Services & Obituaries

WONFOR, Margaret Eleanor (née Brown) – 1925 – 2022

The family of Margaret Wonfor announces with sadness her death on April 7, 2022 at University Hospital, London, ON. Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, The Rev. Herbert Wonfor. She will be lovingly remembered by her five children: Janet O’Brien (Kevin), Ruth Beggs, John (Siva Swaminathan), Katherine, and Alison Gibbs (Stephen), her grandchildren: Andrea and Jeffrey Beggs, Isaac and Rachel Gibbs, Gabriel O’Brien (Meaghan), Jeffrey O’Brien (Andrea) and Swetha Wonfor, and her great-grandchildren: Addison and Parker O’Brien and Audrey O’Brien. She is also survived by her brother James Brown and predeceased by her brother-in-law John Wonfor and sisters-in-law Eunice Brown and Pat Wonfor.

Margaret was born in Tiverton, ON, the daughter of the late James Ray Gordon Brown and Janet Lee Begg.  She taught elementary school in Southampton and Toronto before attending the United Church Training School to follow her calling to ministry.  She was designated a deaconess and commissioned a missionary in 1954, serving in Lethbridge and Pincher Creek, Alberta.   After her marriage, her ministry continued through outreach and volunteer leadership service to her church, in Ottawa; Hudson, QC; Clinton, Maidstone, Windsor and Durham, ON.  Of equal importance to her faith was her family.  She was a devoted mother, supporting her children in all their endeavours. Upon retirement in 1990, Margaret and Herb moved to London.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of The Manor Village for care and kindness during the past two years.

A family gathering and interment will be held at the Tiverton Cemetery in the summer.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Mission and Service Fund, The United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 (https://united-church.ca/donate).

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

HARTLE, Jane…

Our Lovely Jane

“Be curious, not judgemental.”  We did not know the Walt Whitman quote until Ted Lasso, which we so enjoyed watching together, but that phrase epitomizes Jane’s approach to life.  As a little girl, her mother would tell her that she asked too many questions.  Jane continued to ask questions throughout her life, which was recognized several times by the doctors at the London Health Sciences Centre, where she spent her final days.

She was never more curious than when it came to people.  Combined with lack of judgement, it made her so easy to spend time with.  Jane listened carefully and always received answers to her questions with interest, genuine concern and empathy.  Those who knew her loved her for it.  Curiosity also led Jane to pursue an eclectic list of accomplishments.  She became well-known as a “foodie” among her family and friends, preparing elaborate and beautiful meals from cultures all around the world.  She was a wonderful gardener (plants also loved her), photographer, painter and rug hooker.  She had a strong sense of colour that guided her in all of these endeavours.  She took an active interest in interior design, which was a natural extension of her work as a visual display artist in retail.  Jane had the soul of an artist.  She never wanted anything to be less than the best she could make it.

Jane skied all her life from the age of three, and was a controlled and elegant skier.  As a young woman, she spent a winter in Banff as a “ski-bum.”  She was also a competent cross-country skier.  She loved to swim, (“I’m a swimmer,” she would say), especially in the North Channel when we cruised there by sailboat and in Lake Huron in front of our home, “The Anchorage.”  She biked, she hiked, she walked, she kayaked and she loved to do yoga.

However, Jane’s greatest passion was her family.  She met me, Rob, when she had just turned 20 and ours was a love story from the first moment we met.  She was simply the best wife, friend, partner, confidant, lover and believer.  Jane grew from a beautiful and stylish young woman into a classy lady and I was so proud of her.  She was a loving, nurturing mother to our children, Matt and Jocelyn.  Jane was also a daughter to Margaret and Joe; a sister to Tom (and Sioux); and an aunt to Winston, Luke, Ivan, Hannah and Ryley.

When Matt left us, almost ten years ago, it was a crushing blow, but Jane was able to reinvent herself in the community of Lion’s Head, making new friends and pursuing new interests.  The world would do well to have more Janes.  Curiosity and kindness are her legacy.

