Services & Obituaries

FRANCOIS, Althia “Vilma”….

Vilma passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in her 78th year.  Friends and family are invited to visitation on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Road East (one block east of Highbury Ave), London on Monday, May 29th, 2023 at 1:00 pm. To view the livestream of the service, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/zjOEreVj9fM?feature=share Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Vilma may be made to Educate The Children. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

POULTON (Raine), Anna “Yvonne”…

Yvonne passed away peacefully in London, Ontario on May 19, 2023, in her 98th year. 

Yvonne will be greatly missed by her nephew Greg Middaugh (Brenda) of Hillsburgh, great niece Remily (Brent) of Burks Falls, her sister-in-law; Margaret Baker of Arizona and step-daughter Sandra Murphy of London.  She will be missed by her cherished extended family.

Yvonne will also be missed by her dear friend Anne Gustin who has been a tremendous blessing to both Yvonne and her family by always being there providing compassion and support. Special thanks to Karen who supported Anne while she supported us.  

Yvonne is predeceased by her husband Archie Poulton (2004) and first husband William “Arthur” Raine (1994).  Also predeceased by three sisters; June, Maxine and Vivian (2018).   

The family would like to thank the staff at Mount Hope Long Term Care and Chartwell Riverside, London for their caring and kindness in the last 3 years.

Yvonne was a long standing member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed many years singing in church choirs. Yvonne also looked forward to cards and coffee hour with her friends at Gartshore Apartments.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Yvonne may be made to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church or to Diabetes Canada.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario at 1:30 pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacMILLAN-SILVERMAN, Beryl…

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Edna Beryl MacMillan-Silverman, of London, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in her 91st year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Denis Silverman (Feb. 13, 2018) and her mother, Lilian May Holland and father Frank Holland. Also predeceased by sisters Joyce Croft and Brenda Holland, and brother Dennis and Roger Holland. Survived by her daughter Christine Flewin; sisters Nancy Carter and Lilian Gilbert; grandchildren Rachelle Hewitt (Cory) and Michelle Benjamin (Dave); great-grandchildren Justin Flewin, Crystal Hewitt, Chantal Hewitt, Brittany Benjamin and Tyler Benjamin. A video of Beryl in memory and celebration of her life will be posted on social media in the coming weeks. Celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Special thanks goes out to The Manor Village 4th floor for the excellent care of my mother including Dr. Malu. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Beryl is asked to consider the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

VAN DONGEN (nee Jacobs), Maria Jacoba Josephina …
March 25, 1930 – May 18, 2023

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Maria “Mary” Jacoba Josephina in her 94th year. Beloved Wife of the late Johannes Richardus (2014). Much loved Mother of Elly (Rob), Mary (Martin), Jo-Ann (Al), John (Debbie), and Sylvia. Adored Oma of Lena (Jeff), David (Meghen), Joe (Mallory), Jon (Melissa), Christine (Evan), and Savanna (Rakesh). Precious Great Oma of Sophie, Ellie, Alivia, Emilee, Jakob, Lucas, and Nicholas. Predeceased by her parents Cornelis and Hendrika Maria, and brothers and sisters, Cornelia (Gerard), Cees (Nel), Wim (Jans), Harrie (Thea), Nelly (Harrie), Jan, and Jacoba. Fondly remembered by her many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Mary was born in Zeeland (N. Br.) Netherlands, where she married Joe (1954) and immigrated to London, Ontario, Canada (1960) with 3 children and welcomed 2 more children in London. Mary lived each and every day as a very proud and very loving Mom, Oma, and Great Oma. She also loved and cherished time spent with friends.

Thank you to the staff and residents for the wonderful years Mary had at Ashwood Manor. Mary’s family is very grateful for the loving support and care she received from staff in the ER, Medicine and Palliative Care Units at Victoria Hospital. A very special thank you to the Family, Nurses, Granddaughter Lena and Grandson Jon.

Mary will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

“Oma and Opa are from the land of the Dutch
And to the Family mean so much.”

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10 am. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mary please consider the London Children’s Health Foundation, 345 Westminster Avenue, London, ON N6C 4V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MIRANDA, Lilian…

With her family by her side, Lilian Miranda passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Victoria Hospital, London at the age of 68.

Loving mom of Heidy Miranda and her spouse Chris Lamond and Conrado Miranda and his spouse Kristin Gunn. Adored Abuela of Audrey and Lilian. Dear sister of Margoth, Estela, Juan, Jorge, Tita and Alicia. Predeceased by her son, Jose Conrado Miranda, her parents Lisandro and Juana, as well as two of her brothers Neto and Douglas. Lilian will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Lilian was a kind, generous and joyful woman. She enjoyed spending time in nature, whether it was in the backyard with flowers, or exploring Port Stanley beach with her pistachio ice cream in hand. She cherished her family and was a devout Jehovah Witness. She loved cooking traditional Salvadoran meals, especially with her eldest granddaughter as she got older.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 5-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 86 Base Line Road West, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCLEISH, Thomasina “Tina”…

BEREGI, Charles …
Peacefully at University Hospital, with family at his side, Charles was reunited with his late wife Eva (2015) on May 14, 2023, in his 92nd year.

