Services & Obituaries

RUEDI, Lois Anne

Peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Parkwood Institute, London, Lois passed away in her 76th year.  Long time companion of Beat ‘Max’. Beloved mother of Ursula (Ian Carroll), Monika (Scott Foulser) and Heidi ‘Sean’. Proud grandmother of Lilley ‘Leo’ Johnston. Dear sister of the late Bill (Jeane) and David May. Predeceased by her nephew Nicholas May.  Lois will be remembered by her extended family in Appin, Ontario. Lois worked for 18 years at the Region of Waterloo Library as a Library Cataloguer where she was a respected and loved part of the team. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues. Our Mom was a wee little lady with a big personality. She was absolutely hilarious, and had a dry wit. We always admired her strength and resilience, especially during her long battle with ovarian cancer. She was dedicated to her family and her children providing endless love and support.  There are so many things we will miss about her, but we will always hold close to our hearts the amazing memories we shared as a family. A special thank you to the palliative care team at Parkwood for supporting and caring for Lois and her family. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Lois’ wishes a private family service will be held. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lois may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Arrangements entrusted A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FAIR, Eleanor(e), nee Lyle (1933-2023)

Known and loved for her sense of humour and her ability to split an apple clean in half with her hands, Eleanor Fair was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and community member.

Eleanor was always keen for a tease, a game, a glass of chardonnay, or a dinner out. She loved her many years curling and playing bridge. She was also renowned for her bizarre dreams, brisk walking, pickles, and pecan balls.

Eleanor died from pulmonary fibrosis on November 7, 2023, at home in London, Ontario, surrounded by family.

Beloved wife of the late John William “Bill” Fair (died 1992), she was also predeceased by many dear Irish and English in-laws and close family friends (Deacons, Schroeders, and Hardys).

Eleanor is survived by her children, Maureen Fair (Wendy Shaw), Pam Chrisco (Rustin), Janis Fair (Craig Heighway), and Jamie Fair (Crystal) and her beloved grandchildren Alex and Kate Chrisco. Her nieces and nephews and extended family will miss her.

Born to Lena and Stanley Lyle, Eleanor grew up on the farm in St. Thomas, Ontario. Eleanor cherished her time with siblings Mary Beattie (Earl), William Lyle (Marion MacKenzie), Robert Lyle (Jean), Cathryn Ireland (Jack), and Douglas Lyle.

Eleanor was a 1955 graduate of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing along with longtime friends Betty Ann Mollard and current neighbour at Longworth, Fern Heslop.

Eleanor met Bill Fair, who had recently arrived from Ireland, on a blind date and they married in 1960. Eleanor and Bill loved to travel, often loading up a small car with kids and camping gear. They also traveled extensively to Ireland, England, Morocco, and China.

Eleanor volunteered for decades for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and the London Regional Cancer Clinic where she provided soup, blankets, and kindness. Eleanor received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, in recognition of her extraordinary community service.

Mom and her family deeply appreciate the wonderful community and loving care provided by the staff at Longworth Retirement Home.

Family and friends are welcomed to visitation on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7. Interment in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Eleanor may do so with a donation to West Neighbourhood House, 248 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON M6J 3A2 or St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURDOCH, Norma Lynn…

May 25, 1952 – November 3, 2023

It is with broken hearts the family of Norma Lynn Murdoch share with you that after a three year battle with cancer she has crossed peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by close friends and family. Gert (as we fondly called her) had a long successful career at RBC which allowed her to live in multiple places including Vancouver, Oakville, London and Trinidad. She loved every moment of it and made some special friends along the way and always treasured those relationships. She had two great passions, one of course was to travel the world. Places like South Africa, Scotland, China, Hawaii and of course the Caribbean. She loved to travel and certainly lived life to the fullest. Her second passion was her love of animals – especially those in need of rescuing. She volunteered for a rescue in London and was always driving somewhere when an animal needed to be transported to a safe place. For years she sponsored an elephant (Olorien) in Kenya. She had many cats and dogs over the years, but the true love of her life was her mischievous dog she rescued, Luka. We are certain she is busy gathering up all her animals who are waiting for her at the bridge so she can lead them across. She will be dearly missed by her sister Dell Walker (Wayne), nephew Michael Walker, niece Michelle Van Osch (Brendon), and grand-nephews Macsen, Coleson and Logan. She will also be missed by her Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and her childhood friends “The Park Girls”, Darlene, Jackie and Verna. A big thankyou to her Special Chat Group, Darlene, Linda, Laura and Lindsay who have been there for her throughout her final journey. Predeceased by her parents John F. Murdoch and Norma A. Murdoch. Special thanks to Dr. K. Hahn and her team at the LRCP as well as Dr. K. Onunkwo.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or visitation. Donations to All Breed Canine Rescue (ABCR), 229 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3C2, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA (SWT), 101-25283 Cabot Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

We love you, we miss you, you will always be in our hearts.

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

BAKER, David L.

David Baker passed quietly at the Age Care Long Term Home in his 78th year on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Survived by his son Barry Neatby, and three grandchildren Jayden, Keyana and Cohen, and his sister Wendy Magrath and her husband Doug and nieces Marissa, Allyson, and Azra, and his brother Murray Baker and his wife Maria Isabel and niece Alexa, and step-mother Loreen Baker.

David loved his dogs and always had a four-legged companion to accompany him on his walks around the neighbourhood. Dave was a great sports enthusiast, friends often dropped by to watch his beloved Bears, Rangers or Red Sox’s teams on TV with him, or play a game of darts or backyard baseball. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading, watching old movies with his beverage of choice and his creative ability was shown in his poetry. His dry humour and friendliness will be missed.