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

HOAKEN, Peter….

Passed away suddenly, on April 5th, 2022, at his home in London, in his 51^st year of life. Peter is survived by his son, Spencer, daughter, Ella, and their mother Jennifer Crotogino, his mother Ellen and two sisters Susan Bergeron (Jeff), Nancy Trivett (Allan), and sister-in-law Lisa Hoaken.  Predeceased by his father Paul (2011) and brother Eric (2019).  He leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews.  Peter was grateful for his very close friends who were an important part of his life.  Thanks to Colleen for bringing happiness to Pete in his last few months. 

Peter grew up in Kingston studying at Queens University, and then obtained his doctorate at McGill University. Peter then moved to London, where he became a professor of Psychology at Western University. Peter was passionate about science, books, the great outdoors, and the appropriate use of adverbs. His biggest source of joy was his children, whom he took great pride in.

Cremation has taken place; a celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date. In memory of Peter, donations can be made to London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, Ontario N5Z 3M5, or Canadian Mental Health Association, 522 Peel Street, Woodstock, Ontario, N4S 1K3 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAGGITT, Gary…

Passed away peacefully at his residence with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in his 67^th year.

Loving partner of Tracy Smith. Proud father of Troy Haggitt and Lynnai (Dan) Wetering. Loving grandfather to Tristen and Wesley. Proud brother to Dave Haggitt. Uncle to Courtney and Amanda Haggitt.  Predeceased by his father Donald, survived by his mother Evelyn. Gary will be sadly missed by Craig, Dana, and Kelsey Morris and their children.

Gary was a valued employee for 50 years for Anderson Van and Storage which was bought by Tippet Richardson and then changed names to Sheffield.

Gary enjoyed fishing, playing pool and NASCAR.  He was a valued member of Moose Lodge 1205.

Special thank you to Mikalene Thompson for her hard work and assistance throughout this tough time and being a good friend to Tracy.

Special thank you to Dr. Achtar, St Elizabeth, Paramed, nurses Smitha, Sarah and PSW’S Amy and Gulshat for the respect and care they gave to Gary.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary may be made to the Lung Association or Moose Lodge 1205.

O’Brien, June…

The O’ Brien-Paul family are very saddened to have lost their beloved mother/grandmother, June Josephine O’Brien, on Monday April 4th, 2022, in her 81st year.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, June emigrated to Canada on July 1, 1967, where she resided in St. Thomas, Komoka and later, London, Ontario. She had a passion for education and obtained a teacher’s college degree from the University of Glasgow. After a career that extended over 30 years as an educator, the beloved schoolteacher retired to the acclaim and admiration of colleagues and students to discover life after teaching. June spent those years exploring Spain, Croatia, Ecuador, and France, all while reminding her family that learning never stops, and to live life to its fullest. During her travels, you were just as likely to find June with a murder mystery as a camera in her hands. By the shade of her linden tree, amongst the butterflies and the bees, she would often tend to the most beautiful multicolored garden. Her later projects included calligraphy and playing board games with her friends at the park on warm summer afternoons. Granny June, as her grandchildren liked to refer to her teasingly, was always there to lend a helping hand. Whether traveling to Ottawa or Toronto to visit them, she was an admirable example of independence, strength and resilience. During her career, she loved using music to engage her students and in retirement, she could also be found humming and singing to herself around the house, which she said helped her to concentrate. ABBA’s Greatest Hits was one of her favorite records to dance to and eventually became a family favorite at parties. June will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Her charm, kindness, grace, and great sense of humor lives on, and will be passed down as part of her legacy as important values for success in life.

