Services & Obituaries

HARRINGTON, Frances Teresa….

October 27, 1927 – February 26, 2021

Frances Teresa Harrington of London, formerly of Woodstock, at Victoria Hospital, London, aged 93.

Devoted and loving mother of the late Donald Wayne Harrington (2008) and mother-in-law to Brenda Harrington, of London. Dedicated grandmother to Holly Harrington and Adam Harrington (Bridget) and great-grandmother to Georgia, Fiona, Malia and Asher. Beloved sister of Dorothy McGregor (Fred), Larry Toohey, Tim Toohey (Sandy), Virginia Kennedy, Jim McGregor and Bonnie Shand and sister-in-law of Kathy Wilford. Predeceased by her siblings Chuck Toohey, Mary Smith, Jim Toohey, Marg Hodgins, Jack Toohey and Marlene McLellan. Special aunt to Marty McGregor (Ruth) of London, Joni Grant (Dave) of Woodstock, Rob McGregor (Pat) of Victoria, BC, and to many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews in London and Woodstock. Dear friend of over 70 years to Winnie Akersviller.

Fran was a warm and good-natured woman, always generous with her time and energy. She loved a long walk, a long chat and a long laugh. A wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Fran could always be counted on for unwavering support and understanding. A child of the Great Depression, she was a hard-working and fiercely independent person who was resilient and pragmatic.

Most of all, Frannie loved her family deeply, thoroughly, and unreservedly. The death of her only child, Don, in 2008, was an immeasurable loss that she carried with her for the rest of her life. She remained close to Brenda after Don’s death and they enjoyed a relationship full of affection and friendship. Fran absolutely adored her grandchildren, Holly and Adam, and was unfailingly proud of them both. Her sister Dorothy and she had an especially deep and loving bond, which was enormously important to Fran throughout her life. She was delighted by all the children in her life and was a tireless babysitter and companion and ally. As a sister, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend, Fran was endlessly available, loyal, and dependable. She will be deeply missed.

Cremation has already taken place, and a private interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Woodstock. At Fran’s request, there will be no funeral. A gathering to celebrate Fran’s life will take place when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s memory may be made to Diabete’s Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McEACHERN, Jerry….

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in his 84th year. Dear brother of Dorothy C. Telfer of Kitchener, Brian McEachern of London and Steven McEachern of London. Loving uncle of Teri-Ellen Telfer, David Telfer ,Kathleen Telfer, Patricia Telfer-Myc and 3 great-nieces. Predeceased by his parents Gordon (1999) and Dorothy (1994) McEachern. Jerry was a partner at the accounting firm Ford Keast until his retirement in 1998. Jerry was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays fan. Jerry enjoyed his family trips to Michigan and Las Vegas. Cremation has taken place and an interment will follow in the spring at Woodland Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

HARLAND, Reta…..

Reta passed away peacefully on Sunday February 21st, 2021. Cherished mother of Marilyn (Richard) Clifford. Loving grandmother of Craig and Julie. Dear great-grandmother of Ben. Beloved sister of George (Cherith) Heppell and Norma (Ivan) Edge. Predeceased by her husband Gordon, son Robert and granddaughter Karen. Reta will be lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, February 26th 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Please Note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario a limited number of people are able to attend.  Please call the funeral home between 9am and 5pm to reserve your spot for the service (519-433-5184). All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. A sincere thank you to all who cared for Reta at Kensington Village Long Term Care Home. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HILL, Ronald….

Peacefully at Elmwood Place, London, on Saturday, February 20, 2021, Ron Hill in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen “Kae” (Soper, Joyes) Hill (2018). Dear father of Tina and step-father of Barry Joyes (Alice). He will also be missed by his grandchildren and great-grand children. Cherished friend of Randy and Teresa Zavitz and family. Predeceased by his parents Russell and Hester Hill. Ron was proud member of Belmont Lodge No. 119 A.F. & A.M. member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Canada.  He worked at Union Gas Limited for many years. Cremation has taken place with a private interment in Dorchester Cemetery, Dorchester. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, attention Donor Development, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal QC H4A 0A9. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STRUCKETT, Gary James….

Suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday, February 18, 2021 in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Heather for 47 years. Cherished father of Stefanie (the late Tommy) McNeeley, Anna (Jamie) Donaldson and Jayme (Mike) Stafford. Loving grandfather to Astrid, Logan, Westin, Melina, Travis, Alyssa, Aidan and Zander. Caring son of Joan Struckett. Dear brother of Gail (Chris) Little and Greg Struckett. Son-in-law of Marion Alexander and the late Lorne Alexander. Brother-in-law to Sherry and Jim Kerr, Kevin and Grace Alexander, Robyn and Eric Wiggans, Lori Anne and Paul Savoie. Predeceased by his father Jim Struckett. Gary will be lovingly missed and remembered by many extended family members and friends and his furry companion Riley. Gary was a dedicated special education teacher and a vice principal during his career at various schools including CPRI, Apple School, Amethyst Demonstration School, Hillcrest, Nicholas Wilson, J. P. Robarts and Wilton Grove. Gary volunteered for many years with the London Home County Folk Festival. He was on the board from 1990-1993 and was chair from 1996-2001. Gary was always available to lend a helping hand for renovations and projects to whoever needed it. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather together again. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURRAY, Florence….

