Services & Obituaries

SKIRVING, The Venerable Archibald…

With great love and deep sorrow, our family announces Archie’s death, after living for several months with the complications of Pancreatic Cancer.

After nearly 62 years of marriage, he is survived by his loving wife and best friend Anne. Dear father of Robert Stuart Skirving and his wife Sandy of Kinston, North Carolina, Elizabeth Anne Skirving and her husband Frank Franchetto of London and Julie Marie Skirving of Toronto.

Grandfather of Catherine Buckner and her husband Allen of Davidson, North Carolina and Matthew Skirving, and his wife Leslie of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jonathan Franchetto and Arianna Franchetto of London. Great grandfather of Logan and Miriam Buckner of Davidson, NC.

Brother-in-law of Jane Stuart and her husband Norman Dussault, Alexis Clark and her husband Tom and their children Alex, Jessie and  her husband Andree Navarro and Adele. Remembered by many cousins and family friends. Predeceased by his parents Robert Earle Skirving (1937) and Ferne Collop Skirving (1980).

His education was first at Huron College, B.A. and B.Th. Graduate studies were at Wycliffe College Th. M. and School of Theology at the University of the South D. Min.

Upon ordination, Archie’s ministry was centred in Windsor, Chatham, Cambridge and London.

He was a member of the Board at Renison College, the Chair of the Board, as well as an Honorary Senior Fellow.

For many years, Archie was an active Rotarian, in clubs in Preston, Chatham and London. He was President of London South and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Many happy summers were enjoyed at the family cottage near Tobermory. After retirement, travel included cruises in the Caribbean, Europe, Great Britain and Alaska.  Weeks were spent in France, Italy and Scotland, with many happy memories.

The palliative care of doctors and nurses eased his journey with the pancreatic cancer. The family wishes to thank all those in the Palliative Care Team.

A private family service will be held, with scattering of cremated remains in St. James Westminister Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels London, 356 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1X6 or St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

CIRCELLI, Angelo

Peacefully with his family by his side at London Health Sciences-University Campus on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, Angelo passed away in his 69th year. Cherished father of Victoria (Marsh) and Lori. Loving brother of Tony (Cheri), Sam (Yvonne) and Aldo (Karen). Amazing Uncle to Jason (Melissa), Dan, Melissa (Derek), Michelle, Mandy, Chris (Julie), Ashley ( Andre), Jessica (TJ) and Allyson (Brad). Angelo will also be missed by his Uncle Emilio (and family), Salvatore Iannelli (Anna) as well as many cousins and great nieces and nephews. Preceded in Death by his parents, Donato &  Michelina.

Angelo was a kind, generous, friendly and loving person. He enjoyed cars, family and friends. Always making sure everyone was welcome and comfortable.  If you were thirsty, he would be the bartender. Amazing, father, brother, son, friend you could ever have. He was loved my many and will be deeply missed by all. A celebration of life will take place in the spring/summer when it is safe to do so.
 
Donations in Angelo’s memory may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada or Diabetes Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STONE, Shirley Lenore….

December 18, 2020
 
With the recent passing of our beloved Shirley, we remember an outstanding wife, mother, gramma and friend. Shirley was born in London, Ontario and lived the majority of her life in the city she loved with stops in Sarnia, Montreal and Toronto along the way. She met her life partner, Greg, while both were attending South Secondary School and went on to have a partnership lasting over 60 years filled with many adventures and fun times. Shirley attended teachers college and taught formally for a time in Brantford and Sarnia but spent her life teaching, collaborating, and spreading joy to all her family and friends. Shirley was most proud of being a mom and devoted much of her special being to her four children, Scott (Tracey), Karen (Ken), Christine and Andrea. Of course, her light shone brightest when her grandchildren Joe (Bryanna), Allison (Shawn), Lisa and Zach were with her in her gloriously gardened backyard and hanging out poolside. Shirley was an art enthusiast, volunteering at the London Art Gallery, and was head cheerleader to all of her children’s and grandchildren’s interests and outings. She loved all sports and was a proud founding member of the London Platform Tennis Club and loved her tennis time! Shirley found much joy in spending time with her special Scott sisters enjoying afternoon teas or Grand Bend soirées (Margaret Ratz, Helen Johnston and Catherine Walters all of whom have predeceased her). Her brothers Walter and Norm (also deceased) rounded out the six sibling Scott family of Vera and James Robert Scott of Windsor Avenue in Old South London.

