Services & Obituaries

HOFFMAN, Keith…

Keith Hoffman passed away peacefully, on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in his 95th year in London. Keith was born in Kitchener, ON and was the only son of Gordon John Hoffman and Lily (Eizerman) Hoffman.

He grew up in Kitchener and began his career early as a lineman and equipment installer with the Bell Telephone company travelling to various towns and rural areas in southern Ontario. It was in Kitchener he met his future wife, Laurie Isobel (nee Porteus). They were married there in 1954 and settled down to raise three daughters.

He learned to ski as a boy from a young Austrian immigrant who boarded with his parents for a short time after the war. Taking a tram from the house he and a friend would march across farm fields with their skis to the local ski club and spend the day on the slopes. He later helped to expand the runs at that hill and spent time volunteering with the ski patrol. He passed this love of skiing on to his family. Family vacations involved camping including one long trip across Canada and many weekends spent in various parks across Newfoundland.

He was a Mister Fix it, handy with most anything that needed building or repairing. He valued community service. As a young fellow he was a Scout leader and passed on many practical skills to his kids. He sang in the choir and volunteered his technical skills to help with the Wesley United Church radio station. He was a member of the local Kiwanis club and helped out with many projects, including the Kiwanis Music Festival and manning the booth at the annual St John’s Regatta. After retiring and returning to Kitchener he and his best friend from childhood became involved in the charitable organization Habitat for Humanity – his organizational skills and knowledge helped build homes for families.

Keith loved his time living and working in Newfoundland for the Telephone company. They lived there for twelve years until moving to Ottawa to work for Telecom Canada. This was a highlight of his career, representing Canada in International Telecommunications Standards in Geneva, Switzerland and attending conferences in other countries. Isobel often travelled with him and they loved this opportunity to see new countries and meet people from everywhere.

Keith is survived by his three daughters: Laurie (David Dempster) St. John’s, NL, Merrilee (Evan Chase) of London, ON and Jennifer (Randy Thompson) of Rocky Harbour, NL. He is also survived by his beloved grand children Laurie (Johanna), Zoe (Michael), Benjamin (Niki) and Maren (Nick) and the precious great-grandchildren Robert, Isobel and Sylvia.

Keith was a loving father, husband and Grandpa/Poppa. His daughters are thankful to have had a wonderful father who encouraged and believed in them. He was curious, thoughtful, open minded and strong. He and Isobel taught by example, the lessons of kindness, empathy and generosity. He is missed.

Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Friday, July 4, 2025 from 10-10:45am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Memorial Service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am with live streaming available on the A. Millard George Funeral Home Youtube page. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to any one of the charities he supported; Habitat for Humanity, Plan Canada and local SPCAs.

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

LAI, Francesco “Frank”

Frank passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in London, Ontario. Born in Jerzu, Sardinia, Italy on February 5, 1927, Frank was the 5th of 7 children born to Vittorio Lai and Battistina Carta. He is predeceased by five of his siblings (Salvatore, Antonio, Luigi, Mario, and Maria) and by his daughter, Lucy. Frank came from a wine-making family, but apprenticed as a tailor under his brother Antonio. He moved to Siniscola, Sardinia to open up a tailor shop in the 1940s. There he met his future wife, Grazia (Grace) Deiana. Hearing stories of Canada from his father who worked here from coast to coast for fifteen years, Frank decided to take his chance and move to London, Ontario in 1950 where his uncle Francesco Carta had settled. Frank worked hard, bought a house, and proposed to Grace. Unable to go back to Sardinia for his own wedding (with Grace unable to go to Canada unless she was married), the marriage was done by proxy (his brother Salvatore stood in Frank’s place at the alter) on March 27, 1954 while Frank was in London celebrating with his friends. Grace arrived in Halifax on June 6. The two, who were inseparable, were happily married for 71 years. Our Dad was a loving, caring man who taught his children love, kindness, hard work, and integrity. He worked hard all of his life – he worked at Texmain Cleaners during the day and tailored at night until the wee hours of the morning running his tailor shop (Frank Lai’s Tailoring) which was at the front of our house on Hamilton Road. He was good at everything. He built his own garage, tended a massive flower and vegetable garden with Grace, and made homemade wine from grapes delivered from California, while working those very long hours daily. Frank loved mathematics. Though he was only able to attend school up to Grade 5 in Italy (education was free only to Grade 5), his love for math and its precision was projected through his tailoring as he made suits, dresses, pants, etc. for his clients. He loved the precision of tailoring and was always focused on the task in hand regardless of what was going on around him.

