Services & Obituaries

WESTMAAS, Mensje “Menny”…
Peacefully at Holland Christian Homes Grace Manor on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Gerrit Westmaas (1996). Loving mother of Mary Ann Visser & her husband Bob of Mississauga, Wilma Wever & her husband Bert of Baden, Betty Westmaas of London, Peter Westmaas & his wife Wilma of Essex and Bill Westmaas and his wife Arlene of Kitchener. Devoted Grandma to Christopher, Michael, Jeremy, Erin, Steven, Kristin, Laura, Krista, Justin, Joshua and Emily. Also loved by her great grandchildren Ethan, Drew, Addison, Jane, Avery, Jack, Cate, Abigail, Grayson and James. Cherished sister of Peter & Betty Aalbers and Bram & Coby Wiersma. Menny will also be missed by many other family and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 12-1pm on Wedneaday, September 19, 2018 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. A private burial to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. If wished, donations may be made to the Holland Christian Homes Grace Manor, 45 Kingknoll Drive, Brampton, ON L6Y 5P2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ANDERSON, Elizabeth “Libby”…

Peacefully on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the age of 82 at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London. Youngest daughter of the late Clarence and Ida Anderson of Stratford. Dear sister of Barbara Harburn and Doris Watson. Loved by grandson David. Elizabeth requested no visitation or funeral service. Cremation with interment of ashes in Avondale Cemetery, Stratford. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McLAUGHLIN, Dorothy….

At her residence, on Sunday, September 9, 2018, Dorothy McLaughlin in her 83rd year. Beloved wife of the late Thomas McLaughlin (1999). Predeceased by both parents and a brother in Northern Ireland. Survived by 2 brothers, their wives, 6 nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces all of England. In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment of ashes at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date. If so desired donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PALMER, M. Jean …
Peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2018 in her 101st year at People Care Oak Crossing. Beloved wife of the late Dr. R. Bruce Palmer. Cherished mother to Nancy, Bob, Bill, the late Brian (2015) and Ellenore and her husband Andrius Baskys of California. Devoted grandmother of Elissa (Anthony), Stephen (Kirstie), Allison (Blake), Shannon (Fernando), Melissa (Kevin), Michael and Julian. She was extremely proud of her great grandchildren Ethan, Breanna, Cali, Gabriel and Jeffrey. Caring sister to the late John A. Lane and the late Muriel Stewart. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at People Care for her short time there and the staff at Grand Wood Park for 15 years of care. A special thank you to Megan, Ivy and Carol.  Friends will be received by the family from 12-1pm on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. A private family burial to take place at Quaker Street Friends Cemetery, Norwich. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKS, Beverly “Jean”
Peacefully, at her residence on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Jean passed away in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Brooks (2012). Dear mother of Ken (Heather) and Keith (Pamela). Cherished grandmother of Anne (Andrew) and Emma (Matt), great-grandmother of Amelia and step grandmother of Wil (Lauren) and Ryan. Dear sister of Marion and sister-in-law of Betty, Elizabeth and Harlon.  Predeceased by her brother Lewis, sisters Betty and Edith and sisters-in-law Evelyn, Irene, Marion, Betty, Gwen and brothers-in-law Herbert, Arthur, Tom, Bill and Norman, step brother-in-law Doug, father Lewis Smith Falconer and mother Harriett Elizabeth Pitt.  The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Jean’s long time neighbours Donna and Brian Sutton and Frank Garton who went above and beyond with their care and compassion over the years, most especially after the death of her husband Jack. Jean was an active member of St. Anne’s Anglican Church for over 60 years and will be missed for her constant presence, cheerful smile and dedicated work ethic. Jean appreciated the care received from staff at the London Regional Cancer Centre, particularly Dr. Sanatani and nurse Julie Garrett. Home care from Paramed and VON staff allowed her to remain comfortably at home. Eva was not only her home care nurse but became a trusted friend and advocate as well and the family extends its gratitude to her for all she did. Friends will be received by the family on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron), 1344 Commissioner’s Road West, London, ON N6K 1E1, on Monday, September 10th, 2018 at 11am with the Reverend Valerie Kenyon officiating. Interment in St. Anne’s Anglican Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron) or the charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

SOMERS, Lilly G. (nee Cieslar) …        
At the age of 80 on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Mount Hope Centre. Beloved mother of David Somers (Dina) and Barry Somers (Erin). Cherished grandmother to Maia, Hannah, Benjamin, Nichole and Daniel. Sister to George, the late Richard, Dr. Harry and Esther. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

CHRIST, Maria….