Friends and family are welcomed for visitation one hour prior (12-1pm) to the funeral service that will be conducted in the chapel at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 1 pm on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory can be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex or the London Food Bank. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Joanne…

Peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Victoria Hospital, London, Joanne  passed away in her 76th year. Beloved wife of the late Paul Smith (2010). Loving mother of Anastasia (Ken) Coffin and Michael Smith. Cherished grandma of Weston, Callum and Everleigh.
Dear sister of Catherine Dobec. Predeceased by her siblings Robert Fisher and Mary Zelinski.  Joanne will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.  Joanne’s grandchildren were her greatest treasures and brought her much happiness and joy.  In her retirement she kept active and social with golf, bowling and having lunch with the ladies. A private service has been held with immediate family. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Joanne may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HONSELAAR, Cornelius “Neil” …

The Lord in his mercy released Neil from his suffering and took him home on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 in his 77th year. Beloved husband and best friend of 47 years to Hilda Honselaar. Dear father of Terry Posthumus, Debbie DeVries, Kevin Posthumus, Chris Honselaar and their spouses. Loving and devoted Grandpa of 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Survived by his brother Renny Honselaar. Predeceased by his sister Ada Faasse and brother Jack Honselaar.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 1:30 pm at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Road East, London, ON N6M 1C6. In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s memory can be directed to Summerside Community Church. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
 

GRADWELL, Margaret Rose…

Margaret Gradwell passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Westmount Gardens, in London, Ontario, the morning of October 28, 2023 in her 96th year. Margaret will be missed by her husband of 75 years, Frederick. Beloved mother of Linda (Ray), cherished grandmother of Lisa (Bill), Krista (Will), and David (Sarah), great-grandmother of Victoria (Michael), Kailey, and Ryan, great-great-grandmother of Maya. She now joins her mom, dad, siblings, and many friends who await her in heaven.

Margaret was warm, loving, and thoughtful. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor and endured her family’s jokes with a smirk and well-timed retort of her own.  She lived a life of faith and compassion and her impact extended well beyond her family.

Margaret was a social butterfly and a friend to all. She was an active member of Westview Baptist Church where she ran the 55+ social group for many years. She always made time for others, and you could count on a call from her on your birthday, special occasion, or if you were ever in need. She loved music and singing, and she sang for years in choirs, productions, or just to brighten a moment with others.

Margaret shared an incredible 75-year marriage with her devoted husband Frederick, who will miss her dearly. Their relationship was a testament to their faith, character, and commitment to family; it inspired all who knew them.

It is impossible to convey how special Margaret was to us and she will be missed immeasurably.  She is survived by many loved ones in the Gradwell, Larocque, Stanley, Lalonde, Beesley, Catchpole, and Bradbury families; and her legacy lives on in those she inspired with her love, generosity, humor, and steadfast support.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Margaret Hand for her years of support, and all the staff at Westmount Gardens for their compassionate care of Margaret and their continued support of Frederick.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Margaret may be made to Westview Baptist Church 1000 Wonderland Road South, London, or St. Joseph’s Hospice 485 Windermere Road, London, or CNIB 171 Queens Avenue Suite 101, London. Family and guests are invited to a service in Margaret’s honour on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

For those unable to attend, you are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of your home, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo

JOSEPH, Elizabeth “Betty”…

Betty Joseph passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, the 28th of October, 2023 in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late William Baumbach (1989) and the late Leo Joseph (2014). Betty will be missed by her children Dorothy Collins, Cathy Alexiou (Bill), Sharon Von Wistinghausen (Kevin Sauer) and Bill Ross (Marguerite). Cherished grandmother of Vicky (Allan), Ann Marie (Jeff), Johnny, Ken (Paula), Leigh Ann (Matt), Gage (Emilee), Sara (Adam), Rachel and Robert. Betty will also be greatly missed by her many great and great-great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her mother, four sisters and their spouses, and great-great-granddaughter Lauren.

Betty was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 28 years. She served on the Lambeth & Victory Legion Colour Party, Sick & Visiting and Veteran’s Service Officer. Betty was also a proud recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm as well as on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 10-11 am. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 300-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7, or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUNKING, Maxine…

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Maxine Hunking passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023 in her 91st year. Maxine was predeceased by her parents Albert and Ruby (nee Manning) Hunking, her beloved twin sister Delphine Dewar, and her brothers Edmund, Joseph and Ray Hunking. Dear sister-in-law of Patricia, Janet and Metta. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Maxine was a very intelligent and fascinating person. She always spoke her mind, even when it was a little harsh for someone to hear. She was a stubborn person, but knew what she wanted. Her long-time profession was spent with Cuso International, which meant working in Africa and India for most of her career. She adored animals, especially cats, but always dreamt of having her own dog. She liked watching hockey and baseball – supporting her Toronto teams. In the summer she enjoyed lawn bowling, and in the winter, darts. In her later years she took pleasure in the occasional drink and spending time at the casino… but rarely winning.

A graveside service for Maxine will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 12 pm, at Hope Chapel Cemetery, 39226 Hullett McKillop Road, Auburn. In memory of Maxine, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHEESMAN, Theresa…

Theresa passed away quietly and peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, October 23, 2023 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Maurice Cheesman (1999). Adored mother of the late Daniel Cheesman (2021) and the late Rose, Garry Cheesman and his partner Rebecca, Dale Cheesman, Frank Cheesman and his wife Elaina, Sharon Millar and her partner Dennis Rosso, Shelly Cheesman and Sandy Benoit and her husband James. Also loved by her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her brothers Bill, Harvey, Jim, Milton, Frank and Hop and her sisters Lavina and Pauline.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

In memory of Theresa, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com