Services & Obituaries

ALGER, Thomas

It is with deep sadness that the family of Tom Alger announces his passing at Victoria Hospital on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the age of 75. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 53 years, Mary Lou (McTaggart), and daughters Heather (David) and Pauline. Proud grandpa of Kate, Chloe and Dawson Moses, and Hailey and Rachel Mogan. Survived by his sister Doreen Sparks, sister-in-law Marilyn and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers John and Robert, and his parents Margaret and Clifford Alger.

Those who knew Tom know that he had a lifelong love for antique automobiles and restoring them. He proudly brought home his first antique vehicle – a 1928 Ford Model A pickup – when he was just a teenager and he owned it up until this past year. His vehicles were a source of pride for him and he was known for his meticulous work. He always looked forward to attending antique car meets in the United States – where he made many wonderful friends, talking to others that shared his passion, and heading out on the road for a drive with his family – always preferring the “scenic route” even if it took longer or got him lost. He also loved woodworking, visiting the beach, and spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren and granddogs.

Our family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of London Health Sciences Centre at both University Hospital and Victoria Hospital for the care and compassion that they provided over the past 22 years.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022, from 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Memorial Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 11 am. Private interment in Mayfair Cemetery, Melbourne.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the London Regional Cancer Program. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STEWART, Isabella….

Passed away peacefully in her 91st year at University Hospital, London on Friday June 10, 2022.

Beloved wife of the late James Stewart.  Dear sister of Edward Hughson of Edinburgh, Scotland. Loving Aunt Sheila  of Ross Mulhearon and his partner Steve Tait of Oshawa and  Sean Mulhearon and his wife Monica of London.  Loving great-aunt of Paityn, Ethan and Ewan Mulhearon. Predeceased by her sister Moira Mulhearon. Isabella will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

A film buff to the end, Isabella’s love of films started when she worked, along with her sister Moira, as an usher in film theatres in Edinburgh. Hearing stories of Isabella always watching the movies rather than working at the theatre always made us laugh. That was our Aunt Sheila. One of her favourite lines in films came from one of her favorite actresses, Bette Davis

“Don’t ask for the moon. We have the stars.” – Now, Voyager,  1942.

Isabella, with her kind and gentle heart, always gave to those in need. In memory of Isabella donations may be made to Unity Project in London, to help those with emergency shelter and stable housing or to Child Can in London to help families whose child has cancer.  Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BENTO, Americo…

Unexpectedly at home, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, Americo Bento passed away in his 81st year. Beloved husband of the late Dores (nee De Jesus) (1993). Loving father of Peter Bento (Chhanthi), Luis Bento (Nikki), and Debbie Longo (Jason). Cherished grandpa/vovo of Chris, Austin, Aliyah and Olivia. Dear brother of Natalia Bento (James DeMello). Predeceased by his siblings Briolanja Alves and Osvaldo Bento. Americo will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, many friends and neighbours and especially the Francisco family. Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Entombment in St. Peter’s Mausoleum, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KNOWLES, Donna…

Peacefully, on Monday, June 6, 2022, Donna May Knowles (nee Oliver) of London passed away with her loved ones by her side. Born in November 1946, in Quebec to Don and May Oliver; Donna was the gold standard wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

In August of 1968, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend Brian Michael Knowles. Together they would show the world the meaning of unconditional love both for each other and for their family. Donna’s greatest accomplishment was her three children; Lori Knowles, Kim (Stu) Shelton and Chris (Erin) Knowles whom she taught to be strong, independent, and full of love and compassion for others. Undeniably, she’s been the best Gramma to Hanna, Peyton, Evan, Spencer, Jocelyn, and Eden. There was no one she would not brag to about her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Brian, her children, and grandchildren, she will be dearly missed by her brother Ralph (Lynn) Oliver, her brother-in-law Steve (predeceased by his wife Barb), her niece, nephews, and their families. She will also be missed by her extended family and her incredible circle of friends. Donna is predeceased by her parents Don and May Oliver, her in-laws Jack and Margaret Knowles as well as her dear friend and sister-in-law Barbara Benford.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 10:00-10:45 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Donna’s life will follow at 11:00 am. 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. Future inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

Memorial donations can be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or The Brain Tumour Foundation, 203-205 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ERAMIAN, Dr. Gregory…

Gregory (Greg) Michael Eramian passed away peacefully after many years of several serious health problems on Friday, June 3, 2022 in London, Ontario in his 81st year.  Loving and devoted husband of the late Linda Grace Haskell Eramian for 42 years, without whom he always said that he could never have imagined his life and whose untimely death at age 64 in 2012 from an extremely rare cancer deeply affected him for the rest of his life.  Beloved son of the late Aram and Nuvart “Nellie” (nee Ogassian) Eramian.  Predeceased by his beloved sister Jeanette Eramian in 2014.  Loving father of Dr. Mark Eramian and his wife, Nicole of Saskatoon and Dr. Laura Eramian and her husband, Dr. Peter Mallory of Halifax.  Loving “Grandpa E” of Julia and Hannah Eramian of Saskatoon and Natalia Eramian-Mallory of Halifax.

Greg was born in 1942.  From early childhood, when his parents introduced him to the joys of the public library, Greg was a lifelong bibliophile and voracious reader.  Because of his Armenian heritage, he early on developed a strong interest in languages, linguistics, and other cultures. In 1969, while completing his Ph.D in Slavic Languages at Brown University, Greg began his career teaching Russian language, literature, and linguistics, and later Comparative Literature and Culture, at the University of Western Ontario.  He served as Chair of the former Department of Russian Studies (1977-84) and as Undergraduate Chair of the former Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (2000-05).  In June of 2004, Greg was granted Western’s highest teaching award, the Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching.  In 2006 Greg took early retirement from UWO after 37 years of service because of poor health and was granted the title of Professor Emeritus.

