Services & Obituaries

FORD, Virginia Anne

April 2, 1931 – February 3, 2022

Virginia Anne Ford passed away peacefully at home with her beloved family by her side on Thursday, February 3, 2022, after a short illness. Predeceased in 2013 by her lifelong best friend, soulmate and loving husband Robert Lyle (Bob) Ford, with whom she shared more than 58 years of marriage. Dear Mom to Craig (Debbie) of Oakville, Scott (Maurice Poon) of Toronto, Mike (Sherri) of Edmonton and Dave (Karn) Ford of Haymarket, VA. “Mom – you are the best example of a mother that anyone could ever hope for – a strong, independent role model and a loving and constant presence in our lives. You have always been an inspiration to us – your love, support and guidance will be sorely missed. We love you very much.”

Loving Nana to Rhiannon, Haeden, Madison, Aslyn, Chanel and Jordan. “Nana, we love you and will miss you.” Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virginia was a lifelong London resident, raised by loving parents Vic and Adele Scott who nurtured and encouraged her, and instilled values of love and constancy. Virginia was the apple of their eyes. Ginny, as she was known to her friends, graduated from Tecumseh Public School and London South Secondary School where she was active in many sports. Virginia graduated from Westervelt Business School and worked as an executive assistant at Supertest for several years until leaving to raise her family.

Virginia was accomplished at many things, from sports to hobbies and bridge. She was an avid golfer and curler at Highland Country Club where she was runner-up Ladies Club Champion and celebrated a hole-in-one. Virginia skipped her own curling teams and played on the ladies’ team that finished second in the Southwestern Ontario Finals in 1969. She loved fishing, both around the lakes at the cottage and on the South River near Sundridge. She also was very artistic, studying piano, making clothes, learning flower arranging, cake decorating, tole painting and rug making. She also authored her own cookbook. She single-handedly created a range of family heirlooms.

Virginia was a proud and dedicated lifetime member of Wesley-Knox United Church, where she married her high school sweetheart, Bob, in 1954. Christian faith was a central element of Virginia’s and Bob’s lives – she was comforted by her faith. Virginia was active in church, serving faithfully and diligently on various church committees. She, along with Bob, were especially known for helping organize the annual turkey dinners at Wesley-Knox – which have become a tradition that continues to this day. Singing with her sweetheart in the church choir was a true love of Virginia’s and she was an active member of the choir until her passing. Virginia and Bob were adult leaders of the church’s Youth Group, building it into a vibrant organization that had important and long-lasting impacts on the lives of many young people, their sons included. The youth group canoe trips, car rallies and winter weekends were special highlights of their time as leaders.

Virginia’s “happy place” was the family cottage, originally purchased in 1961 with Bob’s brother Dick and his wife Isabelle. She and Bob spent many, many happy times together there with family and dear friends like the Hearn’s and the Young’s. As a testament to her independence and good health throughout her remarkable life, she continued to drive five hours from London to the cottage and back by herself right up until Thanksgiving 2021. The cottage has always been a family touchstone and there were countless, joyous times fishing, canoeing, swimming, waterskiing, sitting around the campfire and cross-country skiing. Together, Virginia and Bob instilled a deep love of the outdoors and cottage life in their four sons and grandchildren – these will stand as everlasting testaments to Virginia’s life.

The family is eternally grateful for the incredible carers at Nurse Next Door, especially Tammy, Katrina, Ashlyn, Kaitlyn and Sherrie – you have become extended family and we couldn’t have asked for better care for Mom.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, February 7 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON N6C 3X1. A funeral service celebrating Virginia’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 1:30 PM at Wesley-
Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.Those who are attending the service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Virginia’s memory to Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7, or Brain Cancer Canada, PO Box 30007 RPO Woodbine Heights, Toronto, ON M4C 5J2.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ADAIR, Kathleen (nee Holmes)….

 Peacefully at Chelsey Park Retirement Home, London on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Kathleen Adair passed away in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Lloyd George Adair. Beloved mother of Robin Lloyd Adair of Windsor and Christopher Alan Adair of London. Predeceased by her sister Dorothy Baxter. Survived by her nieces Judi Mudge of Grand Bend and Susan Baugh of Florida.  Also survived by her nephews David Mudge, Dan Mudge and Bill Adair and sister-in-law Helen (Adair) Mudge. Kathleen was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario. She retired from U.W.O. after many years of working as a secretary at the School of Law. She loved gardening and had a passion for Ballroom Dance. If there was only one word that comes to mind when people think about her it would be, she was a ” Fashionista”.  Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Kathleen may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON N6H 2B6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FAVALORO, Mildred Grace “Millie” …

