Services & Obituaries

ROBINSON: Diane Louise (nee Jefferess)….

Passed away on Saturday January 24, 2015, at University Hospital, in her 84th year. Beloved wife of Terry for 59 years. Loving mother of Jeffery (Catherine) and Janet (Sam Crozier) and Barbara. Diane will be truly missed by her grandchildren, Alexandra and Joshua Robinson and Alison and Gillian Crozier. Dear sister of Connie Jefferess. Predeceased by her parents J.E. Frank and Mary Jefferess. Diane was a member of the Red Cross and First Aid Instructor in the 1950’s. She spent many years at Bell Canada working in the business office prior to having her children. Diane thoroughly enjoyed the many trips taken during her life and as a family we spent many a holiday travelling or camping. Diane was a lifelong member of St. James Westminster Church where she contributed significantly to parish activities including Sunday school teacher as well as many meals, weddings and funerals as a member of the ACW. Her love of sewing, crafts and needlework was always apparent at bazaars. Diane was a founding member, teacher and president of the Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild. Her superb embroidery skills are evident in many of the liturgical hangings as well as the kneelers in the church. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be conducted at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11 am followed by interment in the Memorial Gardens. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to St. James Westminster Church or St. James Westminster Church Foundation, 115 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7, or the charity of your choice. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (519) 433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PORTER, Mary Eleanor…

In the loving care of the V.O.N. palliative team and her family, and after a gallant struggle with Parkinson’s and Dementia, in London, on January 24th, Mary Eleanor (Dickison, Parfitt) Porter in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Porter (1998). Loving mother of Ben Parfitt and his wife Alicia Priest of Victoria, B.C., Gillian “Jill” Channer (Parfitt) and her husband William Allen of Port Stanley, and step-mother of Paige Cantle and her husband Ted, Lee Porter, Terry Porter, Bart Porter and his wife Donna, all of London. Proud grandmother of Charlotte Priest, Rebecca Channer, Grace and Gloria Cantle, Brittany and Sean Coughlin, Jade and Maxwell Porter. Mary was born in Arkona, Ontario where she spent her first nine years – as the Dickisons owned and operated a wool mill. Mary’s family was destitute after the mill burned down; they moved to London where her father began a new career with Investors of Canada. Mary was able to attend the University of Western Ontario thanks to the generous support of a distant relative. In 1953, she graduated from the Honours Business Administration programme, one of only four women that year. Mary proudly earned the Gold Medal for highest academic achievement in her graduating year. Upon graduating, Mary moved to Toronto and worked in the marketing department of Simpsons. Her mother became ill and Mary moved back to London and continued her career with Simpsons until the late 1950s when she obtained her teachers’ qualifications. Also in the late fifties, Mary married John and started her family. The family moved to Kitchener for a few years. Settling back in London, Mary worked briefly at the London Free Press. Later, she taught at both Beal and Wheable secondary schools. “Mrs. Parfitt” was highly regarded by her students and she devoted herself to her profession, earning a provincial award for outstanding business teacher from the Ontario Business Education Association (1977). In 1981, Mary married Ken and started a new chapter in her life which included travel, retirement in 1985, more teaching (part-time at Fanshawe College), grandchildren, more time for golf and tennis (an active member of Huff and Puff), and a good deal of volunteer work. One of her most cherished activities was singing in the choir at Colborne Street United Church, where she was an active committee member and congregant for over 40 years. Mary also devoted herself to sharing her great love of music, and delivering various seasonal programs to residents in nursing care homes. Friends will be received by the family from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to McCormick Home Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8 or Colborne Street United Church – Building Fund, 711 Colborne Street, London ON N6A 3Z4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOWIE: Velma Pearl…
Peacefully, at Grand Wood Park Retirement Community, on Friday, January 23, 2015. Velma Pearl Howie (nee Wadsworth) at age 104. Dearly beloved wife of Robert “Bob” E. Howie who predeceased her in 2004. Predeceased by brother Fred, and sisters Mabel (Cobban) and Edna, and by her parents Carrie (Webb) Wadsworth and George Wadsworth. She is survived by her niece Marney (Robert Pugh) of Tipp City, Ohio and by her nephew by marriage Rex Zimmerman of Virginia Beach, Virginia and by many great and great-great nieces and nephews including Janet Cobban (Tim Cope) of Harrow and Linda Hoover of London.Velma was a graduate of the University of Toronto, and a long time member of the Senior Alumni Program at Western. A celebration of Velma’s life, will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout St. South, London, Ontario on Wednesday January 28, 2015 at 3 pm. Friends will be welcome 1 hour prior to the celebration. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to an organization of your choice.

