Services & Obituaries

WILLITS, Verna Irene…
(nee  Bowie)
Peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, Verna Willits of London and formerly of West Lorne, Ontario in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Phil “Willie” Willits for 68years. Loving mother of Phil Willits (Vicki) of Kincardine and Perry Willits (Iryna) of London. Proud grandma of Phil Willits Jr. (Brenda) and Joel Willits (Caitlyn), Jim Willits (Tracey) and John Willits. Also loved by her great grandson Wesley and her great grand daughter Poppy. Predeceased by her siblings Ila, Leta, Florence and Reg. Verna and Phil had a passion for dancing and she loved to play the piano. Friends will be received by the family on Monday, November 27, 2017 one hour prior (12-1pm ) to the funeral service being conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, West Lorne. If wished, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON N6B 1S4 of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 21 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 1Y6. Online condolences, memorial and photophores shared at www.amgfh.com

WANAMAKER, Katherine Gertrude –
Peacefully at Marian Villa, London, on Saturday, November 18, 2017 passed away in her 96th year. Beloved mother of Stephen and his wife Karen, and the late Linda Wanamaker (2016). Predeceased by Richard (2004), her husband of 62 years. Cherished grandmother of Damon and his wife Vincie, and great grandson Nate. Very special “Mother” to Maidy and Bob Keir, and “Grandma” to their children Welby, Shelley, and Colleen. Remembered fondly by nieces Carol Ann and Judy, and nephews Charles and Richard. Sadly missed by her close friends Sandie and Jean. Katherine enjoyed the frequent family vacations to New Brunswick, Myrtle Beach, & Florida, many years of watching The Young & Restless, new red sweaters at Christmas, and the daily crossword and jumbled word puzzles. She was sharp witted and a voracious reader, who was very in tune with current events, and able to share with you the latest Blue Jays scores. She enjoyed retelling interesting stories from her early life, and lived vicariously through the experiences of family and friends. Kay was always intrigued by the latest antics of her great grandson Nate. A special thanks goes to the 4th floor staff at Marian Villa who provided such devoted care and compassion to “Miss Kay”. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Interment and graveside service following cremation December 2, 2017 in the family plot in Hampton Rural Cemetery, Hampton NB. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, c/o Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road, London ON, N6C 0A7 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com.

Elinor Elizabeth (Libby) Brawn, nee Clarke  
    
On Saturday, November 18, 2017, Elinor Elizabeth (Libby) Brawn passed away quietly in her sleep at her home in London, Ontario following a lengthy illness. Libby was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia to Karl and Blanche (nee Lawrence) Clarke as the middle child between her older brother Ritchie and her younger sister Linda, moving soon after to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Upon graduating from Dalhousie University with a BSc, Libby moved to London, Ontario and started working as a Lab Technician at Westminster Hospital.  Her brother and sister also ended up moving west from Halifax to Montreal and Toronto respectively, and in those early years there were many trips back and forth and family visits.  As their respective families grew up and changes ensued, they weren’t able to stay as close, but Libby continued to love and care for her siblings and would cherish the opportunities that they did have to see each other.  It was while working at Westminster Hospital that she met her husband Clarence Brawn and they were married for almost 40 years before his death in 1996. Together they managed to raise three rambunctious boys, Stephen, Christopher and David. Table manners, politeness and respect for elders were not just expected but demanded in the Brawn household under Libby and her parenting style which could be called “traditional” with no sparing of the rod (or wooden spoon in this case) and where “washing your mouth out with soap” was not a figure of speech. There was also with a lot of fun and humour in the house and despite the consequences for misbehaving, none of the boys ever questioned how much they were loved.  During those earlier years, children were expected to play outside. After the boys completed their chores, and yes, there were chores, the boys would hear the familiar refrain ” I don’t care what you do, but you are doing it outside and I don’t expect to see you inside again until dinner. It was a time when the neighbourhoods were safe, and if Libby didn’t have eyes on us, the neighbours and friends’ mothers always did…most of the time. It may seem unreasonable today, but the boys actually spent the day outside playing football and kick the can and building tree forts and exploring the woods that existed back then and just being boys with their friends. Libby played an active role not only in the boys lives, but in the lives of all of their friends growing up, many of whom stayed in touch with her as adults and all who can still recount stories about Libby from their formative years. Libby loved to cook and entertain and was never as happy as when she had prepared a full gourmet meal for a house full of friends and relatives. Her other passions were bridge where she was Life Master several times over, curling at the Ilderton Curling Club where she was always proud of her Eight Ender and golf that she played as long as she was physically able. Her biggest passion however was laughter and she never missed an opportunity to indulge, even when it was at her own expense. Libby is predeceased by her husband Clarence, and parents Karl and Blanche Clarke and is survived by her brother Ritchie (Diana) Clarke and Linda (Garth) Manning, as well as her three boys Stephen (Kate), Christopher (Liisa Freure) and Dave (Julie) Brawn, and by seven grandchildren, Michael, Caitlin, Kurtis, Kendra, Sarah, Wilson and Abigail as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. A service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 23,2017. Donations are being accepted to the CNIB,  747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 2R6 or the Lung Association, 2-639 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 3M2. We are inviting all who knew her to come to a Celebration of Libby’s Life at the Byron Freehouse, 1288 Commissioners Road West in Byron at 6:00 pm on November 23, 2017. Please bring some amusing Libby stories to help us laugh and say goodbye to a very special woman. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LUTMAN, Margaret Anne….