Passed away peacefully at Arbor Trace Alzheimer Special Care Centre, London, on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in her 105th year. Beloved wife of the late Armond Favaloro (2001). Loving Mother of Marilynne Van Buskirk & her husband T. David of London, and Susan Kneeshaw of London. Also loved by her grandchildren Wendy (Ian) Newman, Chris & Paul Van Buskirk, Jeffery (Sarah) & Matthew Kneeshaw, and her great-grandchildren Peri, Calvin and Alex. She will also be dearly missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Predeceased by her siblings Geraldine Hayes and Harold Sleith. A very special thanks to all the staff at Arbor Trace for their kindness and compassionate care. In her memory, donations may be made to Canadian Mental Health Association, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON, N6B 1Y6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Gorringe, Julie ………

Passed away peacefully at Henley Place, London, on Monday, January 24, 2022 in her 84^th year. Beloved wife of Albert “Bert” Frederick Gorringe for 60 years. Mother of Carrie Gorringe (Thurlow) and her husband Scott of Vancouver. Also loved by her granddaughter Miranda Thurlow. Survived by her brother-in-law George L. Gorringe of Stouffville and her nephew George Arthur Gorringe. Predeceased by her sisters Pamela Grover and Patricia Pascoe, brothers-in-law Charles Grover and Maurice Pascoe and her sister-in-law Iris Gorringe. Julie was born in England and moved to Canada as a young teen. She was an avid seamstress and enjoyed classic cars. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 10:00-11:00 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or service. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated for both visitation and the service. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RICE, Marion…
 
Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Marion Rice passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, her 102nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Rice (2012). Loving mother of John Rice (Barbara) of Manitoba, Annette Pole (Ken), Tom Rice (Gail) and Jane Kowalski (late Rom) all of London and Tim Rice (Cathy) of Glencoe. Loved grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her granddaughter Shahna Rice. Marion was the only child of Nellie and Leonard Greenaway.  Her life was centered around her family and beloved husband of 72 years.
 
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and pictures shared at www.amgfh.com

BUNGAY, Gloria…

Gloria Therese Bungay passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at University Hospital, London in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Gordon Kenneth Bungay (1987). Mother of Kenneth Bungay (Anya) of Whitby, Terri Dyrda (Peter) of Victoria, BC and the late Karyn Walters (Andrew). Grandmother of Andrea and David Bungay, Matthew Arsenault, and Nicholas, Trevor and Kara Walters. Gloria will also be missed by extended family and friends.

Gloria was a long time member of the Bob Hayward YMCA. For many years she was treasurer for Ladies Day Out. She enjoyed meeting once a week with Neighborhood Bible Study. This was a nondenominational group of neighborhood ladies who met to study bible; each taking turns hosting and leading the group.
 
Due to Covid Restrictions no service will be held. Cremation with interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200 Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 . Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, London, Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LANFRANCONI, CLAUDE P…

1942 – 2022

Claude was born in 1942 in Leatherhead, London, UK and he emigrated with his family to Canada in 1951. He lived in Montreal for his younger years and attributed his love of learning to the education he received from the Jesuits at Loyola, both in High School and College. Upon graduating with his B.Comm, he received the Hamilton Watch Award in Accounting, the Lieutenant Gouverneur du Quebec Medal and the McCarthy Scholarship Grant.

Claude went on to become a CA in Quebec and after several years of bankruptcy experience at McDonald Currie, he decided to pursue his MBA at McMaster. Inspired by several great professors & his love of a good discussion, Claude joined the faculty at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. He was a good teacher and he discovered he loved being one. In order to pursue university level teaching as his career, he came to the University of Western Ontario and graduated with his PhD in Financial Accounting.

Claude went on to teach at the Richard Ivey School of Business for many years. He was awarded the Lawrence G. Tapp Award for Excellence in Teaching; he taught on many management programs from PEI to Vancouver Island, and he very much enjoyed being the director of the Western Executive Program for several years, influencing many business executives. Claude loved meeting new people and was so pleased to be part of the inaugural program at Ivey Hong Kong, where he taught the introductory classes in Accounting many times for the EMBA program. He inspired many students, not only from Hong Kong/China but from all over the world. The cases he wrote are being read and used around the globe. It made him smile to see his name in Chinese script on his business card. Claude served on many boards in his hometown of London, Ontario and was a valuable source of financial accounting support for many years for the Southwest CCAC.

