Services & Obituaries

MOLLOY, Stephen Patrick “Pat” …
After 97 years, Pat left us Thursday, November 23, 2017 knowing he had lived a full and blessed life. Predeceased by his wife Eileen (nee Hill) in 2010, Pat was a loving and generous father to his children Timothy (Kathleen), Peggy Frew, (the late John), Christine (Garry Hewett), Lynne (David) Brown, Adrienne (Ron) Pilkington, Thomas (Lisa) and Catherine (Perry) Hartin. Dad was Grandpa Pat to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – all of whom seemed to know his special hiding places for the bags of treats. Born on Easter Sunday, April 4,1920 in Ormsby, Ontario, Dad spent his early years in farming and forestry.  He enlisted in the Army and went overseas during World War II.  Returning to Canada on a hospital ship that had to cross a North Atlantic full of German submarines Dad reached terra firma and spent the remainder of his life avoiding any form of boating. Pat’s family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Parkwood Veterans Care – thank you for the care, compassion and friendship you shared with Dad throughout the past several years. Friends are welcomed for visiting one hour prior (9:30-10:30 am) to the funeral service taking place on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:30 am in the chapel at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family internment will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donation’s in Pat’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WALLACE, John W.

John (Jack) Wallace passed peacefully after a short illness on Thursday, November 23, 2017. His family and friends remember Jack’s sense of humour and outgoing personality, which he displayed throughout his 90 years. He expressed a desire to join his late wife and love of his life Madeline (Hollingsworth) Wallace in another dance. They shared a passion for dancing and traveling the world. He will be greatly missed by his children Janis Wallace, Mark and Cheryl Wallace, and his grandchildren Andrew Hillman and Laura Male, Anthony Wallace, and Rachel Wallace who were the stars of his universe. He made them laugh, he made them aware of their history and he made them appreciate a good story. Jack was first a printer with a keen eye for colour and typography. He moved into community relations at The London Free Press because of his love of people. After retiring, Jack often volunteered in the print shop at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, sharing his stories and skills with visitors. Special thank you to all the staff at University Hospital and to his long-time friends at the Gartshore and throughout London. Friends are welcomed for visiting one hour prior (2-3 p.m.) to the Celebration of Life that will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation London, 180-663 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or the London Community Orchestra (Young Artist Program), 815-520 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3R2, are greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KNIGHT, Mavis ….

Mavis passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, surrounded by family, in her 95th year on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. Beloved wife of the late Derek Herbert Knight (1993). Dear mother of Wendy Knight. Predeceased by her son Jon Knight (2008). Also survived by her daughter-in-law Joy Knight-McIntyre and her husband Bruce. Dear grandmother of Michelle Marshall and her husband Andy, David Knight and his partner Sandy, Jason Parker and his wife Tera, Rob Parker and his wife Jaclyn and also missed by her 11 great-grandchildren. Mavis was an active member of the Hamilton Road Senior Centre. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place in the chapel on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 1 pm. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mavis’ memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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