Though Shirley developed dementia in her last years of life, she continued to live with the dignity and grace she exhibited her entire life. Her brilliant smile was always accessible to anyone who was around. A life very well lived. The family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Trace for their compassionate care of Shirley. At Shirley’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, PO Box 5777, Station B, London, ON N6A 4V2 or the Children’s Health Foundation, 345 Westminster Avenue, London, ON N6C 4V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MILLMAN, Carole Ashleigh….
 
Peacefully with her family by her side at Parkwood Institute, London, on Monday, December 14, 2020 Carole Millman passed away in her 62nd year. Beloved daughter of Delores and William “Bill” Millman. Cherished sister of Bronwyn Papasideris (nee Millman), adored sister-in-law of Jim Papasideris as well as Dayna Knight, and treasured niece and namesake of Carole Mayo (nee Parker) and Tim Mayo. Predeceased by dearly loved brother Brock Millman. Dear Auntie of Mia and John Papasideris. Carole will also be deeply missed by her Christian Horizons family and friends.  
 
Carole was a wonderful soul, who loved music, computer games, bowling, hand massages and anything from Tim Hortons. She taught all who knew her to value the pleasure found in little things and to take life as it presented, one day at a time. Carole was always happy and rarely complained, even while in the hospital. While she could be feisty and stubborn when it came to routines and her things, those that knew her loved and valued this about her. Carole was a special person, a gift that we treasured. She will be deeply, deeply missed.
 
Cremation has taken place. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held. Donations in Carole’s memory may be made to Christian Horizons, 26 Peppler Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 3C4 or Parkwood Institute’s Palliative Care Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, PO BOX 5777, Station B, London, ON N6A 4V2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Mullen, Paul J………

After struggling with dementia for many years, Paul J. Mullen died on Saturday, December 12, 2020 in his 77th year. Proud father of Peggy Keeton (Steve) of Surprise AZ, Dave Mullen (Christie) of London, step-father of Kimberly Bonnet (Mark) of Ottawa and Cory Price (Lucas) of Toronto. Cherished grandfather to Brandon, Madison, Carson, Avery, Natalie, Denise and Payton. Dear brother of Jane Bernier and uncle to two nieces. Cherished friend of Ruth Woods and Ron McIntyre, John Donohue and David Todd. Paul will be missed by Lynne Mullen and many others. Paul started working at the A. Millard George Funeral Home in 1965 and became partners with Millard in 1971. He became the owner in 1993 after Millard’s death and retired in 2015 after over 50 years of service in the funeral industry. He was extremely proud of being a member of the Masonic Order.  He was a Past Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 20 A.F. & A.M., member of the London Lodge of Perfection, a 33rd Degree Honourary Inspector General of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Canada, member of the Mocha Shrine and Past Grand Senior Deacon and Past Grand Senior Warden. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 6 – 9pm 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 the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. The PRIVATE funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 11am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. Friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop.  Interment in Kincardine Cemetery, Kincardine, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, attention Donor Development, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal QC H4A 0A9 or Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street, London ON N6C 1E7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JURJANS, Marjorie …

After a six year battle to survive extensive injuries, Midge Jurjans passed away at McGarrell Place (London ON) on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the age of 66.  She passed peacefully, with family by her side.   Midge was a lover of coffee and chocolate, and opened her heart and home to those in need.  She will be remembered for her resilience, witty humour, and unwavering love for her family.  Devoted mother of Marika, Marty, and Dagan.  Cherished sister of Jim, Derek, John, Judy, Caroline, Mac, Cathie, and their spouses.  Midge will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Survived by her former husband Maris Jurjans. 