Charles is predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Beregi (1997). He was the stepfather of Eva’s three children, John, Danny and Margaret, and grandfather and great grandfather of many.

Charles came to Canada in 1957 from Hungary. He was president of the Hungarian Club and proudly represented the Hungarian community his whole life. His interest included sports but especially soccer. He was a wonderful cook and he provided meals for many weddings and events.
Charles retired from Nestles Ice Cream plant in 1996, where he worked as a millwright. He will be remembered as a very generous man who made sure he helped those in need by delivering goods such as fruits and vegetables, ice cream and candy.

Adhering to his wishes there will be a private graveside service as he is laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery, London. Charles was a quiet man who wouldn’t wish for much attention but would appreciate to be remembered through sharing generosity and kindness to others in your life. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RODEN, Keith…

Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, Keith Roden quietly passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023 in his 87th year.

Beloved husband of Moira Roden for nearly 63 years. Cherished father of Rebecca Roden and Josh Roden and his wife Diana, all of London. Loving Ola and best breakfast date of Taylor Roden. Dear brother of Arthur Roden and Dorothy Roden, both of London. Predeceased by his sister Lenore Keat and his brother Bob Slade.

Keith served as District Fire Chief in London and served 5 years in the RCN and 27 years in the RCNR. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and Mason.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Masonic Service under the Auspices of Centennial Lodge No. 684 A.F. & A.M. will be held at 6:30 pm. In Keith’s memory, sympathy donations may be made to the London Scottish Rite Learning Centre, 453 Dufferin Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Z7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WHITFIELD, Alan…

Alan George Arthur Whitfield passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, the morning of May 11th, 2023 in his 100th year. Alan will be missed by his children, Catherine of Toronto and Dennis (Wendy) of Ottawa. Loving brother of Dora Gover of Thorndale. Alan will also be missed by his many other relatives. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Winifred, after nearly 62 years of marriage. Also predeceased by his son, Murray.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Southbridge London for their exceptional care of Alan over the last year. Many thanks to Dr. Wicket at Victoria Family Medical Centre for taking care of Alan for 50+ years. Lastly, a special thank you goes out to Cindy Williams for being there for Alan always.

Alan was gifted a lifetime membership in the London Horticultural society for his many years of participation, was treasurer of the Canadian Rose Society for many years, and one of the founding members of The Wm. Saunders Rose Society. He also played golf and curled.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service in memory of Alan at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London, on Friday, May 19th at 1:30 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Alan may be made to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KNOWLES, Jean Winnifred (nee MacKenzie)…

Jean Knowles passed peacefully at Grand Wood Park Retirement residence, London, Ontario on Sunday May 7, 2023 in her 95th year with family by her side.

Pre-deceased by her husband Fred Knowles (2019) after nearly 66 years of marriage. Mother of David (Kim) and Dennis (Karen). Beloved Grandmother of Matthew (Andrea), Emily (Matthew), Robert and Christine. Proud Great Grandmother of Abbie, Aubrey, and Logan. Youngest of a family of 6 children and pre-deceased by her 5 siblings Beatrice, Harold, Ruth, Donald, June.

While employed full-time, Jean still found time for her many passions in life. She was very involved at Calvary United Church where she and Fred were devoted members with Jean supporting the UCW and both attending Couples Club.

She was incredibly talented and enjoyed working with her hands. Jean was an excellent and accomplished seamstress, she could make anything from small items, such as gloves and doll clothes, to large items, including clothes and coats. She even made dance clothes for her grand daughter. Several part-time courses allowed her to create various pieces of artwork using different mediums. She also knit and crocheted. When it came to the kitchen, Jean was an excellent cook as were all her sisters. She had several signature dishes including potato salad, baked beans, Dutch apple pie, lemon meringue pie, and the greatest Black Forest Cake.

Jean was all about her family and enjoyed creating special dishes and home-made keepsakes for them. Family reunions for the MacKenzie family were epic with 50 or more family members in attendance. She will be greatly missed by many including family and life acquaintances.

Thanks to the staff at Grand Wood Park Retirement Home which have provided a wonderful environment for Jean’s past 3 years. Also, thanks to Home & Community Care palliative care staff.

A Celebration of Life or Funeral will take place at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Rd, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com