Services & Obituaries

Lausanne, Brenda (nee Starling)

Peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Brenda passed away in her 66th year. Supportive and beloved wife of David Lausanne. Adored and loving mother of Alexandra Lausanne and her fiancé Mark Pilkington and Madison Lausanne and her fiancé Scott Ward. Doting dog mom to Tucker (and Herc and Prints). Much loved aunt of Derek, Darby, Sarah, Jason, and Amanda. Brenda will be missed by so many cherished friends and family, including her beloved neighbours and group of warrior women from the Wesley Knox United Church community.

Brenda was born and raised in London, Ontario and grew up in a loving family with her parents Frances and Wilson Starling and her brothers Paul and David Starling. She went to Fanshawe College and became a writer working in marketing for 44 years, including at Total Marketing (where she met her husband David) and then the MC Group for 21 years (formerly the largest advertising firm in London).

Brenda was a true athlete and had a passion for sports such as volleyball, squash, basketball, track and field and later soccer. She was always up for an adventure and enjoyed many a day trip to the beach or antiquing with friends and her daughters. Brenda was an amazing mother and very proud of her daughters Alex and Madi. She loved hosting holidays and family gatherings and was incredibly loving, caring, inclusive and ever positive. Brenda fostered a beautiful and vibrant community wherever she went.

She was very active and healthy throughout her life. In November 2024 she had emergency surgery and was later diagnosed with a very aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Brenda fought a valiant battle against an unrelenting cancer and elected for palliative care in late December. We are forever grateful for all the time we had with her and for her amazing friends and extended family that never left her side in the hospital, including a rotation of visitors and friends doing night shifts. There are so many people to thank, but a special thanks goes to Lynn Donoghue, Jane Walker, and, Simone Fraser who were there night and day and helped us all navigate through this.

Brenda and her family would like to thank all health care personnel that helped her, with a special thank you to Dr. Sugimoto, nurse Amy, and the oncology team at Victoria Hospital.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed to a visitation and celebration of life in the coming months. The visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February, 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LIEPINS, Sharon

With family by her side, Sharon Ann Liepins (McElhone) passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the age of 84.  She was predeceased by her husband of sixty years Gunars Liepins, parents Frank and Marguerite McElhone, brother Patric McElhone, and sister-in-law Velta Allbutt.  Sharon is survived by daughters Melinda Mapes (Scott), Laura Liepins (Jason Russell), and sisters-in-law Silvia Gesing (Witold) and Lorraine Van Puymbroeck.  She was a loving nana to grandsons Robert Mapes and Thomas Russell and is fondly remembered by her niece and nephews Lisa, Trevor, Paul, Geoff, Alex and Steven.  Sharon was born in Tillsonburg and attended Mount St. Joseph’s Academy.  Following her graduation from the Mount, Sharon enrolled in one of the first classes in the Radiology Technologist Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she met lifelong friends Betty Dodd and Charlene Abray (Dillon). The three friends subsequently travelled to the US, where they worked at Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood, California. While back working in London, Sharon was introduced to her future husband Gunars on a blind date with Charlene and George Abray.  Sharon continued her career as an X-ray technologist with short breaks upon the arrival of her daughters. As much as Sharon enjoyed working at both Victoria Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, she decided to accept a teaching position at Fanshawe College. Sharon’s natural warmth and sincere concern for her students earned her a reputation as a “favourite teacher”.  The glowing comments from many of her former students over the years enhanced our appreciation of the woman we only knew as Mom.  Sharon loved travelling, both as a couple with Gunars and as a family with her children.  Camping with family friends at provincial parks was another memorable experience.  Sharon’s travels continued well into retirement, and she especially loved spending winters in Florida where she readily made new friends.  She will be dearly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law.  Sharon was so proud of her grandsons and their accomplishments.  She had a wide network of friends, and particularly valued her fifty-year membership in Beta Sigma Phi sorority.  Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South in London, Ontario at 10:00 am- 11:30 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm.  A reception will follow.  Cremation has taken place and will be followed by interment at a later date.  The family thanks Dr. Schreier and the palliative care team at Victoria Hospital, and the staff at Glendale Crossing Retirement.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BARR, Gordon…

Gordon Barr passed away peacefully after a short stay at the LHSC-University, on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the age of 82. Gordon is the dear brother of Jacklyn Luton of Ancaster and Nancy Pepper (Brian) of Milton. He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Jeffrey, Micheal (Stephanie), Katie (Darryl) and Andrew (Jadie), as well as his five great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Details to follow at a later date. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SCHAUS, Melba “Mae”…
Mae Schaus (nee Van Sickle) passed peacefully at University hospital with family by her side on December 11, 2024 in her 98th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Harold Schaus (2011), her brother’s Maurice and Uel Van Sickle, sister in law Gladys Van Sickle and her nephew Rob Van Sickle. Survived by many nieces and nephews. She will be missed.
Cremation has taken place. Private family internment in Neustadt Ontario at a later date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DIEZYN, Larry…..

