Services & Obituaries

DUFFY , Helen (née Croal)

May 19, 1942 – May 12, 2025

On the afternoon of May 12^th our beloved mother and grandmother Helen Duffy passed peacefully from this world at Victoria Hospital, London, she was predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Duffy (2020).  Helen was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 19^th, 1942, and was raised by her great aunt. As a young woman, Helen loved going out and spending the evening at “the dance halls” as she called them. It was on one of her nights out that Helen met her husband Jack. The two married in 1963, the same day the Beatles played in Glasgow for the first time. Their older son Raymond was born in 1964, and their younger son Terence followed in 1965.

Helen had dreamed about moving to Canada since she was a young girl and, in 1967, did just that. As her husband Jack had gone ahead of her, Helen followed soon after with her two small boys, arriving in Toronto and moving to London in 1969, settling in a home on Antrim Crescent where Helen would live for over 50 years. It was in London that Helen’s daughter Leica (John Groenewegen) was born in 1970. Helen was an incredible and loving mother to Ray, Terry and Leica who credit her as being the one constant in their lives, whom they could always rely on for support and for her wonderful sense of humour.

Helen worked in London at both Northern Telecom and Raymond Burke Motors. Following her retirement, Helen stayed very active. She loved to spend time with her two granddaughters, Kate and Jacqueline Groenewegen, visiting them frequently in Toronto. She said that taking care of her young granddaughters was “the best time of my life”. When at home in London she could often be seen walking her dogs around the neighbourhood, chatting with those she passed by, and always stopping to smile and say hello to dogs and babies. Helen volunteered for ten years at Victoria Hospital where she spent time holding “wee babies” in the NICU and then later guiding visitors around the hospital. Helen was a long-time parishioner at St. Justin’s Parish.

Helen’s family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Trace and the staff on the B9 floor at Victoria Hospital for taking wonderful care of her during her final months and days.

Visitation for family and friends will take place between 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 20^th, 2025 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South,  London. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 21^st, 2025 at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Blvd, London.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario or the Canadian Veteran Service Dog Unit in Helen’s honour. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HURYN, Petro…

Christ is Risen! Petro Huryn passed away peacefully in London, Ontario on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in his 70th year. Petro will be missed by his cousins and close friends. Remembered for his love of motorcycling, his 25 years of dedicated work with Ford, and his enjoyment of playing guitar. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 6-8pm with a prayer service at 7pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Graveside service to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11am in Woodland Cemetery, 439 Springbank Drive, London. Please meet at the cemetery office for 10:45am. Donations in memory of Petro may be made to the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ The Saviour, 140 Fairview Avenue, London, ON, N6C 4T8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

THOMPSON, Mary (Nee Olmstead)

Peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fox Hollow Retirement Residence, London, Mary passed away in her 91^st year.

Beloved spouse of Elgin Thompson for 66 years. Loving mother and mother-in-law of David Thompson (Gaetan Poitras) of Montreal, Jayne (Mark) Connolly of Waterloo, and Catherine (Murray) Macdonald of London. Predeceased by her infant daughter Elizabeth. Beloved grandmother of Katelyn, Brandon, Liam, Evan, and Riley. Cherished sister of Margaret (Phil) White of Meaford (predeceased); Francis / “Skip” Olmstead (Pat) of Walkerton (predeceased); and John (June) Olmstead (predeceased) of Wiarton.

Loving aunt to Philip, Francis and Mary White (Toronto); Cella, Michael, Kathleen and Peter Olmstead (Walkerton); Ric and Rob Olmstead (Wiarton); and Brian, Jim and Loreen Wilson (Sarnia).

After attending high school in Owen Sound, Mary studied and qualified as an RN in Kitchener. She was a dedicated mother to her children and delighted in spoiling her grandchildren. She provided much support to her husband Elgin, including handling the business management of his dental practice. Mary and Elgin enjoyed watching the seasons change and for many years tended a large garden on their hobby farm in Howick Township, Huron County. She was also a long-time supporter of charities for cystic fibrosis patients in Southwestern Ontario. She loved reading, playing bridge, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Toronto Blue Jays and traveling.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Mary may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Program at the London Health Sciences Foundation or to Research by the Arthritis Society Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLARKE, James “Jim”…

James “Jim” Clarke passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025 in London, Ontario in his 76th year. Predeceased by his parents Helen Clarke (2019) and George Clarke (1982). Beloved brother of Fred (Angela) Clarke of Arva, ON, Karen (Kirk) Young of Calgary, AB, and Bob (Nancy) Clarke of Willow Beach, ON. Jim will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service to be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to Community Living London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Valerie

Peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, in her 75th year, Valerie passed away at Victoria Hospital, London.

