Services & Obituaries

PIDDINGTON, Peter…

Peter Piddington passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Born to George and Harriet Piddington, in London, England in September of 1933. He is the last surviving member of his family of 9 from Hornchurch and Ardleigh Green, Essex. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jean. Father to Diane (Peter), Jane, Andrew, and Jonathan (Angela). Grandfather to Tiffany, Timothy, Heidi, Tammy, Sebastian, Ashley, James, Josh, Owen, and Benjamin and 7 great grandchildren. Uncle to Sheila and Alan Norton, Timothy, David, Paul, Andrew, and Michael Piddington. He lived richly in his faith, providing Chaplaincy care and kept up an avid letter writing ministry. He was an ardent tennis player and fan, and a classical music enthusiast.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will follow  at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the 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. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Peter may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

1st Corinthians 16:14

BUSH, Mary…

M. Mary Bush left us on Saturday, December 25, 2021, at the age of 93, after a brief illness that she endured with the grace and quiet strength that distinguished her life.

She was born in London, England, in 1928, the daughter of the late Vernon George Sutcliffe and Muriel Edith Gross. She lived through the Second World War and the bombing of London, but she always took a cheerful view of things. Her memories of childhood and youth were happy ones: riding ponies with her brother on their grandparents’ farm in Ireland; visiting with her cousins Teddy and Joan; boarding-school sports, at which she excelled.

She attended the University of Edinburgh, where she was a “blue,” chosen to captain the lacrosse team not so much by virtue of her talent (as she always liked to say) as her pluck. She studied French under Georges Poulet (an eminent French literary critic of the time) and earned an MA in French language and literature, along with a glowing recommendation from Poulet that launched her teaching career.

Following her studies, she taught at the Godolphin and Latymer School in England, then the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. It was there that she met Bill, her dear husband for the next 60 years. Together they moved to North Carolina, then London, Ontario. After a 10-year hiatus devoted to raising their four children, she resumed her teaching at Brescia College then King’s College at the University of Western Ontario, where she was beloved by students and colleagues alike.

Modest about her own achievements, she was immoderately proud of her children’s and grand-daughter’s successes, which earned her, from her sons, the teasing nickname “Miss Proudfoot.” She delighted in the fun of family life and its rituals, which she organized: festive meals, trips to England and France, summer holidays on a Manitoulin Island farm. And she enjoyed her post-retirement travels with Bill. She was a devoted parishioner at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration, where she had many friends.

During the last 15 years of her life, she cared for Bill after his stroke in 2005, battling on through her own heart attack and failing health. But she was a cheerful warrior. A keen driver, she reluctantly surrendered her keys at the age of 90, on being reminded that she’d never had an accident and thus had a chance to retire undefeated – something that very few fighters manage to do.

She was sustained, during the pandemic shutdown, by the care of her daughter Anastasia, by FaceTime calls with her family, and by the community and staff at Inspirit Residences. She announced, some months into the shutdown, that she was determined to live long enough to see us all in person again. As was her wish, she died at home, peacefully, surrounded by family.

Her generosity, thoughtfulness, charm, lively spirit and sense of fun will be missed by all who knew her, but especially by her children, Anastasia, Jamie (Danielle), John, and Andrew (Lisa); her granddaughter, Jessica; and the extensive family of her late brother, John Sutcliffe.

A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London on Thursday, December 30, 2021. As precautionary measures, face masks will be required, social distancing respected, and personal information will be gathered at the event to facilitate contact tracing. Donations in memory of Mary may be made 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

KING, Nikita …

Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the age of 35. Loving daughter of Lori Clarke and Leslie King. Dear sister of Carl, Damien, Christopher and, Brad. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 12:30pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the 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. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WATT, Randi…

It is with immense sadness that we mourn the unexpected passing of Randi Watt, born to Mary Lou Watt and Gordon Watt of Parry Sound, ON. Proud Father to Jason, Shannon and Shaundelee (Patrick), grandfather to Stormaisha, Darius, Paton, Madison, and Emerson, and former husband of Anne. Randi is survived by his brother Cori and predeceased by his brothers Kim and Jami. Randi grew up in Parry Sound, and spent his childhood working with his father at Sound Boat Marinas. This is where he developed his love for water. Randi later became a part of the Canadian Coast Guard where he served on many boats in different capacities as a Chief Marine Mechanic. Randi loved anything that involved water, trains, music, and his family was his pride and joy. He wanted the very best life he had to offer for them. Randi’s second family was equally important, and nearly 35 years of his life was spent dedicating his passions to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London. It was there, he met an unlikely lifetime friend and was able to show his ability, passion and love for helping the less fortunate, elderly and disabled. Don, you were more than a mentor – you were a friend and family support. You guided him through the trenches and mentored him. He respected, valued and loved you as a family member, so we thank you, Randi thanks you. We are remembering Randi as a loving father, grandfather and friend. In our heart’s you will remain forever, until we meet again. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the 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. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. 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. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, Randi would love any donations to be made in his remembrance to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHAMBERS, Ruth…

