Services & Obituaries

STEBBINS, Betty…

Betty Stebbins passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Dearness Home, London, at the age of 86. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London on Friday, May 1, 2020. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FETCHISON, Constance “Connie”….
 
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, April 24, 2020 Constance Isabel Fetchison (nee Watt) in her 96th year.
 
Beloved mother of Robert Fetchison and his wife Chantale, and Barbara McLatchie (nee Fetchison) and her husband Kenneth. Dear “Nana” of Andre (and Cindy), Nicolas (and Mariah) and Camille Fetchison, and Christopher and Matthew McLatchie, and loving great-grandmother of Mason Johnstone and Liam Fetchison. Also survived by her younger sister Joan Watt. Predeceased by her husband Joseph (1986).
 
Connie had a great love of learning and literature and she enjoyed a rewarding career as a librarian. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1950, she studied library science at the University of Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving her M.L.S. in 1951. She first worked at the Oshawa Public Library as a Children’s Librarian. Thereafter, Connie returned to London to raise her family and to continue her career with the London Public Library. Starting in September 1964, she worked at various locations including the Central Library and several branch libraries (Carson, Argyle, Westown and Landon). She also served as Head of the Mobile Libraries in the early 1970s, and had a key role in the development of library services to shut-ins. Retiring in June 1987 after an almost twenty-three year career at the London Public Library, Connie was able to take time to enjoy her favourite pastimes of travel, theatre and music. But her greatest joy and pride was always her family, and she enjoyed spending more time with her children, grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren.
 
Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Connie will be sorely missed and will be forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life when we are able to gather again. In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie’s memory may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
 

JAMES, Patricia…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Patricia James in her 77th year. Beloved wife of the late Henry “Harry”  James (1998). Loving mother of Cathy Krywulak (Timothy), Peter James (Suzette), Jennifer James Jack (Peter) and Esther Smith (Stephen). Cherished grandmother of Miranda and Isabella. Dear sister of James Beatty (Susan), Robert Beatty, David Beatty (Ann), Ruthanne Stinton (Stephen) and sister-in-law of Carol James and her family. Also missed by her friend Bill Booth and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made the Heart and Stroke Foundation,180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or The Lung Association, 401-18 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 0K8. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMEDLEY, Dennis …

Dennis Smedley, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, in London, Ontario. Dennis was born March 24, 1932 to James and Florence (Kidd) Smedley in Manchester, England, the youngest of three children.

While evacuated to a small town 75 km south of Manchester during WWII, he lost his father suddenly; however, the childhood memories of the years spent in this village were nothing short of happiness and pure joy. He later served two years in the British Army, spending time in Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan and Sudan.

In April 1956, he immigrated to Canada and made London his forever home. It was here that he met his cherished wife, Elizabeth (McGregor). A devoted husband of 56 years, loving father and grandfather, his commitment to family and lifelong friendships should be an example to all. He touched so many people throughout the years with his kindness, generosity, and gift of time to several charitable causes, including two decades volunteering at the London Food Bank.

In 1968, Dennis began his long-standing career with the LCBO, retiring in June 1992. Perhaps this is where he developed a passion for a nice rum and 7-Up from time-to-time, but it was his quest for trying new beer with willing participants that he enjoyed most in recent years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Susan Smedley (Juan Manuel Cordeiro Rodriguez) and Karen van Hunnik (Michael); grandchildren, Jordan and Kaia van Hunnik, and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, the USA and UK.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Josie Smedley. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, sister Florence Hampson, brother James Smedley and his brother-in-law Gordon Hampson.

Cremation has taken place. Join us for a celebration of life to remember Dennis and honour the impact he had on the many lives that he touched. Deeply devoted to family, friends, colleagues, and giving back to the community, he left a legacy of unconditional kindness, generosity, and love. It’s with this in mind that we won’t wallow in sadness, but celebrate the many wonderful memories etched into the hearts and minds of those fortunate to have known him.

The service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 342 Pond Mills Road, London. Masks are required to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalmers Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice, as he supported so many wonderful causes over the years.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PHILLIPS, Doug…

Peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing, on Monday, April 20, 2020, Earl Douglas Phillips, in his 85th year. Survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary of 28 years, who was never far from his side. Beloved father of Carlene and her husband Bob of Wallaceburg, Shari and her husband Mark of Ailsa Craig and Mike of London. Predeceased by son Doug (2018). Doug is also survived by his supportive sister Martha of Windsor, brother-in-law Dan Watson and his partner MaryAnn of Corunna, sister-in-law Karen Pell of St. Thomas, sister-in-law Jackie Hartford and her husband Don of St. Thomas. He will also be missed by 4 grand children and 1 great grand child, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the Brighton team at Glendale Crossing for all their care and support. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9.  Honouring Doug’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHRISTIE, Robert “Bob”…
 
Unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, April 17, 2020, Robert “Bob” Christie, in his 69th year. Family and friends will miss Bob’s loving spirit, his kindness, his keen sense of humour, his unending willingness to help others and his love of his rescue dogs.

