Services & Obituaries
Barbara Loomis
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
Wendy Absolom
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
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
Marion “Marm” Cavanagh
CAVANAGH, Marion “Marm”
Passed away peacefully at Country Terrace, Komoka on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late George (1985). Loving mother of Doug (Betty), David (the late Arlene) and step-mother to Judith. Dear grandma of Steven and Bradley. Predeceased by her sister Iris Purdy, bother Bill Phillips, her brother-in-law Bill Purdy, sister-in-law Leona Phillips and step-son Richard Cavanagh. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews and roommate and new best friend Brenda. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Marion may be made to the Humane Society of London Middlesex. Friends and family are welcome for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 1pm until 2pm on Monday, July 31, 2023. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
June Crawford
CRAWFORD, E. JUNE…
It is with sadness that we share the news of June Crawford’s passing in London, Ontario on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the age of 90.
Born in 1933 in Hullett Township in Huron County to parents Nelson and Olive Lear. The youngest of four children, June looked up to her sisters Doris, Helen, and brother Harry, who are all predeceased, and enjoyed life on the farm with her many dogs and horses whom she adored.
Beloved wife of the late Stan Crawford (2008) for over 50 years and dear mother of the late Marcus (2014) (Sue), Steven (Kathy) and Cailey (Brian). Grandmother to Amber, Rachel (Kevin), and Maggie and dearest great-grandmother to Thomas. June was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews and their families.
June loved singing in many community and church choirs. She made many lifelong friends and supported church and community in the many places she lived over the years in Scarborough, Ottawa, Burlington and London. In 2007, June received the Order of Niagara in grateful recognition of her service to the Anglican Church.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place with a funeral to be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 1382 Ontario Street, in Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada, National Service Dogs, McCormick Care Foundation or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Katalin Horich-Kiss
HORICH-KISS, Katalin…
Unexpectedly but peacefully at home, on Monday, July 3, 2023, Katalin Horich-Kiss of London passed away in her 67th year.
Beloved mother of Patricia Brooks (Chris) and Anita Horich-Kiss (Rafi). Loving grandma “Nagyi” of Ryan, Sophia, Anila, Mateo and Ayla. Beloved sister of Horich, Aniko (Szabo, Laszlo). Aunt to Szabo, Krisztina and Szabo, Nicolette. Katalin will also be missed by extended family members Bartos, Lajos and Bartos, Ferenc and Horich, Ferenc as well as her daughters’ father Kiss, Istvan. Predeceased by her mother Vida, Katalin and father Horich, Laszlo.
Katalin was a loving, kind, generous person who loved to travel. Throughout her life she was an advocate for human rights.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Katalin’s Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Katalin, a donation made to a charity near and dear to your heart would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Irene Cudmore
CUDMORE, Irene (nee Tremaine)….
Peacefully surrounded by her family at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late John Robert “Bob” Cudmore. Loving mother of Karen (Michael), Joan, and Linda (Mick). Devoted grandma of Julie and Erin Coulter, Tony Cudmore, and Ben and Tessa Bozo. Dear sister of Evelyn (the late Ted), Keith (Doris) and Marilyn (Gerry). Irene will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their families.
Irene enjoyed a long career teaching primary students with the Thames Valley District School Board. She was an active member of her church including through the UCW and the choir. Irene was a valued member of her community and loved wherever she went. She will be missed by her many friends and the lives she touched.
Family and friends will be received for visitation on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Funeral service will be held at Richards Memorial United Church, 360 Edgeworth Avenue, London on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 am. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Irene can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Hospice or a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Major Roberta Anne Dalrymple
Major Roberta Anne Dalrymple
March 5, 1938 to June 26, 2023It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Major Roberta Anne Dalrymple. Major Roberta Anne Dalrymple was Promoted to Glory on Monday, June 26th, 2023 at 11:03 pm. Roberta was surrounded by her children and grandchildren as she peacefully went to her heavenly home. As she met Jesus, “Sweeping through the Gates” was playing in the background. If you knew our mother, you knew that she loved her family.
She was predeceased by her husband Major Kenneth, son Stephen, mother Ellen, father Hugh, and sisters Ellen, Marion and Heather. Roberta is survived by her daughter Major Barbara who says, “I miss my best friend”; son Major Stewart (Crista), grandchildren Mackenzie and Meredith who all remember her as a prayer warrior; and daughter-in-law Barbara who remembers her love, kindness and prayers. Roberta cared deeply for her brother, Hugh Lim and all her extended family.
We will fulfill our Mother’s wishes for a Celebration of Life on September 23, 2023 at The Salvation Army London Citadel. Join us for coffee and conversation at 9 am. Enjoy the Celebration of her life at 10:30 am and brunch to follow.
Joan Harrison
HARRISON, Joan….
Passed away peacefully in her 101st year on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Dearness Home, London. Predeceased by her husband John Harrison (2003). Loving mother to Wendy (Charlie), Gail (Ronald), Jayne (Robert), Anne (Fred), and Sue (the late Mark). Dear grandmother to 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great – great grandchild. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Robert “Rob” Harmer
HARMER, Robert “Rob”…
Robert James Harmer born September 8, 1961 in Stratford, Ontario to Don and Dorothy (nee Mitchell) Harmer. Died in his wife’s Nancy’s arms at his home outside Thorndale as he requested on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Due to an explosion and fire at his place of work August 29, 1984, he retired early. He built up an extensive machine shop where he regained more mobility than anyone thought possible. He was the go-to guy to get things fixed in the neighbourhood. He had a love for cars, which can be seen by the building of his hotrod, the 1941 Fargo pickup (Margo), where every piece he touched, from building the engine to body work. He enjoyed travelling the world and was looking forward to more Viking Cruises. He enjoyed his involvement in the Thorndale Plays, where he did artwork, set design and mural painting. He was proud of his artwork prizes won at the Thorndale Fair. Some favourite times were spent cooking in the kitchen, where he was a gourmet cook. He also enjoyed landscaping and hand-built ponds, gardens and stairs with customized railing from machine shop. He even learned to fly a Cessna 172.
He will be missed by his wife, and nurse of 33 years Nancy Wickerson-Harmer, his brothers Rick (Cheryl) and Steve, niece Brianna and by his extended family, many neighbors and friends.
Cremation has taken place. Friends and guests are invited to a memorial and celebration of his life held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at Thorndale Lions Community Centre, 265 Queen Street, Thorndale, ON.
In memory of Rob, donations may be made to the Thorndale Agricultural Society. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