Beloved wife of Ivan Johnson for 45 years. Loving mother of Shawn (Nancy), Lance, Tonya (Peter), Kyra (Graham), and Kale (Kaela). Proud grandmother of Lance, Tristain, Jacob, Ethan, Kaiden, Siena, Hoyt, India, Lochlan, Nola, and James. Dear sister of Glenda, Tim, Roberta, Jocelyn and Lori. Predeceased by her siblings; Richard, Patricia, and Gordon. Valerie will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Valerie was passionate about sewing and upholstery, always creating with care and creativity. An active spirit, she enjoyed going to the gym and swimming, embracing each day with energy. But more than anything, she deeply loved her husband and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren-those times brought her the greatest joy and fulfillment.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Valerie may be made to the Alzheimers Society Southwest Partners or to MS Canada. A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MELDRUM, Barbara “Barb”…

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Barbara Meldrum, who left us peacefully on April 30th, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most. Beloved wife of the late David Meldrum (2008). Cherished mother of Rae-Anne (Richard) Veerman and Brad (Kristen) Meldrum. Adored Grams of Izaak, Oliver, David and Natalie. Much Loved sister of Bonnie Dragstra.

Barb cherished spending time with her family, creating countless memories filled with laughter, love, and the smell of freshly baked cookies, especially for her grandchildren, who adored her with all their hearts. Her compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering support defined her life and inspired all who knew her. Even in her final moments, she put others first and offered comfort, grace, and love. She will be missed tremendously and never forgotten.

A private service will be held with close family and friends to honour her life and legacy, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband.

In Barbara’s memory, donations may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program), or the Humane Society of London & Middlesex.

Barb will be dearly missed, but her love will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STAPLEFORD, David…

Peacefully at King Nursing Home, Bolton, David Stapleford passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the age of 75. David was predeceased by his parents Fred Stapleford of Vancouver and Sara Stapleford of London, as well as his brother D’Arcy Stapleford of England. David will be dearly missed by his nephews Matthew and Christopher Stapleford and their families, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. David was a long-term member of the Teamsters Union, and was a proud tradesman working as a Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic with Husband Transport for many years. He was an active scuba diver with Groundhog Divers and enjoyed teaching diving. His favourite destination to dive was Cozumel, Mexico. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12:00-12:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm. Future interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, with his mother Sara. In memory of David, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choosing. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LEHNER, Anton “Tony”…

May 6, 1934 – April 22, 2025

It is with “Greatest Heartfelt Sadness” to announce the passing of Anton “Tony” Lehner on April 22, 2025, at the age of 90 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Born May 6, 1934, in Vienna, Austria. Came to Canada in 1956 where he met his wife Hannelore, married in 1958 in Toronto, Ontario. Primarily lived in Toronto and London, Ontario, briefly in Georgetown and Hamilton, Ontario.

Predeceased wife Hannelore and siblings John, Annie, Ernest, Kurt (twin) and Gertrude “Trudy”.

Tony was a devoted Husband, Uncle and Great Uncle. He was a very hard working man with a great sense of humour, friendly and kind. He leaves behind his Niece Sylvia, Nephew-in-Law Tony, Great Nieces Martina and Cindy, Great Nephew Kristian and Family.

His love for Life enjoyed cars, travelling with his loving Wife Hannelore for 63 years to many beautiful and exciting places in the World. Tony was very proud of working for the Toronto Transit Commission in Toronto. In his career, he drove buses, subways and streetcars for 30 years. He was awarded with honours and certificates for excellence.

Tony will truly be missed by All with Love, and by all that knew him.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“If there comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever” –A.A. Milne

ROBINSON, Esther Mildred (née Barratt)

Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025 at the age of 92. Beloved wife of the late John Robinson. Dearly loved mother of Sandra Stepan (Ernest) and Peter Robinson (the late Linnette). Sadly missed by her grandchildren Sarah Birch (Evan), Paige Kleinhans (Matthew) and James Stepan and her great-grandchildren Ira Kleinhans, Finn Kleinhans and Baby Birch on the way. Also remembered by brother Elwyn, sister Beverley, cousin Grant Blackmore (Sandra) and family as well as many nieces and nephews across Canada. Esther was predeceased by her parents Samuel and Helen Barratt, siblings Emily, George and Donald and sisters-in-law Pearl and Susan.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service with interment of ashes in St. James Westminster Memorial Garden to take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joanne Hammond for all of her care and guidance through our journey with Alzheimer’s and the staff at Extendicare London for their compassion and care of Esther for the last 5 years.

Remembrances may be made to St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LANGNER, Brenda Jean (nee Chapman)…

Brenda Jean (Chapman) Langner passed away with her husband by her side, on April 23rd, 2025 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 70th year. Beloved wife of Alf Langner for 48 years. Cherished mother of Sara Langner. Brenda enjoyed trips with her husband and daughter to warmer climates and spending time in her garden with a good cup of coffee. Brenda is predeceased by her sister Barbara Harrison (Wayne). She is the dear sister of George Chapman (Laurie). She is predeceased by her parents Muriel and Eldred Chapman. Brenda will be greatly missed and always loved by her nieces, nephews, and their families. A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Calvary United Church, 290 Ridout Street South, London. The family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Lung Association in lieu of flowers. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com