we met that Canada was the best country in the world. She has been the foundation and a beacon to her own and extended family for her whole life. She will be dearly missed. Simply the best mom, grandmother, great grandmother and citizen of Canada.

The family would like to thank the many dedicated health care workers; the nurses, doctors, PSWs, SWs, PTs and OTs, University Hospital and Kensington Village Retirement and Long-Term Care Home. The treatment and care they provided to Nonna over the past 4 1/2 months was exceptional and very much appreciated.

Due to Covid-19 precautions a private funeral service will be held at the grave site at Woodland Cemetery, London on Friday, April 3, 2020. The service will be led by The Very Reverend Vladimir Morin of the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour. As circumstances permit a mass to celebrate Nonna’s life will be held at a future date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BASQUE, John….

A loving, caring man with such generosity of heart left us suddenly on Monday March 30, 2020, in his 62nd year. John is survived by his wife Susan, children Kevin and Nadine, parents Stella and Lloyd (Francine), siblings Kevin and Lynn Bouchard (Robert), niece Sofie, and stepchildren Lisa (Paul) and Laurie (Matt). John is the love of Susan’s life and their time together, although much too short, has been filled with so many wonderful memories. His children Kevin and Nadine always brought a smile to his face and joy to his heart. John’s entire family was everything to him. John was always a star athlete. He was an avid golfer, who loved his Ping Zing irons (even though they were so old). He was master of the BBQ, had a great sense of humour and loved to tell a good story. John and Susan loved to travel, enjoy family and friends or simply spend time together at home. John will be deeply missed by his family and the many close friends whom he treasured. A private service will be held with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with date and time to follow. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy donations can be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M2P 2A9. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SEDDON, Joseph “Joe”

Unexpectedly at home on Monday, March 30, 2020, Joe Seddon passed away at the age of 77. Father of Brenda Jo and Kelly Jean. Dear brother of Evelyn, Joan and Maureen all of England. Good friend of Dan and Cathy O’Neill and their daughter Christie, Mike and Adele Overton and Mary Brekelmans. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place when it is safe for friends to gather again. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON, N5W 6A8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HALEY, Henrietta….

Henrietta “Etta” MacDonald Haley (nee Crawford) passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the age of 95. Etta was born in Scotland, the daughter of Annie and Duncan Crawford. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Frank William Haley (2004). Mother of Anne House, Eileen Williamson (Ken), Frank Haley, Helen Flaherty (the late Paul), Ken Haley (the late Kim), Karen Fragiskatos (Ted), and Duncan Haley. Grandmother of Aileen and Andrew House; Neil (Jody), Frank, James (Colleen), and Stuart Williamson; Michael, Ryan (Courtney), Jacklyn Cardiff (Jessen) and Craig Flaherty; Kyle (Sarah) and Kelsey (Jen) Haley; Peter and Effie Eyman (Scott) Fragiskatos; and Matthew, Stephen and Evelyn Haley. Great grandmother of 11.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Etta’s life will be held at a later date. Special thanks to the staff at Royalcliffe Retirement Residence who became part of her family over the past 6 years and to University Hospital staff on the 8th floor who cared for her so carefully in her final days.

Donations in Etta’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURRAY, William “Bill” Crawford passed away in his London home on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the age of 74. Born on November 16, 1945, Bill spent his formative years in London and graduated from the University of Western Ontario. Although he spent many years living in Toronto and Florida, his hometown always held a special place in his heart, and he happily spent his last years living in London. A master of reinvention, Bill changed careers many times and in 2010 he was appointed to the Social Benefits Tribunal, where he had a reputation for being both compassionate and fair. He parlayed his love of politics into a career of over twenty years at Queen’s Park where he held various roles including Assistant to the Whip, and Director of Operations for the Liberal Party. He always had time for the junior members of his team, who he loved mentoring, and could often be found raising a glass with colleagues at local watering holes. A kind and genuine man with a great sense of humour, Bill had an endless curiosity about the world and never stopped learning new things. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his sister Judy Thompson (Rod), his daughters, Kim and Liz (Chris), his stepsons Darren (Melissa) and Craig (Heather) and his beloved grandchildren Alexa, Bobby, Katie, Isabelle, Madalynn and Holly. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephew and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Gib and Beryl Murray and his brother David (Connie). He fought a brave battle, never complained and went peacefully. Rest well, Billy, we love you. Given the current need for social distancing, a celebration of his life will be planned when possible in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com