On Sunday February 14th at peopleCare Oakcrossing , Florence Murray passed away in her 103rdyear. Florence was the beloved wife of David Murray (2012). Predeceased by her parents Arthur and Hildred (nee Neville) Little, brothers Boyd (Jean), Cecil (Janet), Reggie, and sister Audrey (Jack). Florence will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the staff at peopleCare for the care and compassion shown to Florence. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester. Sympathy donations in Florence’s memory 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

BAWDEN, Gayle….

Unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Gayle Mary Bawden, passed away at Victoria Hospital, London in her 66th year. Loved and missed dearly by her sister Kathryn Bawden and numerous cousins. Auntie Gayle will also be missed by her very close friends. Predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Mary Bawden and her brother Robert Bawden.

In this time of COVID, a private family interment has taken place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. A celebration of Gayle’s life will be held when we can all safely be together again.

Donations in memory of Gayle may be made to Paws United (https://www.paws-united.com/) or the 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

DUTKA, Erika…..

Erika Dutka Juadzim, Born August 13, 1928 and here is her dash

Erika was a daughter of Alma Powileit Jaudzim and George Jaudzim, wife of John Iwan Dutka who passed 20 years ago, a cousin, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as an amazing person who loved life, to dance, to get doodled up as she called it, and shopping.  She provided a good life for her two children George (Georgie) and Kathy (Katty).  Erika was an excellent seamstress, made all her clothes, Kathy’s clothes and I think that cute little suit George has on.  She was truly a designer, she also knit many sweaters, mitts, hats and scarfs, worked in manufacturing, sewing, making chocolates and for John’s Radio and TV, Erika was the voice on the phone booking appointments, ordering parts, responsible for accounting and wow she was good at managing money.  If you needed a financial planner she was the one to see. 

Erika grew up in Lithuania, helping her Grandmother making sausages to take to sell at market, swimming in the Baltic Sea till WW2 came and she had to leave her home and moved to Germany to go to school. Erika, Omi and Tanta Lilly were on foot to cut across Europe borrowing bikes, stowing away on boats, till she arrived in Genoa, Italy to hop on a ship to come to Canada, the other ship went to Australia which would be a very different story. Once in London Erika met John and a love story began, two children, first TV on the block, neighbourhood kids would stand out on the front yard and watch TV through the window.  Three channels at that time was lots to choose from. Erika traveled to the West to meet second grandson Jesse, and they fell in love with the West and continued to journey there.  Erika got her drivers licence to help with the driving. Erika had 8 grandchildren, that they took to the beach!  16 Great Grandchildren which she got to meet all but little Nella in person. Our last adventure was George, Jaime and I took mom to the German Club in Koffee Klutch in February 2020 it was lots of fun.

There are so many more stories we can all share about Erika, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Granma she had a truly amazing life an amazing family who loved her dearly, may she rest in peace and be with dad again.  – February 9, 2021

Love

Family George and Susanne Dutka

Jessica and Ryan Fairful…Declan and Rowan

Danielle and Kyle Procter…Grace and Owen

Jamie and Christy Dutka…Kingston and Sawyer

Michelle and Devin de Lange…William and Jack

Nicole and Nathan Ivanovich…Neven and Nela

Kathryn Tull Dutka and Jaime Francisco

Benny and Allison Tull….Charlie and Johnny

Margaret Tull….Wolfgang

Jesse and Becky Tull….Skylar, Raegan and Harper

Jim Tull

ROMYN, Terry….

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Terry. Fiercely proud father of Sam (Natalie) and Jesse (Emma).  Survived by siblings Dirk, Doug and Marsha.  Predeceased by parents Lex and Marguerite and brother Rick.  At Terry’s request, cremation has taken place and a celebration to raise a glass in his honour will be arranged at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PARKER, Joseph A….

A resolute father, smitten husband, fastidious typesetter, and a dedicated Mason, defines the legacy of Joe and his 87 years on this earth. On February 1, 2021, Joe left us to reunite with his wife Alice of 55 years. He had a giving, loyal heart, bigger than the frame that held it, and a firm resolve that grew from humble beginnings in Caledonia with his two younger sisters Beverly (Simpson) and Irene (Nidenoff). His devotion to his wife Alice and his family would be the source of his focus for the rest of his life. Joe had dreamed of three children, and while Alice was expecting for the second time following their first son Tom, she expressed no enthusiasm for a third time around.  Surprise twins satisfied and elated Joe with the arrival of Andrew and Robert.

As a means to provide for his family, Joe started Parker Typesetting and sacrificed many late nights and weekends for 25 years before his eventual retirement. He continued serving others by helping to create designs for friends and his Masonic family. A member of Temple Lodge No. 597 A.F. & A.M., before it closed, he served as Master in 1966. He was a Past Master of Moffat Lodge No. 399 A.F. & A.M., and a member of Daylight Lodge No. 735 A.F. & A.M. He valued his contributions as a member of the London Valley Scottish Rite, and the Mocha Shrine.

As the years passed, first son Tom would marry Theresa, Andrew would marry Brent, and Robert would marry Lee. The family would grow to many nieces, nephews, and cousins, a modern family he took pride in, as a step-grandfather to 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He will surely miss watching them all learn, laugh, and grow. Joe squeezed every last ounce from a body that was less gracious in its latter years. Grateful for the care he received with his regular dialysis treatments for over 10 years at LHSC, and also his last few days at the McCormick Home in London. Joe supported many causes, and donations to Diabetes Canada was a preference.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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 funeral service will be held on Friday September 10, 2021 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. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Joseph donations may be made Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto ON, M5G 2R5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com