Peacefully at Westmount Gardens, London on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, Margaret Lutman passed away at the age of 94. Beloved wife of James B. (Bud) Lutman for 69 years. Dear mother of Judy Black and her husband Glenn of Manitoulin Island and Barbara Nyitray and her husband Steven of London. Dear sister-in-law of Lillian Cruickshank of London. Loved by her grandchildren Sarah Wells and her husband Brad, Rob Russell and his wife Erin, Steven Nyitray and his wife Jess and Rachael Nyitray. Also loved by her great-grandchildren AnneMarie, Jacob, Ethan, Noah, Isla, Dominique, Nevaeh, Amalia and Lily. Predeceased by her sisters Isabel McKenzie and Elsie Cruickshank and by her brother Robert Cruickshank. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Westmount Gardens for their care and compassion over the years. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place at Westmount Presbyterian Church, 521 Village Green Avenue, London, on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:00 am. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

Munro, Carole (nee Cox)…
Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Monday, November 13, 2017, Carole Munro in her 81st year. Beloved wife of the late Gerald “Gerry” Munro for 53 years. Dear mother of Glenn Munro and his wife Joy of Sudbury, and Ian Munro and his wife Heather of Sturgeon Falls. Cherished grandmother to Emma and James of Sudbury. Predeceased by her son Scott Munro and her sister Mary Agnes Clancy (Pat). Proud graduate of St. Michael’s School of Nursing Class of 1958. Throughout her life she gathered many friends and enriched many lives, she will be sorely missed by friends and family. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, November 24, 2017 from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Prayers will be held at 3:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, London, on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1pm. Cremation to follow.  Special thanks to, as well as donations can be made to the St. Josephs Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 and or the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 9Z9, for their special care. Online condolences, memorial and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”

PAGE, Beverley….

Peacefully at Country Terrace, Komoka on Saturday, November 11, 2017, Beverley Page of London in her 76th year.  Loving aunt of Gwen Cosgrove (Joe), Liz Cosgrove (Janet), Pat Martin (Dale), David Cosgrove (Peggy) and Mary Johnston. Dear niece to Joe VanBuskirk and Barbara Page. Also missed by her cousins Richard VanBuskirk, Nancy Murray and her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Sidney and Lois Page, her sisters Margaret Harvey and Barbara Mary Page. Friends will be received by the family from 12-1pm on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Helen June…
Nee Thornton
Peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Victoria Hospital. Loving wife of the late George F. Smith. Dear mother of Janice Smith-Cowell (Simon), the late Richard (June) as well as her late sons Larry and Russell. Beloved grandmother of Mark (Jill) and Stacey. Treasured great grandmother of Lily. Caring sister of Orwell (Marion) Thornton, the late Doris Hopper and the late Wilson Thornton. Also loved by several nieces and nephews. Helen served with the United Church as a Soprano soloist, avid choir member and as well participated in the London Chapter Sweet Adelines. In keeping with Helen’s wishes cremation and a private graveside service is to take place. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Canada, 383 Richmond Street, Suite 915, London ON N6A 3C4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RODGERS, Barbara Elizabeth….
Peacefully in her sleep, at Parkwood Hospital, London on Thursday, November 9, 2017, Barbara Elizabeth Rodgers passed away at the age of 71. Beloved daughter of the late William “Bill” and Anna Ruth Jarvis. Cherished mother of John Paul Rodgers and his wife Maryam and Carri Rodgers-Rowley and her husband Jeff. Proud and loving Grandma of Alexandra, Christopher and Jacob Rowley and Behnaz Ensan. Dear friend of John Rodgers. Sister of Anne Schroeder, Karen and Dianne Kappler and aunt of Lisa Schroeder. Barbara worked for Westgate Honda for nearly 30 years. Barbara was a dedicated volunteer at the London Humane Society. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at CCAC, VON and Parkwood Hospital for their care and compassion. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 1:00pm. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London ON N5V 3K5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com    