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Monday, December 9, 2024, Larry passed away in his 70th year. Survived by his beloved sweetie Debra of 30 years and her son Elias (Penelope). Yaya to little Emma. Dear son of Paula and the late Nickolas. Loving brother of Al (Diana), Ed (Julie) and Nick (Andrea). Uncle of Caroline, Sasha (Elice), Christien (Michelle), Stefan (Olivia), Katie (Thomas) and Natalie (Veronique). Larry will be dearly missed by his lifetime friend Dave Balch. Larry radiated positively and a fun adventurous spirit. He was generous with his skills and his time. Larry lived life on his own terms, managing to find the “last one of anything” (ie, the ticket, the bargain, the sale item on the shelf and the perfect rose). Eternal gratitude to his dream team Dr. Mark Levstick and Dr. Roberto Hernandez. Thank you to the incredible UH Multi-organ Transplant Team, Dr. Anour Teriaky, surgeons Dr. Douglas Quan and Dr. Jeffery Hawell and wonderful friendship with Paul, Lois and Barb; the LHSC Regional Cancer Program, Dr. John Lenehan, Dr. Timothy Nguyen, Dr. Anita Singh, and surgeon Dr. Richard Malthaner for their outstanding medical treatment and care. Heartfelt thanks to the St. Joseph’s Hospice team, Dr. Natalie Hertzman, Medical Director; Trang Pham, Director of Resident care, nurses, PSWs, support staff and volunteers for their exceptional compassion and care in championing a peaceful final journey for our dearest Larry. Larry and Debra would like to give special mention to Nurse Roz for providing Larry a bright spot in his day and SW Charles Skeete and Father Vladamir for their profound strength and spiritual guidance. The funeral service will be held at the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour, 140 Fairview Avenue, London, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am, with the Very Reverend Vladimir Morin officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice directed to the Children’s Corner. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEAKER, Margaret…

Margaret Peaker passed away peacefully at Dearness Home in London, Ontario, on Monday, December 2^nd, 2024 in her 96^th year. Loving wife of the late Orville Peaker for 32 years. Beloved mother of Michael (Janet) of London, John (Joan) of Belmont and Pamela (Rick) Lengua of California. Dear grandmother of Marcella, Chad, Nathan, Theresa, Melissa and Jennifer. Predeceased by her son Raymond (survived by his wife Heather) and her grandson Jason. Also missed by her great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.

She was an active and proud member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the women’s bowling league. Margaret also had a passion for playing cards. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dearness Home for their compassionate care of Margaret the last 5 years.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:30am-10:30am at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London to follow. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Hague, Ruth…

Peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at her residence in London, Ruth passed away in her 102nd year. Beloved wife of the late F. Dyson Hague (1990). Loving mother of Lyn Hague and Bob (Sheila) Hague. Dear grandmother of Nicolas (Ally) Hague.

A beloved member of her community, Ruth was deeply involved and supported the community she loved in London. She volunteered with the art galley and was a member of the garden club. She enjoyed sports, being passionate about golfing and curling. Her cottage, at Cedarhurst Beach was her cherished retreat, where she created lasting memories with family and friends. Deeply committed to political causes, she actively supported both provincial and federal campaigns. Above all, family was her greatest treasure. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Dyson, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. A special thank you to all her friends and neighbours as well as the ladies at WWMD Home Care who loved and supported Ruth in her wish to remain at home.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184 entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STOKES, Judith “Judi” Ann (nee Keat)…

Judith “Judi” Ann Stokes (nee Keat) passed away peacefully with her sister by her side on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 76th year. Survived by much loved sister Nancy Keat, London. Predeceased by parents Alan (1993) and Lenore (2013) Keat. Remembered by her aunt and cousins in the Slade and Keat families. Also remembered by step-children Heather (Jeremy) Martin, Listowel; Douglas Stokes, Listowel and his son Connor; Iain Stokes, Huntsville and their father Arthur Stokes, Sarnia. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and interment will take place in Sarnia in the spring of 2025. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Isabel…

Isabel Jean Johnson passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Fredrick “Ted” Johnson (2015) for 67 years. Loving mother of Gail Johnson of London and Ken (Debbie) Johnson of Innerkip. Cherished grandmother of Mitchell (Amber) Johnson of Ingersoll and Matthew (Katie) Johnson of Fergus. Adored great-grandmother of Finn, Liam and Emily. Dear sister of Lawrence Chilvers of Lindsay. Predeceased by her siblings Walter Chilvers, Leonard Chilvers, Pearl Hunter, Irene Jewell, Ivan Chilvers and infant sister Hazel Chilvers. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception (located on the southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will be held at McIndoo’s Cemetery, Mariposa Township in the spring of 2025. In memory of Isabel, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street West, East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON M8X 2X9 or a charity of choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. K. Shu and also the ACE unit at Victoria Hospital, to ProResp, Medical Priorities and Silver Cross for the services provided in the home and the continued love and support from family, friends and neighbours. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MORIN, Bruno

With deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Bruno Morin on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, at home, with his loving family surrounding him. Born in Ham-Nord, Québec on January 17, 1938, he is survived by his three children: Sandra, Claude (Heidi Bohaker), and Joey (Julie Michels), and his grandson Alexander. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Claire (Lefebvre). Survived by three brothers: Marius, Gaston (Madeleine), Jacques (Cassandra), and two sisters: Mariette (Gilles Dumouchelle), Odette (Jacques Grilli). Predeceased by four brothers and three sisters. Also survived by two brothers-in-law: André Lefebvre, Raoul Lefebvre (Ghislaine), and one sister-in-law: Gisèle Lefebvre. Bruno and Claire moved to London in 1964 and raised their family here. Bruno worked for Davey Tree in London and then at Ford’s St. Thomas Assembly Plant near Talbotville, retiring in 2001. He treasured time with his family and friends. We all miss his good humour, warm smile, kind heart and amazing skill at cribbage. A visitation will be held Friday, December 6th, 2024 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 5:00 t0 8:00 pm, with family remarks and remembrances from 7:00 to 7:30 pm in lieu of a service. Private family cremation to follow with interment later at the Saints-Anges Cemetery in Ham-Nord, Québec. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, in memory of Bruno. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com