She is survived by her three children, Mark, Paul, and Kerry, and her daughter-in-law Flor Maria; her grandchildren,Taty, Chris, Sioban, Daphne, Austin, Katelyn,  Isaac, Gaby, Liam, Max and Charlie; her grandchildren-in-law, Gabriel, Richie, Connor, and Paige; and her great-grandchild, Nash. As one of her favorite singers, Vera Lynn, sang: “We’ll meet again, don’t know how, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”   We love you Granny June forever and always.  xoxo

Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 12-2PM, with a service to follow. In memory of June, donations can be made to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London, ON Canada N6B 1K8 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JEWERS, Beverly….

 Beverly Jane Jewers, 81, London, Ontario, died peacefully at home after a brief illness.  She was born to the late Marshall Morris and Rosella Margaret Hyatt on July 28th, 1940, in Leamington, Ontario.  She graduated from Leamington District High School and studied at Windsor and Sheridan Colleges. She is predeceased by her husband Leigh Huntley Jewers and survived by her siblings, Neil (Julia), Linda (Bill predeceased) and Judy(Noel), her children David (Sue), Terry, Linda (Sandy) and Blair, grandchildren Luke (Natasha), Emily (Jordan), Lily (Vic), Kayden (Alisha), Daniel and Jane and great grandchildren Lily, Levi and Eva.

Bev was an energetic, fun-loving person and loved going out to dinner and the movies, playing cards, shopping and travelling, especially cruises.  She was a big help in caring for her mother-in-law. 

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Bon voyage Mom, we love you.

Ayearst, Michael Curtis…….

Passed away suddenly at his residence on Saturday, April 2, 2022 in his 61st year. Dear father of Bette and her husband Daniel and Grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren.
Cherished son of Barbara and Richard Ayearst.   Loving brother of Mark and Nanci. Uncle of Nolan and Jed. Michael was an avid Maple Leafs hockey fan and enjoyed going to thrift stores and finding antiques.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. Interment in St. Thomas Cemetery, St. Thomas at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Michael may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 534 Queens Avenue, London ON, N6B 1Y6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HALPIN, Diane…

On the morning of Friday, March 25, 2022, at University Hospital, London, Diane Halpin passed away in her 70th year. Diane was a woman of many gifts: oral storyteller, teacher, jewellery maker, writer, origami artist, dancer, and gourmet cook. Beloved wife of John Tyndall for 36 years. Loving mother of Arthur Tyndall. Dear sister of brothers Gerard (Alma Fourie), David (Sherri), Mark, Christopher (Norman Althouse), and Michael (Alison Jardine). Loved sister-in-law of Kristen Tyndall. Treasured niece to aunts Sister Olive Halpin and Jeannette Marchildon. Cherished by many cousins, nephews, a niece, and good friends throughout Canada. Predeceased by her parents, Alfred Halpin and Gina (nee Stromme), and by her uncles Archbishop Charles Halpin and Patrick Halpin. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Diane’s life will be held at The Wemple Building, RoomW120 (at King’s University College) 266 Epworth Avenue, London, ON N6A 2M3 on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 3-6pm. In memory of Diane, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M2P 2A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WAKELING, Shirley…

Peacefully at Extendicare London, on Friday, March 25, 2022, Shirley Wakeling passed away in her 89th year. Beloved wife of Harry Wakeling for 71 years. Loving mother of Arlene Martin (Tim) and Wayne Wakeling (Debbie). Cherished grandma to her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and dear daughter-in-law Verna Brandow. Predeceased by her infant daughter Carol Ann Wakeling, her daughter Christine “Lea” Tinney, her son Fred Wakeling and her sister Patricia Boyd. The family would like to thank the staff for the care provided to Shirley. The love and kindness were outstanding. Family and friends are welcome for visiting on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 1-2pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held in the chapel at 2pm. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. The family have requested that everyone attending the visitation and service to please wear a mask. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made towards Breast Cancer Research through the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ENWRIGHT, Mabel…..

Passed away peacefully at peopleCare Oakcrossing on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late George.  Loving mother of  Paul and Peter. Dear grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Survied by her brother Donny. Predecased by her sons John and Tim.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 2-4pm  at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London at a later date.   Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com