EASTON, Lloyd….

Peacefully at his residence at Chelsey Park Retirement Community, on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, Lloyd Easton in his 96th year. Beloved husband of the late Marion G. (Parkinson) Easton (2011). Dear father of Nancy Jonah and her husband Brian of Ottawa, Paula Kenney and her husband Jim of Windsor and Tracy Bush and her husband Tim of London. Cherished grandpa of Paul Jonah (Teresa) of Toronto, Leigh Jonah of Ottawa and Madison and Loren Bush of London. Special great grandpa of Olivia and Maya. Lloyd will be missed greatly by his nieces, nephews and extended family. A special thank you to Dr. Anna Pawelec-Brzychczy and her staff for their exceptional care as well as the staff at Chelsey Park and his outstanding neighbours on Fairmont Ave. Lloyd was a Life Member of Middlesex Lodge No. 379 A.F. & A.M. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Middlesex Lodge No. 379 A.F. & A.M. will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 6:30 pm. Interment in Medway Cemetery, London Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medway Cemetery – Upkeep Fund, 22204 Richmond Street, London, ON N5X 4B2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McFALLS, Isabel…..

Isabel passed away peacefully in her 99th year on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Daughter of the late Alfred and Mabel Pinnell. Wife of the late Robert “Bob” McFalls for almost 60 years. Mother of the late Lyn McFalls, Linda Gibb (Gordon) and Kim Posno (Dennis). Grandmother of Gordie (Linda), Jennifer (Peter), Arnie (Elena), Shannon (Jason), Shawn and Denny (Beth). Great-grandmother of Blake, Alissa, Kyle, Daniel, Brooke, Kirby, Estella, Cameron, Patrick, Riley, Lucas, Gavyn, Oliver, Harrison and Benjamin.  Sister of the late Dorothy McHarg (David) and the late Alfred Pinnell (Shirley). Sister-in-law of the late Ida and Clare Hodgins, the late Keith and Muriel McFalls, and Donald and Maxine Cromarty. Special Mom to Betty Pettigrew. Remembered by many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Isabel lived in London for 96 years and moved to Barrie to live with her daughter Kim and son-in-law Dennis when failing health prevented her from living independently. Special thanks are expressed to the countless PSWs in London and Barrie who cared for her; to Dr. Ganesh Persaud in London and to Dr. Joe Bailey in Barrie for his kindness and loving attention at the end of her life. Isabel excelled in school and at 17 began her working days at London Life until her marriage in 1940. Through the years Isabel enjoyed golf at the Highland Country Club, the fellowship of the UCW at Wesley-Knox United Church, volunteering at Victoria Hospital and The Boys and Girls Club, playing cards with her circle of friends, knitting and sewing, working briefly at the Polka Dot Shop, and spending many winters in Florida with her husband Bob at the home of her daughter Linda and son-in-law Gordon. But more than anything it was her family that mattered.  They were the greatest source of pride and joy in her life. Friends will be received by the family from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Funeral Service will take place on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London ON N6C 1E7, with Reverend Dennis Posno and Reverend Tracy Crick-Butler officiating. Memorial Donations may be made to Wesley-Knox United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com