Family, friends, and colleagues will remember Greg’s lively sense of self-deprecating and ironic humor which often surprised people who first met him because of his otherwise serious demeanor.  Greg had a very wide range of interests and hobbies.  He was an avid philatelist and map aficionado.  He loved all kinds of music, from baroque and classical and Armenian sacred and folk music to 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, Hawaiian music, and Preservation Hall New Orleans jazz; a special favourite of his was the music of Scott Joplin.  He was a lifelong gardener, who in more recent years took special pride in his “pesto patch” (sweet basil and parsley garden).  Every fall he made and froze dozens of containers of pesto, to which he treated family and friends.  For over 45 years he was a prolific bread and muffin baker; he specialized in sourdough bread and took great delight in proselytizing among his friends by providing them with samples of sourdough starter.  His other specialties were lavash (Armenian “cracker bread”) and choreg (Armenian sweet egg buns), with which Mark and Laura enthusiastically assisted him when they were children growing up at home.  Family and friends will probably best remember Greg for his signature sourdough chocolate cake.  Greg loved the outdoors and travel; among his happiest times were long summer family car trips when the four Eramians would visit national parks and recreation areas in Canada and the U.S. and hike on trails amidst stunning natural beauty.

During his retirement Greg continued not only with his hobbies, but also with his academic pursuits, turning his attention to Armenian linguistics.  At the time of his death, Greg had just completed the compilation of a comprehensive, 80,000 entry (1,400 pp.) English-Western Armenian dictionary, a project he had dreamed of doing since his teen years.  This dictionary is intended as a pedagogical aid to students of Western Armenian.  The Eramian family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the many superb doctors, nurses, and other health professionals for their many years of dedicated, generous, and humane care of Greg from 2006 until his death.  Cremation has already taken place.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Memorial donations may be made to the I.V. Therapy Clinic of the London Health Sciences Centre (Victoria Campus) through the London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 6A7 or to the charity of one’s choice.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Helen…

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Helen Eileen Johnson (nee Walker) in her 91st year, passed away surrounded by family. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Johnson and mother of the late Pam Johnson. Survived by her daughter Janet (Scott), her grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Renee (Jeff), great-grandchildren Dominic and Natalie, her sisters Sheila, Gerrie, Carole and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by her son-in-law Dave and close family friends Anne, Declan (Phyllis) and Liz. Helen found great joy in her family, friends and spending time at the family’s cottage in Port Bruce.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Private inurnment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KIRK, Helen….

Helen Elaine Kirk (nee McGinnis) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2022 with her family at her side.

Helen was predeased by her parents, Anne and George, her loving husband Douglas, her beloved daughter Janice and her siblings Tom, Margaret, Jean, Marion, Mary, Joe and Bernadette.
Lovingly remembered by her children Lynda and Howard (Theresa).

The “G” was adored by her grandchildren Angela (Chris aka the big “C”), Natalie, Kirk, Ashley (Ian), Gabrielle, Emily (Cody) and Justine and her great-grandchildren Charlotte, Sam, Rylan and Shaylah.

Helen was a proud member of the Canadian Women’s Army Corp from 1943 to 1945.  Her favourite activities included travel, cooking, reading, gardening, crossword puzzles and dancing the night away at the Sergeant’s Mess.  Her most treasured time was spent with her family.

Helen’s unconditional love, witty sense of humour, intelligence and kindness will be cherished by all that were blessed to have her in their life.

Helen was the matriarch of our family and we will miss her loving guidance.

Following Helen’s wishes there will be a private internment service at St. Peter’s Mausoleum for immediate family members only.

Those wishing to make a donation in Helen’s memory are asked to consider The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.

We offer our deepest gratitude to Helen’s team of caregivers from the Dearness Home in London, ON.

Arrangements entrusted with A.Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.

BROWN, William “Bill”

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Monday, May 9, 2022, William “Bill” Harold Brown passed away surrounded by  family in his 95th year. Born in Collingwood in 1927 to the late Harold and Mildred Brown. Loving partner of Isabelle Webb. Dear brother of Aulda Jean Downie of Exeter and brother in law of Shirley Morgan of London. Predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Betty Marie Brown (nee Brown) (1969), and his second wife, Isabel Brown (nee Paul) (2012).

Beloved father of Robert Brown (Beth), Paul Brown, Marilouise Brown and Richard Brown. Cherished grandfather of Christopher, Jessica (Chris Pepper), Jonathan, and Rachel Orchard (Tyler). Great grandfather of James, Freyja, Kieran and Graham. A private family service was held on Friday, May 13, 2022. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation to the Run for Retina Fund for Ivey Eye Institute. With extreme gratitude for Kim Spriet and her family’s endless efforts with this very important charity. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.amgfh.com

WINTERS, June…

Peacefully with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Norma “June” Winters passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of James “Jay” Winters for 43 years. Loving mother of Jeffrey Winters and his wife Mindy and Jillian Dunsmore and her husband Zach. Cherished and proud grandmother of Megan, Jamie, Parker and Casey. Dear sister of Eric Walton and his wife Katrina. June will be greatly missed by her family, church community and many close friends. A private family interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. A celebration of June’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced. In memory of June, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, 500-71 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N2 or 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

WINTERS, June…

Peacefully with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Norma “June” Winters passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of James “Jay” Winters for 43 years. Loving mother of Jeffrey Winters and his wife Mindy and Jillian Dunsmore and her husband Zach. Cherished and proud grandmother of Megan, Jamie, Parker and Casey. Dear sister of Eric Walton and his wife Katrina. June will be greatly missed by her family, church community and many close friends. A private family interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. A celebration of June’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced. In memory of June, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, 500-71 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N2 or 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