Claude was a consummate teacher; he loved a good debate but the most important parts of his life were his love of family. Claude and Heather shared over 55 years of a happy marriage. Heather and Claude loved a road trip as much as a Business Class ticket to Beijing. They treasured times in Yarm, UK with their daughter Jessica and her family as much as driving 10 minutes to have a family swim in Tanya’s pool. He loved being surrounded by his ‘harem’, his two devoted daughters, Tanya (Jonathan) and Jessica, his three beautiful granddaughters, Maegan (Andrew), Katelyn (Nathaniel) and Tallulah. It was such a joy in his life to welcome his first great-grandchild, Henry Claude, a little boy and carrying his name. He was predeceased by his two brothers and is survived by his sister Pat (Charlie) of Toronto.

In his later years, Claude’s declining health challenged him in so many ways. Tongue cancer with aggressive treatment in 2005 and subsequently an 11 hour operation in 2017 which took away his swallowing and his ability to speak; such a loss for a teacher! He was able to remain at home for his final years with the caring support of Heather, his family and the team at Bayshore Health and an amazing medical team. Claude’s strength and tenacity and his will to live was incredible to all who knew him. He fought until the end and his tired body finally rested on January 22nd, 2022. We will miss his spirit; his strength; his love and mostly his presence, but we are comforted in the knowledge that he is at peace.

Cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate Claude’s life will be held when it is safer to do so. Please consider making a donation in Claude’s memory to 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

HAMMOND, Helen…

Peacefully with family at her side at Blue Water Rest Home, Zurich, Lenora “Helen” Hammond passed away at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Hammond (2008). Cherished mother of Bryan Hammond and his wife Debbie of Courtice, Gaye Hoy and her husband Bryan of Brucefield, and mother-in-law of David Broadhead and his wife Wendy of London. Dear sister of Norien Dalrymple of Windsor and Bruce Dix and his wife Beverley of Windsor, and special sister-in-law of Ruth Hammond of London, and Elaine Brown of Windsor. Also loved by her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her friends. Predeceased by her daughter Lois Broadhead, her brother Roy Dix, her sisters-in-law Ruth Hammond and Ivy Dix and her brothers-in-law Lyle and Harold Hammond and Ken Brown. A special thank you to Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich for their outstanding care and compassion while taking care of mom over the last few years. A private family interment was held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In memory of Helen, a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CROMARTY, Maxine

Peacefully at home surrounded by her family, Maxine Cromarty (McFalls) passed away on January 20, 2022. Loving wife to Donald Cromarty for 62 years. Devoted mother to Robert (Kathi), Catherine (Gordon) and Nancy (Andrew). Adoring Nana to Julia, Peter, Heather, Jay, Charlotte and Henry.

Maxine was born September 18,1934 in London, Ontario to Stanley and Mabel McFalls and was the much-adored sister of Robert McFalls (Isabel), Keith McFalls (Muriel) and Ida Hodgins (Clare). All pre-deceased. She will be remembered fondly by her many nieces, nephews, and members of Don’s family.

An avid athlete, Maxine was active in bowling, fastball, tennis, and golf. She was a member of TPC Prestancia in Sarasota, Florida and Sunningdale Golf Club in London. She enjoyed a life filled with wonderful times spent with her friends and family at home, Oakwood Park and Siesta Key. In particular, she loved the many family reunions at the cottage, corn roasts at the farm, and tennis and golf gatherings in Grand Bend and Florida. Maxine was a long-time member of the Eldon House Chapter of the I.O.D.E.

The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Bill McKeough for his exceptional care and kindness. A private family service will be held. A celebration of life will take place at the Cromarty Family Garden in Dorchester, Ontario later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. A. Millard George Funeral Home, (519 433 5184) entrusted with arrangements.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ISAAC, Merle……

Passed away peacefully at Henley Place on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Loving daughter of the late Sydney and Elaine Springer. Beloved wife of the late Adrian Isaac. Loving mother of Clinton Springer Sr of London. Dear grandmother of Clinton Springer Jr and his wife Devyn Springer, Rebecca Le Blanc. Great-grandmother of Clinton Springer (III) “Trey” and Tyus Springer. Dear sister of Glenda Forde of London. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters Arthur, Herman, Rolly, Althea and Cynthia and nephews Terrence and Michael. Also missed by nieces and nephews Clyde, Brian, Sharon, Charmaine, Tony, Dereck, Lisa and Hashim and by friends Dara, Lorraine, Cecilia, Ron, Rada, Anna, and Ada.

A private service was held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, (519 433 5184) on Friday, January 21, 2022. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com