He is survived by his wife Grace, sons Vito (Rachel and Joshua), Francesco (Christina and Nicholas), sister Virginia, and countless nieces and nephews in Sardinia, throughout Italy, and in Canada. Though he is gone physically, our memories of him will keep him alive forever within our hearts and minds. We love you, Dad.

We would also like to thank the staff members on Marian Villa 3 for the care and support they gave Dad during his stay as well as their continuing care and support for Mom.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. A private funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

ROSS, Helen Jean…

1929-2025

It is with sadness that the family of Helen (nee Ferguson) Ross of London and formerly of Balderson, ON announces her passing on June 25, 2025, in her 97th year.

Helen was the loving wife of Rev. Doug Ross (November 6th, 2021), for over 66 years. They met on the bus, while traveling from Kingston to Perth in 1953, since they were both students at Queens University. Helen graduated from Queens in the spring of 1953 and began her career as a teacher. Kindergarten was Helen’s specialty, and she taught in Ottawa, Perth, Clarkson, Portsmouth, Schefferville and London.

Helen was a kind and reflective mother to Jennifer Burnside and her husband Royce of Madoc, ON, Mary-Janet Ross and her husband Chris Watterton of London, ON, and Liz Phoenix and her husband Dave of Stoney Point, ON.

Nana, as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, will be greatly missed, but the many gentle and caring moments will live on with Jessie and Adam Read, Dillon and Jack Phoenix, and Brennyn and Avyn Watterton. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Abby and George Ferguson, brothers-in-law Glenn Ross and Wayne Demille. Helen will be affectionately remembered by her sister-in-law, Betty Demille and nephews and nieces, as well as the congregational members of churches she and Doug were called to during his 65 years as an ordained United Church Minister.

In 1959, Helen and Doug purchased property on Moira Lake and built the cottage soon after. The cottage was a big part of their lives as they raised their girls and grandchildren there. Helen always took peace from time looking at the lake from her various viewing spots and especially the setting sun each night.

Helen was a faithful member of Wesley-Knox United Church where she was a Life Member of the Official Board and the United Church Women. She spent many hours over her life at church doing God’s work. When Helen retired from teaching in 1987, she continued her connections with children and volunteered at the Child Life Centre at London Health Sciences Centre for 20 years. Our family would like to thank the dedicated staff at McCormick Home on Memory Lane for their care and compassion of Mom the last several years. Also, to Yvonne, a devoted caregiver who shared many happy times with Helen the last ten years.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, July 4, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Hopetown Cemetery, Hopetown. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen Ross may be made to the Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund or to the McCormick Care Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ABEL, Lily

Lily passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Bill Abel (2016). Loving and devoted mother to Guy, Brian, and Scott. Dear grandmother of Adam, Alex and Mary Margaret. Lily will be lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law Christine. Lily will also be missed by Jessica and Ash. Predeceased by her siblings; Harold and Earl Arthur, Beatrice Mayo, and Audrey Smith. Lily will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Chelsey Park Long Term Care for their tremendous care of Lily. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, June 27th from 10:00 – 10:45 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Cremation to follow with interment at a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PAWLOWSKI, Kryspina Bozena

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kryspina Bozena Pawlowski, who left us on June 22, 2025 at the age of 76 surrounded by close family. Kryspina was a woman of unwavering strength and quiet courage, she fought fiercely until her final breath which is testament to her remarkable resilience and her deep, enduring love for her children and those she held dear.
Kryspina lived her life with fierce devotion to her family. She loved her children Ewa, Michael (Janine), and Sara (Tom) with every fiber of her being. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to protect them, support them, and lift them up, even in her hardest moments. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her love was the kind that wrapped you up and made you feel safe.
Through every challenge life placed in her path, she stood tall, graceful, determined, and never gave up. Even in her most difficult days, she showed us what it means to be brave. Her ability to carry pain with grace and face the unknown with dignity left an indelible mark on everyone privileged to know her.