OLLIVIER, Bob…

Peacefully at Extendicare London, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, Robert “Bob” Ollivier in his 81st year. Beloved husband of the late Mabel (Hall) Ollivier (2013). Proud father of Denise Monteith (Mark), Kelly Ollivier (Ted Demmerling) and Dan Ollivier (Liz). Cherished Poppa of Wesley, Hannah and Jesse. Dearly missed by his nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the 3rd floor staff at Extendicare for their care and compassion. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London (located on the south east corner of parking lot). A private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Missions Services of London, 415 Hamilton Road, London ON N5Z 1S1 or the Canadian Mental Health Association, 648 Huron Street, London ON N5Y 4J8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MARTIRE: Doreen….
Passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at Victoria Hospital, in her 83rd year. Beloved wife of Ernie Martire.Loving mother of Dianne Dyce of Vancouver and Terry Martire and his wife Valerie Sanderson of Orono.Also missed by her grandchildren Michael Dyce, Teagan and Reese Martire, and Leah, Graham and Gavin Labanovich. Dear sister of Lawrence Henry and his wife Lise of Ottawa, Wayne Stevenson and his wife Dawn of Calgary, and sister-in-law Rosa Mihalovich of Thunder Bay. Survived by her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Doris Johnson and her husband Don.Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Friday January 23, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday January 24, 2015 at 11am with Rev. Brian Laidler officiating. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program 790 Commissioners Road East,London, ON N6A 4L6, www.sw-rcp.on.ca or The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, P.O. Box 7008, Station Main,London, ON, N5Y 5W7, www.heartandstroke.on.ca
Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHIN, Mee Chun…..

Peacefully surrounded by her family at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, Mee Chun (Han) Shin in her 75th year, went to be with her Lord. Beloved wife of Dong Hyun Shin for 52 years. Loving mother of Susie Shin and her husband Gerald Martin of London, Jennifer Anderson and her husband Colin of Edmonton and Bill Shin and his wife Aimee of Woodstock. Cherished “Harmony “of Ben, Peri, Alec, Lauren, Ethan and Logan. Dearly missed by her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers and her sister. The family would like to thank all friends and family for their kindness and prayers and the staff at Victoria Hospital 5th floor Short Stay Unit for their loving care and support. Mee was an active member of the Korean Christian Church for 40 years and will be dearly missed by the congregation. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, January 23, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:30 am at the Korean Christian Church, 530 Topping Lane, London. Interment in Woodland 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

KEAST, Margaret Ruth

Peacefully into the hands of God on Friday, January 16, 2015 at University hospital in the presence of family. Ruth (O’Connor) Keast in her 93rd year. Predeceased by her husband and best friend of 50 years, Howard Keast. Beloved mother of David Keast (Heather) and Deborah Lucy. Grandma and Mama to three grandchildren Matthew Keast (Tanya), Erin Keast (Ray) and Kristin Ball (Ryan). Also much loved Great Grandmother and Mama of Jordan and Makenna Keast, Maya Cara, Ethan and Kyle Ball. Predeceased by her sister Edna O’Connor. The family wish to thank Dr. S. Cejic and the staff of the Byron Family Medical Centre and the staff at University Hospital who treated mother with such kindness. Friends will be received by the family 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1pm. Private family interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1, Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3P8 or Charity of Choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROWCLIFFE Anna Helena (Brock)…..

At London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital, on Thursday, January 15, 2015, Anna Helena Rowcliffe of London in her 88TH year. Beloved wife of the late James McLean (Jim) Rowcliffe for 53 years. Dear mother of Peter Rowcliffe and his wife Marta of Woodbury, Minnesota, Katherine Peel and her husband Ken of Toronto, Jean Rowcliffe of London, Paul Rowcliffe and his wife Pamela of Owen Sound and Bill Rowcliffe and Kevin McManus of Toronto. Also loved by her grandchildren Stephanie Rowcliffe, Sarah Holmboe (Matt), Lucas Peel (fiance Stephanie Grand), John Peel and Emily and Mac Rowcliffe. Dear sister of Tom Brock. Predeceased by her grandson James Rowcliffe-Kessler, her sister Irene Olge and her husband Thomas and her sister-in-law Noreen Brock. Cremation. A memorial celebration will be held at the Metropolitan United Church on Friday May 8, 2015 at 11 am. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Metropolitan United Church Foundation , 468 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3P8 or charity of your choice. Fondly remembered for her lifetime involvement in many capacities of Metropolitan United Church, Board of Directors of WCA for 13 years, Chairperson and member of buildiing committee of Western Counties Wing of Parkwood Hospital and Board of Directors of the United Way of London. Inurnment of cremated remains in Mount Pleasant cemetery, London. Condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, London (519-433-5184)

LOWRY: Anne
Passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday January 12, 2015 at LHSC Victoria Hospital, in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Lowry. Loving mother of Robert (Donna), Deb (Scott) and Jean. Dear and special aunt to John, Terri, Wayne and Bernie. Cherished grandmother to Paul, Glen, Erin and Sierra. Great grandmother to Bailey and Adam. Dearest friend of Ray. Predeceased by her brother Mike, and her sisters Theresa, Nellie, Jean and Laura. Anne was a proud veteran with the RCAF WD. She spent many years working for the Sheet Metal Union of London, before retiring to live a life of leisure. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. Prayers will be said at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St.Francis-St. Martin Church, 46 Cathcart Street, London, on Friday January 16, 2015 at 10:00 am. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donations would be appreciated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180 – 633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or to Parkinson Society Canada, 117- 4500 Blakie Road, London, ON N6L 1G5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WATSON, John Braithwaite……………..
At Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, January 12, 2015, John Braithwaite Watson of London in his 87th year. Beloved son of the late Ivan and Kay Watson. Dear cousin of Andrew Foote of Montreal and Sally Buffington of San Diego, California. Dear friend of Eric Holt of London. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 and one hour prior to the service being conducted in the chapel of A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11am. Cremation with interment of cremated remains in Riverside Cemetery, Toronto. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London, Ontario N5V 3K5. Online condolences, memories and photographs accepted at www.amgfh.com