Services & Obituaries

McKENZIE, Christopher….

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, after a long-fought battle with brain cancer, Chris McKenzie passed away on November 20, 2020 at the age of 68. Chris will be missed by his sister Laurie (Morris) Hoggart and brother Peter McKenzie. Predeceased by his parents Ethel and Harry McKenzie and uncle Roy Arndt. Also missed by his furry feline friends, Kara & Mika. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Sympathy donations to Covenant House Toronto, 20 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M5B 2P3 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

HOFFMAN, Isobel….

Isobel Hoffman (nee Porteus), formerly of Kitchener-Waterloo, passed away peacefully, on Monday, November 16, 2020 in her 95th year in London. Isobel was born in Chesley, ON and was the only daughter of Andrew Porteus and Laura Lamont. She grew up in Ripley and graduated high-school there before attending Normal School in Hamilton. Her first teaching job was a one room school in Bruce Co., not the easiest of first jobs. She then moved to Kitchener and taught at Prueter Public School. It was in Kitchener she met her future husband, Keith. They were married there in 1954 and settled down to raise their three daughters. Keith’s job soon had them moving to various towns in Ontario and finally to St. John’s, NL. This turned in to a stay of over ten years until another move, to Ottawa.

Isobel loved her time in St. John’s, making many cherished friends. She was a member of Wesley United Church, Sorority and volunteered with the Vera Perlin Society. After returning to Ontario Isobel made many trips back to NL to see friends and family and enjoy the beautiful landscapes she loved. Loving thoughts go out to her dear friends there, Mona and Nellie.

Throughout her life, Isobel was a creative person. She painted oils and watercolours, did pottery and became an accomplished china painter. She taught her daughters to sew, crochet and embroider. She passed on her artistic genes to all three daughters. After their time in Ottawa, Isobel and Keith returned to Kitchener for retirement, reconnecting with old friends. They enjoyed being in the Waterloo region, close to Isobel’s Bruce Co. roots.

Isobel was immensely proud of her daughters and always supported their endeavours, delighting in their accomplishments. She was always happy to hear what her four grandchildren were up to and see them grow into adulthood. And when three great-grandchildren arrived, this was the icing on her life’s cake. Isobel had a wry sense of humour and she appreciated it in others. She had a keen interest in politics, reading two papers a day, magazines and yards of books over the years. She would often threaten to write to politicians to offer helpful suggestions to improve their decision making. Isobel and Keith were able to travel all over the world for his job which fulfilled her love of history, art and new landscapes.

Isobel is survived by her dear husband Keith and three daughters: Laurie (David Dempster) of St. John’s, NL, Merrilee (Evan Chase) of London and Jennifer (Randy Thompson) of Rocky Harbour, NL. She is also survived by her beloved grand children Laurie (Johanna), Zoe (Michael), Benjamin and Maren and the precious great-grandchildren Robert, Isobel and Sylvia. Isobel was a loving Mother, wife and Nana, her daughters are so thankful to have had such a wonderful Mom who nurtured them in childhood and guided them in to the world, teaching by example, the lessons of kindness, empathy and generosity.

A private family funeral service will be held. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Donations in Isobel’s memory may be made to Plan International Canada, 300-245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 0B3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SAMPSON, Catherine…

On February 17th 1950 into the Golden Age of Television, Hula Hoops and Poodle Skirts – Catherine Anne MacGougan was born unto her parents Anne (nee Bozik) and Donald MacGougan.

Born and raised in London, Ontario “on the Orchard” with a few younger years abroad in Campbelltown, Scotland her life’s journey took her on may travels near and far with her beloved soul-mate Thomas Robert Sampson. This graceful flight ended on the evening of Thursday, November 5, 2020 in her 70th year with her Husband, Daughter Marisa Anne Stafford and Son Robert William Sampson tenderly by her side.

At the centre of her legacy, her grandchildren Macy Anne and Marlowe Olivia Stafford, Zander and Luka Podolinsky-Sampson will sadly miss their affectionate “Nana”. Catherine will be dearly missed by her childhood playmates – her loving Brothers Campbell and Donald MacGougan and their wives Cathy and Wendy, her Brothers and Sister In-Law Howard & Karen Sampson, Tim Sampson & Marianne, Lauren & Murray Williams and many nieces and nephews.

Albeit not enough time but loved just the same she will be missed by her new found Big Brother Charles “Chuck” McCready and family.
The stars will continue to shine on all her friends and family as a reminder of the light and laughter that filled the room with her glowing presence.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the Private Service will be conducted on Friday, November 20, 2020 followed by a procession to Woodland Cemetery, London where she will forever Rest in Peace in the shade of the Oak Trees.
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. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s memory can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MORRIS, James “Jim”….

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jim on November 4, 2020 at University Hospital in London, husband of Pamela, father of Melanie and Meighan (Ryan), grandfather of Haley and Rylee, brother of Michael, Jeff and Tim and the late Caroline and Mert. Jim was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He loved golf, chocolate, cars, Iowa road trips and most of all his granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to London Health Sciences Foundation in support of Kidney Transplant Research. A Celebration of Life will occur 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

BEAUBIEN, Michael….
 