She was not defined by her illness, but by the way she lived: with humor, strength, and an open heart. She gave generously, loved fiercely, and quietly showed up for the people in her life with steadfast loyalty and compassion. Whether through her comforting hugs, a listening ear, or her signature sense of humor, Kryspina made sure you knew you were cared for.
Her legacy lives on not just in the love she gave, but in the strength, tenderness, and courage she passed on to her children. We learned from her how to persevere in the face of hardship, how to care deeply for others, and how to love without limits. Everything good we carry forward such our compassion, resilience, and quiet strength comes from her.
We are forever grateful for the time we had with her and the quiet power of her presence in our lives. Her story will continue through each of us.

A visitation will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Friday June 27, 2025 between 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 and 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Catholic Church, 419 Hill Street, London. Cremation has taken place. Reception to be held afterwards. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOWERS, Susan “Sue”…

Susan “Sue” Gowers passed away peacefully at LHSC-Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, June 23, 2025 in her 83rd year. Loving mother of Danny (Patty) of California, Michael (Sarah) of London and Dean. Nana of Shantelle, Nathan, Ronnie, Derek, Michael, Brandy, and Lucas. Survived by her brother-in-law Allen and her nephews Scott and Jamie. Predeceased by her son Ronald Chappell (2006) and her sister Beverly Mitchell (2016). She will also be deeply missed by her friends and extended family.

Sue will be remembered for her love of gardening and the special bond she shared with her pets. The family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful staff at LHSC-Victoria hospital in the critical unit for their care and compassion of Sue.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service or visitation. Private family interment to take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Sue may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLIAMS, Beverly Jeannette…

Beverly Jeannette Williams (nee Pullen) passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 in London, ON, in her 71st year. Dear sister of Laurie and Linda. Loving aunt of Jesse (Keith), Jennifer and Jaime. Cherished great-aunt of Liam and Kayla. Beverly is predeceased by her parents Shirley and Harry Pullen and her sister Elizabeth Pullen. She will also be missed by her extended family and friends.

Beverly loved to read in her spare time. Most of all, she cherished the time and memories she made with her grand-nephew Liam.
Cremation has taken place. Private family interment to take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RODEN, Moira…

Moira Roden passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, June 16, 2025 in her 85th year.

Loving mother to Beccy, Josh and his wife Diana, all of London. Cherished grandmother and museum buddy to Taylor. Beloved sister to John and his partner Sharon. Predeceased by her loving husband of nearly 63 years, Keith Roden.

Moira was a woman of joy and quick wit, with laughter as her favourite form of punctuation. Moira believed that a day was not a good day until she had laughed at least once which was a value passed down to her children and granddaughter.

She will forever be remembered as a woman who brought joy to those around her over tea and a sweet treat at her famous dining table.

The Roden family is endlessly grateful for the kindness shown by the Palliative Care Team at University Hospital over Moira’s final days. Their hard work and dedication to patient care during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In Moira’s memory, sympathy donations may be made to the London Scottish Rite Learning Centre, 468 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2T3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROSS, Peggy…

Suddenly but peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at her residence in London, Peggy passed away in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Robert James Ross (1986) and dear companion of the late Paddy Moore (2003). Loving mother of the late Stewart (2013) and the late Mary (2005) and mother-in-law to Roz and Wendy. Dear grandmother of Scott, Daniel (Kelly), Matt (Jenna), and Michael (Monica) and Trez who all loved her dearly . Adored great-grandmother of Bobby. Loving sister of Dinah and, Ishbel and Brother Alex. Dear aunt and great-aunt of Trudy, Deb (Mark), Fraser (Silvia), Joan (David), Ewan (Rebecca), Emma,Carol, Brian and Sandie . She will be remembered by the entire Moore family both near and far, friends and extended family members. She lived with a steadfast commitment to independence, guided always by her boundless love and compassion for life, family, and friends. Everyone who was in her life was better for having known her. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Peggy may be made to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ERICKSON, Deana

At Victoria Hospital, London on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, Deana passed away in her 88th year. She was the daughter of Albert Element and Daisy Thibeault. Beloved wife of the late Elmer Erickson. Dear mother of Stephen Erickson of London and the late Gail Erickson. Dear sister-in-law of both the late Glen Erickson and Terry Erickson, the late Anne Erickson ,the late Carl Erickson and his wife Monique Erickson. Predeceased by her siblings; Albert Element, Maisy Element Pellerin, Stanford Element, Cyril Element, Evangeline Element Rehel, Anita Element Beggs, Sydney Element and and her many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Friday, June 20 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com