Peacefully on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, London, Anna-Maria Christ passed away at the age of 86. Beloved wife of the late Kurt Christ. Loving mother of Ursula (Ron) Kowalski, Cornelia (Mario) Dizazzo, Marilyn (Jim) McManus and Kathleen Coleman. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Victoria, Melanie, Christopher, Selena, Nick, Andrew, Natalie, Jacqueline and  Alexandra and great-grandmother of  Eric, Jason, Elle, Thea, Ethan, Liam, Abigail, Isabell and Olivia. Maria was a member of the Lyra Choir for over 40 years, she had a lifetime passion for playing the piano and was an avid knitter, knitting socks for her children and grandchildren. Maria was a proud grandmother and shared much love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Maria was grateful for all her friendships that she shared throughout her lifetime. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted at 10 am on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London with Reverend Katherine Altenburg officiating. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lung Association Ontario, 18 Wynford Drive, Suite 401, Toronto, ON M3C 0K8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

McGILL, Karen Lee….

Peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at University Hospital, London just 27 days prior to her 77th birthday, Karen passed away. She is survived by her beloved sister Sandra McCune-Hand and her husband Michael Hand; and special nephews Derrick McCune and his wife Judy, and Rodney McCune. Predeceasing Karen were her loving husband and best friend Lawrie Rodger (2001), her younger sister Lynda Lee (2011) and her dearest parents Douglas and Irene Bottle (1993 & 1997). Karen is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Ramona and David Aitkin and predeceased by brother-in-law Freeman McGill (wife Ruth), brother-in-law Howard MacClean, sister-in-law Wilma Johnston (husband James), sister-in-law Anne MacClean and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Dixie McGill. Karen will be sorely missed be her friends Ruth Anne Noble, Margaret Murray, Maureen Dunn, Colleen Durrant, and Mark Phillips whose help throughout the past years was invaluable. Cremation has taken place. As per Karen’s wishes, a Celebration of her Life Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 3-5 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SWEENEY, Georgia Mary (nee Stephens) …
Peacefully, at Mount Hope Nursing Home Georgia passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018 in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late Roy W. Sweeney. Loving mother of Stephen McLaughlin and his wife Judy of Maple Ridge, BC, John McLaughlin and his wife Terry of London, Karen Hughes and her husband the late Paul Clarke of Sarnia and her daughter-in-law Carol McLaughlin of Sarnia. Predeceased by her daughter Sheila McLaughlin and her son Patrick McLaughlin. Also missed by her 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Dear step-mother of Diane McLellan and her husband Larry of Wyoming and Ron Sweeney and his wife Barbara of Kearney. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service to be held in the Spring of 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Savation Army, 1340 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 3B6 or the Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRACA, Franco….

Peacefully on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Parkwood Institute, London, Frank Braca passed away at the age of 84. Beloved husband of April McCarthy-Braca. Loving father of Mary Lou Braca, Gina Clark and her husband Tom, Vince Braca, Tanya Braca, Kim Tucknott and her husband Paul and Heather McCarthy and her partner Dave Draper all of London. Also missed by his grandchildren Kristopher, Meagan, MacKenzie, Cohen, Keaton, Jules, Keira and Nina and by his great-grand-daughter Kimberly. Dear brother of Carmella and her husband Franco of Italy and Bruno Braca and his wife Sara of London. Predeceased by his sisters Gina, Maria, Lucia, Lillina and by his brother Luigi. The family would like to extend their deepest thank you for the incredible care provided by the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood to not only Frank, but also to them during this time. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Frank’s Life will take place at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Parkwood Institute Palliative Care, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com