Passed peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Friday, December 17, 2021, Ruth (Carter) Chambers in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Ray G. Chambers. Loving mother of Richard Chambers (Pierre Gagnier) of Millgrove, ON. Dear grandmother of 5 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Kenneth Carter and his wife Dorothy of Kitchener and Faye Pickett and her husband Cam of Red Deer, AB. Missed by her daughter-in-law Audrey. Predeceased by her sons Barry, Bill, and her sister Thelma Moore. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  The family have requested that everyone attending the service to please wear a mask. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Wesley-Knox United Church – Building Fund. Interment in Clinton Cemetery, Clinton ON. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LEITCH, Kathy…..

Peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, December 16, 2021, Kathy Leitch in her 65th year. Beloved wife of the late Ken Leitch (2007). Cherished mother of Tracy Fabbricino (Anthony), “Chris” Thomas (Brent) and Jen Biron (Sonny). Loving grandma of Lucas, Corinna, Taylor, Colin, Shania, Dalton, Noel, Tricia, and Alex and her great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her close friends. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Floor at University Hospital for their care, compassion and the love shown.  Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 3:00-4:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the memorial service will be held in the chapel at 4pm. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (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. At the family’s request those who are attending the visitation and service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. 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. Interment in Kilmartim Cemetery, Metcalfe Township. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at ww.amgfh.com

LINN, Lillian

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Lillian Linn passed away at the age of 96. Dear Mother of Duncan Hope of Innisfail, Alberta and Nancy Mills of London. Predeceased by her daughter Linda Saya. Also loved by her grandchildren Jessica (Bernie), John, Angela (Andrew), Andrew and Kylie, and great-grandchildren Austin, Bella, and Aurora. The family would like to thank all the staff on the third floor of Extendicare for their help and support over the many years. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 1-1:45pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. 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. A private memorial service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home. As expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of London – Seniors Programs, 184 Horton Street East, London ON N6B 1K8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PRITCHARD, Jean…

Peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Dearness Home, London Jean passed away in her 88th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, George Pritchard. Loving mother of Trish Layne (Joe) and Andy Pritchard. Proud nana of Keleigh, Breanne (Jay), Hannah and Abbey. Dear great grandma of Baby Layne. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of 4-West (Pine Grove) for taking special care of mom for the last 2 years. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. 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 the visitation are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FOWLER, Katherine Olive, (nee Turner)……….

On Thursday, December 9th, 2021 died peacefully in her 100th year at Victoria Hospital, London. Kate was born in Clinton, Ontario. Beloved wife of the late Drew Fowler (1996). Loving mother of Linda (John Noubarian) of London, Edwin “Ned” of Lambton Shores, and John (Janet) of Port Franks. Dear grandmother of Rachel (Aaron) Stezenko, and Morgan (Vanessa). Great- grandmother to four great grandchildren. Kate was predeceased by her 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 4:00pm. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (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. At the family’s request those who are attending the visitation and service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Private family interment will take place at Hensall Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Services of London , 4-797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STARLING, Julie (nee From)…

Peacefully at home with her loving family at her side, Julie Starling gently passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 in her 65th year. Loving and cherished mother of Derek Starling and his fiancé Laura Ryall and Darby Starling and her partner Blake Stone (and their little dog Rory). Treasured daughter of Bunny and the late Norman From. Adored sister of Larry From, Jeff From and his wife Joan, Rick From and his wife Karen, Steve From and his wife Gaelle and Kate From. Dear sister-in-law of Brenda Lausanne and her husband Dave. Much loved aunt of Cheryl, Theresa, Christopher, Jeremy, Alex and Madi and their families. Julie will also be missed by her childhood friend Rita Krizmonics, who became her angel in her final weeks, and her dear friends Pat Eton-Neufeld and Vikki Marotta who also supported Julie during her 10 year journey. Julie’s extended family and many friends will miss her immensely. Predeceased by Dave Starling.

Julie grew up in Guelph with her 5 siblings before she moved to London to attend Western University. She became a Respiratory Therapist and worked at University Hospital until she retired. She was a natural athlete and had a passion for sports; loved crafting, antiquing, anything chocolate and the colour red. Julie was a loving Mother to her children, Derek and Darby and was very proud of the adults they have become. She was an incredible, strong woman who survived Ovarian Cancer for 10 years, against all odds. We are grateful for the many years we shared with her.

Julie and her family would like to thank all health care personnel that helped her through, with a special thank you to Dr. McGee, Dr. Singh, both Dr. Hertzman’s, Dr. Friesen, nurses Megan and Deshi, and PSW Mark.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (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. At the family’s request those who are attending the visitation and/or service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. In Julie’s memory, donations may be made to the Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Group, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 (cheques to be made out London Health Sciences Foundation and in memo of cheque put for Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Group). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com