Services & Obituaries

Kortschinski, Juri “Yuri”…

Yuri Michaelovitch Kortchinski passed into God’s hands early Wednesday morning, 9th August, 2023. He spent 92ish years on this earth. Yuri was predeceased by his two beloved wives, Lydia (Chumakova), who passed on July 6th, 2001 and Irina (Botanova/Gurvich), who passed on December 8th, 2016, without whom he would never have survived.

Always an engineer in mind, he chose electrical engineering as a career. He impressed his higher ups at Ontario Hydro with his patents for switching mechanisms. His brilliant stories at home awed the young ones around him. A big life with big contributions to all those he knew. Vechnaya pamyat/eternal memories! God rest his soul! Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

NOAKES, Joan…

Joan Noakes passed away peacefully in London on the morning of August 6th, 2023, in her 100th year. Joan will be missed by daughters Melody Daase and Beverley Cody and their respective families. She is predeceased by her loving husband Goliath, son Randall Noakes and daughter Velvia Dawtrey. Joan will be remembered for being a mother who gave great love and care to her family throughout her life. Friends are welcomed to a graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 333 Riverside Drive London, on Friday, August 11th, 2023 at 11am. Please meet at the cemetery office. Refreshments to follow at the home of Melody. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Joan are encouraged to consider a donation to Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HORD, Marysue Olivia…

Marysue Olivia Hord was born in London, Ontario on Sunday, July 2, 2023. After giving us a lifetime of love in just over a month, she slipped away quietly from this Earth on Friday, August 4, 2023. Marysue was the beloved daughter of Judy Redekop and Parker Hord. She will be deeply missed by her maternal grandparents Lisa Klassen (Henry Klassen Sr.) and Eric Welsh; her aunts and uncles Anna Welsh, Quinn Welsh, Tony Klassen and Henry Klassen; and her great aunt and uncle Agy and George Fehr.

Cremation has taken place and family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 1-3 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations to the NICU would be so greatly appreciated by the family and may be made through the London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

Pickup, Brenda….

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2023 in her 89^th year, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London.

Beloved and cherished Mother to Sandra (Doug) Neil (predeceased) Graham (Melissa) Gayle (Mark). Very proud and supportive Grandma to Stephanie and Brayden and cherished Sister of Marion Ainsworth. Brenda was predeceased by her adored husband Jeff and her loving son Neil. We would like to also recognize Brenda’s family and friends back in her beloved England and also our cherished family from out of town, Judith, Beth, Jess, Paul and their families.  

Brenda loved her family whole heartedly. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her own children, their families, and all the pups. Her two grandchildren had her entire heart and she was so incredibly proud of them and their accomplishments.

She was an avid sports fan, loved watching baseball, tennis and soccer but her true favourite was hockey! She was a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan for many years and was also a true blue London Knights fan and season ticket holder. Her Friday nights at the games were a source of great joy.

A private family service will be held.

As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society or to the St. Joseph’s Hospice in London.

The family would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the “Angels” who took such amazing care of Brenda at St Joseph’s Hospice. Thank you so much for your dedication and kindness to us all.

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

HAMMOND, Bernice Theresa ….

Quietly at home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Bernice Hammond passed away in her 81st year. Beloved wife of the late George Edward Hammond (2008). Dear mother of Cathy Leboeuf and her husband Mark, Sandra Hammond-Boyer and her husband Kim, and Nadine Hammond-Melas and her husband Alex. Cherished grandma of Megan (Ryan), Kayla (Jeff), Nicholas (Casey), Nathan and Devon and great grandma of Jackson and Shaelyn. Dear sister of Diane King. Predeceased by her parents Gordon and Mary King and sister Barbara Lacey.

Born in Nova Scotia, Bernice relocated to Ontario where she met her husband George. Together they owned a chip wagon and eventually opened Byron Seafood Café. Bernice was an excellent cook, cooking many Sunday roast beef dinners and holiday meals. She poured her love into her cooking. Bernice had a creative side, arranging flowers and making crafts, which led her to many craft shows. In her retirement Bernice took on the role as Grandmother, and it was one she loved most. She thoroughly enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and felt blessed to be their Grandma.

During her final months, her family said that Bernice showed strength and bravery in facing a terminal diagnosis. Her daughter Nadine describes it as pure grace.