Friends are welcome for visiting on Sunday December 20 2020 from 2-4pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, London.  Please Note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/, a limited number of people are able to attend.  Please call the funeral home between 9am and 5pm to reserve your spot for the visitation (519-433-5184). All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. There will be a memorial service at a later date when the world opens back up and we can all be together to remember and celebrate Midge’s incredible life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victim Services of Middlesex London, to arrange donation please contact Victim Services of Middlesex London at staff@vsmiddlesex.org. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUIE, Lawson Lloyd

At home on Thursday, December 10, 2020, Lawson Huie passed away at the age of 80. Survived by his beloved wife Tulip. Dear father of Beverly,  Candace, Marcia, Melissa, Michelle and Paula. Lawson will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 1-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/, a limited number of people are able to attend. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. Cremation to take place. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, Letebirhan Andebirhan passed away at Middlesex Terrace Nursing Home, Delaware.

A private service will take place at Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church, London on Monday, December 14, 2020. A recording will be available following the service at www.amgfh.com . Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

SMITH, Elizabeth “Beth”….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Elizabeth “Beth” Smith passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Frank H. Smith (1972). Mom of Kathleen McLeod (the late Keith), Jennifer McMurter (Douglas), the late Vicki Hainer (Bob) and Andy Smith (Heather). Grandma of 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Muriel (nee Bedworth) and Albert R. Vantassel. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Beth, donations to St. Paul’s Social Services and Food Bank, 472 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3E6 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

Together Again

Lonni Terri
1926 – 2020

Our dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lonni Terri, slipped peacefully from this life, December 5, 2020, at her home of 60 years in London, Ontario, Canada. While saddened by her passing, we are full of joy knowing that she is now free from earthly cares and being greeted by family and loved ones on the other side.

Lonni was the 5th of seven children born to Juhan and Hermine Vaikla in Ruusmae, Voru, Estonia (northern Europe). She had a happy childhood, growing up on a beautiful farm with her siblings. Her youth was interrupted with the traumatic experience of World War II when she
became separated from her parents and siblings. She, along with her younger sister Vilma, endured a harrowing escape from the Soviet invasion of their homeland, fleeing first to Latvia, then moving to Germany to a displaced persons camp, and later to England. During these years Lonni volunteered and worked in various capacities for the Red Cross, an orphanage and a wool factory. Her hope had been to return to a free and independent Estonia, but that was not to be. After a few years in England Lonni emigrated to Canada, settling in London, Ontario.

In London, Lonni met the love of her life, Endel Terri, a handsome young Estonian man. She and Endel married on June 28, 1952. Their union was blessed with 6 daughters and 1 son. They were dedicated and loving parents who worked hard to provide for and care for their large family. Lonni was a devoted wife and mother who lived for her family and gave her all for them.

In 1958 Lonni and Endel became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lonni taught her children to have faith in God, to pray, to work hard, to live with integrity and to love. She served happily and faithfully in all her church responsibilities and sang in many church choirs.

Lonni’s love of her homeland Estonia was instilled in the hearts of her children. She taught them the language, the music and stories of her heritage. This love remains a significant and heartfelt part of the lives of all her posterity. One of Lonni’s greatest joys in later years was to return to Estonia to witness the restoration of its independence as a nation, visit loved ones and attend song festivals together with her children and grandchildren.

Lonni loved spring, summer and fall and spent many hours outside gardening and growing beautiful flowers. Throughout the years and until very recently, Lonni enjoyed knitting, embroidering and sewing beautiful scarves, mittens, blankets and quilt tops for her family and others in need. She also enjoyed teaching young children at the London Estonian School for several years.

Lonni loved music and had a lovely singing voice. After her children were grown, she obtained her high school diploma and became an avid reader.

Lonni has lived a long beautiful life of service and sacrifice for her family and many others. Her life was one of contentment in loving and caring for her family and home. She has been an example of faith, determination, perseverance and devotion to life’s important details of family,
faith, love of homeland and service to others.

Lonni was preceded in death by her husband Endel, her parents and brothers and sisters. Lonni is survived by her 7 children: Esther (Rob), Ingrid (Daniel), Karen (Don), Vivian (Mitch), Ruth Kai, Alice Astrid, Peter, 17 beautiful grandchildren and 18 delightful great -grandchildren.

A family funeral will be held December 12, 2020. Lonni will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Woodland Cemetery, London, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com