Beloved brother of David Christie (Sharron), Deborah Christie-Squires (Doug) and Brian Christie (Evelyn). Cherished uncle of Jay, Shannyn, Kristy, Kevin, Jared, Ashleigh, Hilary, Heather and Geneleigh, and several grand nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents David and Violet Christie.

Cremation has taken place. Bob’s cremated remains will be buried with his parents in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in his memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TURNER, Linda (Mickle)…

Peacefully in her sleep, on Friday, April 17, 2020, in her 84th year.

Adored mother to Brian (Lori), Tim, David (Liane), and Jeff.

Loving grandma of Derek (Carleigh), Steven, Liam, Megan (Dejan), Connor, Pam (Jeremy) and Shawn. 

Great Gramma to Madison, Jayden and Olivia and soon to be, Baby Kravic. 

She will be sadly missed by her brother Bill and sister-in-law Gail Watson and family and her many friends in Goderich.

Linda was born in Chatham in 1936.

Predeceased by her mother Donna Watson (2002), father Harry Watson (1989), her husband Bill Turner (1995), her grandson Dylan (2014) and dear friend Tom Parker (2016). 

They say there is a special place in heaven for mothers of little boys.  If true, they just filled that space…

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Kidney Foundation, Heart and Stroke or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amfgh.com

BRULE, Rheta…

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London on Thursday, April 16, 2020, Rheta Mary (Childs, Murphy) Brulé in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Ray Brulé (2019) and the late Richard Mills Murphy (1991). Dear mother of David Murphy and his wife Anne Van Egmond of London, Suzanne Frank and her husband David Turnbull of London, Andrea Martin and her husband Steve of Penticton, BC, Janet Murphy and her husband Jeff Redden of Penticton, BC, James Murphy and his wife Jan of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mary Ellen Rossouw and her husband Andrew of Calgary and Karen Murphy of London. Dear step-mother of Janet Craig (Hugh), Susan Strong, Hugh Brulé (Dean), Claire Brulé (Al Mackie), Anne Coles (Jim Pianosi), and Albert Brulé (Anne). Also loved by her grandchildren Allison Hall-Murphy, Carmen Beattie, Cedric Beattie, Vaughn Oliver, Alec Murphy, Peter Murphy, Amy Hughes, Chris Jackson, Luke Rossouw, Emma Rossouw, and Jessica Rossouw and Alyssa Murphy and by her great-grandchildren Noah Gelb, Rosetta and Camilla Hammond and Daphne and Maya Papanikolaou. Dear sister of Barry Childs of Montreal. Predeceased by her mother Mary Jean Childs, her brothers Hugh Childs, Albert Childs, Donald Childs, Doug Childs and her sister June Wilde, her sisters-in-law Liz , Barb, Connie and Lucy and her brother-in-law Judge J. Albert Brulé and her sister-in-law Bernice Reily. Rheta enjoyed her years as a medical secretary at St. Joseph’s Hospital, London Ontario. She loved animals, music, ballroom dancing, bowling and travel, especially to tennis tournaments. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 am. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROSENBERGER, Glenn….

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London, on Friday, April 10, 2020, Glenn Rosenberger passed away at the age of 60. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Donna Rosenberger. He is survived by his step-mom Betty and his sisters Sharon, Maureen, Linda and Donna. Glenn will be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and their families. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Glenn’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Glenn’s memory may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Centre, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PETERS, Helen Mary (nee Blower)….

At Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Helen Mary Peters in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Edward “Ted” Peters.

Loving mother of Stephen Peters and his wife Lorraine of London, Julie Butler and her husband Jeff of Strathroy, Lauren Buckley and her husband Mike of Waterloo. Dear grandmother of Chris (Leanne), Miranda, Kendall (Jeremy), Kevin (Ashley), Cory (Cara), Greg, Aaron and Andrea, and great-grandmother of Caleb, Layla, Asypen and Myles. Predeceased by her daughter Anita Peters (1961) and her brothers Albert and Cyril Blower.

Helen was a fiery redhead with many talents, passions and interests. She was involved with the Anglican Church where she taught Sunday school and was President of the Altar Guild for many years, arranging the flowers for the weekly services. She loved working in her garden and was Past President of the London Garden Club where she was a horticulture and design teacher and Judge. Her specialty was creating miniature designs for which she won many awards. She loved animals and always had a dog and some cats around the house. She also enjoyed painting landscapes, collecting and finishing antiques, playing golf, teaching the grandkids to swim, knitting and dancing with the love of her life – Ted. She was a busy lady and will be sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Helen’s name may be made to London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or to Alzheimer Society of London, 35 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com