Friends are welcomed for visitation on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, from 11am – 12pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 12pm. Interment in Madill Cemetery & Memorial Gardens, Mount Brydges. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Bernice are asked to consider a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 250 Dundas St. West, Suite 500 Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBERTS, Dorothy Brady…

Dorothy passed away quietly and peacefully at Meadow Park Nursing Home, London, on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Gerald Roy Roberts (2018) for 62 years. Loving mother of Bill Roberts and his wife Bonnie of Appin and Cindy Pisek and her husband Mike of London. Cherished Nanny of Brandice Robertson and her husband Mitch and Kaley Pisek and her husband Rob Sutherland and great-grandmother of Penelope, Preston and Phoenix Robertson, and Wren Sutherland. Predeceased by her parents Agnes and Leonard, and her sister Mary. Dorothy grew up on the farm and was a huge helping hand to her father with the regular chores. After marrying Gerald, she was the true definition of homemaker. She was a fantastic mom, a great cook and even enjoyed cleaning. In her later years, she loved fashion and shopping and always making sure her outfit and appearance were perfectly put together. She had a passion for reading and music, especially playing the piano. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Meadow Park for their excellent care over the years. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JARVIS, Brittany…

Suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 in her 37th year, at University Hospital, London. Born in Toronto, Ontario on May 25, 1987, Brittany grew up in London, Ontario.

Adoring, proud mother of Tiahna, Adrian, and Wynter. Beloved partner of Sean Westcott. Cherished daughter of April Jarvis and Richard Jarvis (late); much-prized granddaughter of Churchill and Beverly Jarvis (late), Vera Jarvis, Sheldon Farmer, and Glendon Jarvis.

Hilariously-funny, Britt was a great fan of music and dancing. A kind-hearted, social butterfly, she easily made many friends over the years. She loved and cared for her family, and friends; doing her very best to support all, in any way that she could. 

Adored niece of Crystal Jarvis, Shawn Jarvis, April Cromwell, Calvin Farmer, Karen Jarvis, Shavonne Jarvis, Gwendolyn Jarvis, Carmilla Jarvis, and Cheyenne Burke. She will be missed by great-aunts/uncles, many cousins, and extended family too numerous to list, but wholly appreciated.

Brittany was predeceased by her father, Richard Jarvis, and these ones who knew and held her dear; grandmothers, Beverly Jarvis, great-grandmothers, Ruth Francis, Marjorie Jarvis, and Dorothy Jarvis; as well as, great-great grandmother, Florence Herbert.

 Friends and family are welcome for visitation on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2:00–4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a GoFundMe, for the benefit of her three children, Tiahna, Adrian, and Wynter. https://gofund.me/d5019730

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

 Furniss, Murray Steven….

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Steven Furniss on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the age of 76. Murray was born in Ottawa, Ontario on June 27, 1947, to Lois Mary Bennett and Norval William Furniss. He leaves behind his brother Gary (Eva) and nieces Alisa, Kathrin (Seba), and Heili (Mikk). Murray was the cherished great uncle to Jaak, Aksel, Matteo, Lukas, and Tiago. He is also survived by three loving aunts, June, Gail, and Diane, as well as a multitude of cousins. Murray was a special character with a passion for music and theatre. This led to a lifetime of volunteering and performing for the community and local theatres. He loved interacting with people which served him well when working in the hospitality industry for decades. He will always be remembered for his silly sense of humour and thoughtfulness. Forever young. Forever loved. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LOOMIS, Barbara June …
 
Suddenly at home on Sunday, July 23, 2023, Barabara Loomis passed away in her 84th year. Beloved wife of William “Bill” Loomis. Dear mother of Rhonda Stinson and her husband Chris, and Carvell Loomis and his wife Rachelle. Cherished grandmother of Lauren, Nicholas and William. Sister of Ronald Smith and his wife Wilma. Predeceased by her parents, Marjorie and Morley Smith of Belleville, Ontario.  Barbara will be lovingly remembered by family and many friends.