Michael Beaubien passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at the age of 37. Beloved husband of Joanna and loving father to his 3 beautiful children Amelia, Samuel and Madelyne. Cherished son of Dan and Ann Beaubien and dear brother to Katie (Jason) Riopel and Natalie Beaubien. Michael will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Michael was known for his fierce love for his wife and children. His children loved to dance while he shared his love for music on the mandolin. He loved Jesus and lived out his faith, sharing it with anyone who would listen. He will be truly missed by all.
 
Friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm 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. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Road East, London. To register for the service, please visit https://summerside.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/617015. All those attending the visitation or funeral service are required to wear masks. A live stream of the service can be found here starting at 1:00 pm on Saturday https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Qa7HRitTZE5z8Kk8L5QBw?view_as=subscriber. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Teen Challenge Canada, Lambeth Box 777, London, ON N6P 1R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TOPPING, Marie…

Surrounded by family and wrapped in love Marie (Kennedy) Topping passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday November 3, 2020 at the age of 93. Marie was born to Clint and Alice Kennedy, loved by step-mother Olive Kennedy. Marie was Beloved wife of Glen Topping for 74 years. Loving mother to Barb Moore (John) and Linda Graham (Garry) and predeceased by her son Doug Topping. A devoted and cherished grandmother “Nan” of Sara Dresdner (Darryn) and Amanda Topping (Trevor) and great grandmother of Jordan, Brandon, Avery, Alisa, and Lilly. Beloved sister of the late Grace Tapp. Dear sister-in-law of Doris Morris (John) and Lynn Topping (the late Ron) and all their families. Thank you to all the caregivers for their compassion and care provided. Marie and Glen shared their married life on two farms over the past 74 years. She enjoyed going to both northern camps, Henry and Henvey. Her passion for cooking and baking was enjoyed by all. As an artist and storyteller, she was gifted. As a fine seamstress, she created many clothes and costumes. Tatting was an old art she mastered as well as knitting endless hats, mitts and sweaters. Her dry and quick wit brought laughter to all around her. She was a party planner and hosted many family gatherings. Marie’s passion for music brought her great joy throughout her life. Marie was known to all as a sweet, kind and caring person. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. A private service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLUBB, Joan ….

Suddenly, after a motor vehicle accident Joan Clubb passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on November 3, 2020 in her 68th year. Beloved partner of Steve Shanahan and predeceased by her husband Jeffrey Clubb (2007). Cherished sister of Jackie Howarth. Dear aunt of Scott Howarth and Kelly McEachreon and her husband Mike, great-aunt of Jackson, Brayden and Kinley. Joan will be missed by many cousins, relatives and friends. Joan was a devoted member of Rowntree United Church and enjoyed participating in the choir. Joan worked for the London Free Press for over 25 years. A PRIVATE visitation and service will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A live stream of the service can be found here starting at 10:30 am on Friday, November 13, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of London, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1, would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.  

POLLOCK, Janet….

Peacefully at Elmwood Place Long Term Care, London, Janet Pollock passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the age of 91. Loving mother of Kevin William Pollock. Cherished sister of William R. “Bill” Middlemiss. Dear aunt of Stephen, Diane, Matthew and Stephanie. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, November 9, 2020 from 2-4pm 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. A private funeral service will take place. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 or to Elmwood Place Long Term Care – Residence Council, 46 Elmwood Place, London, ON N6J 1J2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RAMSAY, Carrie….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Monday, November 2, 2020, Carrie Ramsay passed away at the age of 65. Beloved wife of John Parliament. Loving mom of James Ramsay and Tammy Ramsay (Bradley). Proud Grandma of Evan and Luke Ramsay. Supportive sister of Linda Holden (Mark). Predeceased by her parents Norm and Elva Estergaard and her brother Edward. Carrie will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and her extended family.

Carrie had a loving, gentle and generous personality. She will forever be remembered for her strength, perseverance and quiet determination in life. She was a member of TOPS for a number of years where she acquired many lifelong friends and she was very proud of her achievement of becoming the International TOPS Queen in 2005.

Cremation has taken place. A private funeral service will take place. Donations in Carrie’s memory may be made to the Arthritis Society, 204-400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MALONEY, Sybell….

At Victoria Hospital, London, on Sunday, November 1, 2020, Sybell (Lashley) Maloney in her 88th year went to be with her Lord. Beloved wife of the late Harold Maloney (2010). Proud mother of Harold Lisle Maloney Jr. of London and Lynnette Maloney of Oshawa. Cherished grandma of Alyssha, Freedom, Alexis, Keshia, Marcus, Jamal-Benjamyn and great grandma of Asher. Dear sister-in-law of Carl Worrell and mother-in-law of Melissa. Predeceased by her sister Monica Worrell.  A private service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please watch the taped service on Saturday afternoon at https://www.facebook.com/millard.george.165  or High resolution on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljuKxDIX-qA Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com