Services & Obituaries

KRAMINS, Valfrida…
Peacefully, on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Chelsey Park, London, Vally passed away in her 96th year. Beloved wife of Harijs Ernest Kramins for 71 years. Dear mother of Inese Kramins, Victor Kramins and his wife Judi, and Sandra Kramins and her husband Steve Grundy. Also loved by her grandchildren Christopher (Jenn), Sean, Michael, Allison, Elyse (Kris) and Shane and great-grandchildren Orion, Addisyn and Evaleigh. Also survived by her nieces and nephews Erma, Sylvie and Raymond. Predeceased by her brother Walter and his wife Alise Steinbergs. Friends are welcomed for visiting one-hour prior (12-1pm) to the funeral service taking place on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 1pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donation’s in Vally’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 180-333 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JONES, Rev. Evan Harris….

Reverend Evan Harris Jones of London passed away peacefully in his 96th year on February 10th, 2018 at Henley Place. Survived by his two sons, Derek and his wife Irene of Ancaster and Greg and his wife Mayurachat of Thailand. Also loved by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean Elizabeth (nee Cannon) in 2002. Evan was born in Toronto and graduated from the University of Toronto and Trinity University College. He was an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church of Canada in 1952 and received into the Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in 1965. He served as a Minister in the Sarnia, Hamilton, and London – St. Thomas areas. Prior to retirement he was employed by Veterans’ Affairs Canada as a Chaplain at Parkwood Hospital in London. A Veteran of World War II he served with the Canadian Armed Forces and qualified for the Canadian Forces Decoration. Thank you to the staff and residents of Henley Place for being part of his life and for kindness and care. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place in the spring at Woodland Cemetery, London. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Evan’s name, please do so to St. George’s Presbyterian Church, 1475 Dundas, Street East, London, ON N5W 3B8 or the London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SIMPSON, Arlene (Shipley) nee Watson….

It is with sadness and peace that we announce the passing of Arlene on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 94th year. Arlene was the loving wife of the late Lawrence Shipley (1951) and the late Donald Simpson (2007). She was the family matriarch to her siblings; brothers Carl Watson (late wife Audrey), Reginald Watson and his wife Lynda, Wayne Watson and his wife Jill and sister Meryl Cox and her husband Philip. Arlene was the proud Aunt to ten nieces and nephews, Great Aunt to 18 and Great-great Aunt to five. Her family members were very precious to her. Arlene worked at the London Life, starting as a clerk and left in 1969 holding a supervisory position. She and her husband Donald bought a shoe store business (Don Simpson Shoes) in Strathroy in 1969, from which they retired in 1986. Arlene and Donald travelled extensively and together they enjoyed golfing and visiting with friends and family. She was an avid photographer. Arlene returned to London in 2007 and spent her later years at Grand Wood Retirement Residence. Arlene will be fondly remembered by her family and her many friends. The family sincerely thanks the caring staff at Grand Wood. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 6-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 1 pm at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7 with Reverend Canon K. Sam Thomas officiating. Interment in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jesse’s Journey, PO Box 51, Station B London, ON N6A 4V3 or the St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church – Memorial Fund. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JEFFERY, Pauline….

Peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, Pauline Jeffery passed away at Victoria Hospital, London, at the age of 85. Beloved wife of Dennis Jeffery for 65 years. Loving mother of Denise McKay and her husband Bryan. Much loved Grandma of Nichole Cartlidge and her fiancé James Duncan, Ashley Acal and her husband Jeff, Matthew McKay and his fiancé Caroline and Great-Grandma to Devin and Sydney Matt, Tyler Acal and Zoey and Lorissa Duncan. Special Grandma to Shannon and Shayla Sheppard. She is also survived by her family in England and will be sadly missed by special friends Maureen Sheppard and Maureen Morrison and families. Pauline was born in Cornwall, England where she grew up and later married Dennis at the age of 19. They moved to Canada in 1956 and purchased their first home together. She loved to travel and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren who lit up her world. Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the memorial service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London at a later date. In Pauline’s memory, 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

WELLINGTON, Brenda Ann (nee Brewer)….

Peacefully in her sleep at Country Terrace Long-Term Care Facility, Komoka, Ontario, after a long illness on Tuesday February 6, 2018 in her 77th year. Beloved wife and soul mate of Stuart Wellington for over 50 years. Loving mother of David and Bob. Cherished sister of James (Juanita) and Bob (Jill). Predeceased by son Donald (1973) and parents Frederick (Ted) 2003 and mother Dorothy (nee McHattie) 2000. Brenda will also be missed by many other family members and friends, especially her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sisters.  Friends and family will be received by the family on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London for visitation only. A Beta Sigma Phi service will be held at 1:45pm. Cremation to follow. Memorial service to be conducted at 2:00pm on Friday February 16, 2018 at Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington Street West, Chatham. A very special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful caregivers at the Country Terrace Long-Term care facility in Komoka especially Christine C. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Brenda’s name are asked to consider the music therapy group at Country Terrace c/o OMNI Health Care, 2020 Fisher Drive, Suite 1, Peterborough ON K9J 6X6 or Parkwood Institute Palliative Care Unit, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MATTHEWS, Marilyn Joan….