Barbara was an accomplished nurse whose career spanned over fifty years.  She was a graduate of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and worked the majority of her career, in London, at Parkwood Hospital, Kids Country Club (respite care for technology dependent and medically fragile children), Chesley Park and the University of Western Ontario School of Nursing. In her retirement Barbara volunteered for the May Court Club of London and was an avid knitter and quilter.  She will be remembered for her warmth and enthusiasm, and for always seeing the best in others.
 
Friends are welcomed for visitation on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, from 12-2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 2 pm. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery, Sherbrooke, Quebec. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the May Court Club of London, P.O. Box 24096, London, ON N6H 5C4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Absolom, Wendy…

The world lost an amazing woman on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  Wendy Joan Absolom was born January 15, 1953 to her loving parents, Ken and Jeanne in Espanola, ON.  Wendy grew up with a love of horses, and at 16 she worked at the Anna Bilini Red & White to raise half the money for her first horse.  Her father came through on his promise of the other half and a lifelong love began.  Her time in the tiny grocery store gave her the experience to get a job at the A&P across the road.  It was here that she met her lifelong best friend, partner in crime, and dedicated sister, Dee Dee.  She was welcomed into their very large family.  The two would play sports together, buy matching cars together, and support each other for over 50 years.  While working at the Pulp and Paper Mill, Wendy’s father met Wendy’s friend and ‘brother’, Al.  Al’s membership in the Absolom family was unquestionable.  He got to borrow Ken’s truck much more than Wendy, he was a rock in Wendy’s life, and he even named Wendy’s Godson after the Absolom family.  

In her 30’s, Wendy trained and became the first woman firefighter in Espanola.  Following in her father’s footsteps, shortly after his passing.  To this day, she has been the only female firefighter in the small town.  

Wendy’s work at the A&P led her to become involved in the Union.  She was a Union Steward, sat on 4 sets of provincial negotiations, and her dedication and commitment secured her a Union Representative job in 1991.  She was assigned a route in the London area where she bought a home.  She, and eventually her mother, settled in the Old South area, leaving beloved Espanola and her lifelong friends.  Wendy’s strength was shown with her ability to navigate a difficult route.  She represented workers in the health care, industrial, hospitality, retail, and food processing industries.  Her strong voice for her members was respected by both the members and management alike.  Her commitment grew as she sat on additional committees, advocated for women, and raised money to help children fighting Leukemia. 

Wendy’s work ethic and dedication to her members had her on the road for countless hours each week.  Even through all of her work commitments, she was often the first to sign up for Union hockey, baseball, paintball, dragon boat, kickboxing, and other sporting events. Despite her busy schedule, Wendy found a partner, Stefan, who has lived with her for the past 20 years.  Stefan has three children, Josh, Rachel and Zach.  Although Wendy had no kids of her own, her generosity was legendary.  She would lavish friends and family members with gifts that were thoughtful and full of love.  And it was an honor to give Wendy gifts because they truly meant something to her.  She kept every card that was ever sent to her, and every token of love that someone showed her.  

Wendy rekindled her love of horses when she retired.  She began volunteering for SARI Therapeutic Riding the year before she retired so that she could be ready to dedicate lots of time with her beloved horses, and the children that they were helping.  A fall off of a horse during her personal riding lessons led to the discovery of breast cancer.  Even through treatments, Wendy still showed up to volunteer at the barn for as long as she was able.  The past few years have presented Wendy with a number of health challenges, but her dear friends have helped carry her through some of the toughest days of her life.  Wendy was a generous, kind, fiercely loyal friend who would give you the white linen shirt right off her back.   Those of us who called her friend were lucky, blessed people.  She fought for the rights of workers, took care of so many, and made sure that we knew we were loved.  If there is a Union in heaven, I can guarantee she is signing people up, while listening to Gord Downie sing songs that filled her soul.  

There will be a private celebration of her life Friday, August 4th in London, ON. For more details, please contact Sara or Julie.  Wendy and her mother will take one last journey back to their beloved Espanola to be laid to rest with her father.  Surrounded by friends and loved ones for always.  

We would like to send a special word of gratitude for the staff at Village of Glendale Crossing.  You all loved Wendy and she loved you.  We cannot thank you enough for your genuine caring hearts.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to 

SARI Therapeutic Riding

12659 Medway Rd, Arva, ON 

N0M 1C0

sari.ca

It was a place that meant so much to Wendy, brought her joy, and does wonderful work for children in the London area.

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