With sadness we announce Marilyn’s death, at Chartwell London Long Term Care Residences, on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the age of 83. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents William and Ethel and her brothers Jim, Bob, Ron, Ray, and Fred and sister-in-law Cis. She is survived by sister-in-law Chris, Phyllis, and Mary and will be missed by several nieces and nephews. Marilyn taught with the London Board of Education for 35 years. She enjoyed summers at her cottage in Lion’s Head. In her retirement Marilyn took great interest in the Garden Club of London as a member, judge and president. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. As per Marilyn’s wishes cremation has taken place. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A Book for Every Child, 251 Dundas Street, London, ON N6A 6H9 or a charity of your choice. On Marilyn’s behalf, her family would like to extend appreciation to the Chartwell staff for the care given to Marilyn. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BARBER, John….

Unexpectedly on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Dearness Home, John Barber in his 77th year. Brother of Ted Barber and brother-in-law of the late Gina Barber (2017). John will be missed by Louise Moorhouse, his many cousins and their families and his extended family. Ted would like to thank the Bellevue Ave community for their support and the compassion he has received from them. The family would like to thank the staff at the Dearness Home for making John feel welcome and comfortable during his stay. John travelled in Europe and often talked about his winters spent in Florida. He was a Contract Bridge Life Master as a teenager and in his 20’s he built and sold his own computers and installed networks in businesses. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 1-3 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre (located on the Southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. In memory of John, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GEELAN, George….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Thursday, February 1, 2018, George Geelan of London in his 90th year. Beloved husband of the late Sarah (Liggett) Geelan (2006). Loving brother of Mary Lockington and brother-in-law of Patricia Webb both of England.  Cherished uncle of Dawn Masters-Lecky (Lex). Predeceased by his sister Joan Campbell. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held one-hour prior (12-1pm) to the Celebration of George’s Life on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 1pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOSS, Larry Charlie….

Peacefully with family by his side at Glendale Crossing on Thursday, February 1, 2018, Larry Charlie Moss passed away in his 79th year. Beloved husband of the late Elaine (Smith) Moss (2014). Loving father of Robert Moss and his wife Sandy of Lake Louise, Alberta, Terrie Wright and her partner Brent Day of London and Kevin Moss and his partner Donna Rowe of Kitchener. Dear grandfather of Charlie Moss, Michael and Jessica Wright and Ellie Gibson and her husband Javid. Special brother of Fay Bulanda of London. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 one-hour prior (12-1pm) to the memorial service being held at 1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Village of Glendale Crossing by mailing a cheque to: Schlegel Villages Charitable Foundation, 201-325 Max Becker Drive, Kitchener, ON N2E 4H5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

It is with great sadness that the family of Alice Christine Creaser (nee Lethbridge), born on Dec 9,1916, announce that she peacefully breathed her last breath on Jan 30, 2018, at the age of 101, in Montreal, Quebec.

Known for her beautiful radiant smile and loving, grateful, compassionate nature, she was the sweet, beloved mother of four: Robert (St Thomas, Ontario), Janet (Westmount, Quebec), Evelyn (Vancouver, BC), and Hugh David (who died in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1970 at the age of 9). She was the adored grandmother of Julia Rumley-Quenelle (Laurent) (London, UK) and Will Hutchins (Westmount, Quebec), and the beloved great-grandmother of Milo and Noah Quenelle.

She is deeply loved by her son-in-law Timothy Hutchins, who with Janet, cared for her at home in Montreal since 2010. She was much loved by her nephews Jay Lethbridge and Anthony Cook, and her niece Ann Loewen, as well as by a wonderful team who helped with her recent care and who loved her like family.

In 2011, Alice was predeceased by her husband of almost 63 years, Rev Hugh Creaser. Together they will be remembered by congregations and many friends in Ottawa, St Andrew’s NB, New Glasgow NS, Amherstview, St Thomas, Duart and London, Ontario, and Montreal.

Born in Galt, Ontario, into a family long involved in social welfare and justice, she was the daughter of George and Christine Lethbridge, Her brother Graham, her only sibling, held senior positions in Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services for many years until his death in 1995.

Her father was organist and choir master of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ontario.

This tradition of the love of music carried on into Alice’s own life and the lives of her children and grandchildren, with currently five professional musicians in the family.

Singing alto all her life in choirs, at the time of her passing she was listening to one of her favourite hymns, Love Divine all Love’s Excelling.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario in Honours French, Greek, and Latin. She was a graduate of Ontario Teachers College, and also the University of Toronto’s School of Social Work.

Alice and Hugh fervently loved the arts, attending many plays and concerts.

They enjoyed travelling, visiting family and friends across the country and abroad.

A teacher and social worker before her marriage in 1948, she became a dedicated minister’s wife, doing much work for the church. Alice, the consummate loving mother, ran a bustling, happy household in Nova Scotia, a period she and Hugh called “the golden years”.

She inspired us all throughout her whole life with her care for the welfare of others, her grace, dignity, courage and wisdom. In the words of one of her caregivers, she was “transcendent, calm, with unfailing generosity, largeness of spirit, deep, abiding thankfulness, mischievous sense of humour, a precision of clarity of language right to the end, a sense of right that was never divorced from care, and everything she did was infused with love”

A visitation will be held at A Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South in London, Ontario on Sunday, February 4, 2018, from 1-4 pm.

The funeral will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 11am at Westmount Presbyterian Church, 521 Village Green Avenue, off Wonderland Road South, London Ontario.

A reception will follow in the church hall.

Donations in Alice’s memory may be made to Westmount Presbyterian Church, London, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.