Sonia O’Donnell

With loving family and supportive friends holding hands together, and in the comfort of her own home, Sonia Florence O’Donnell ( nee Abuchan ) slipped away from this beautiful earth and quietly entered into God’s care on Monday November 16th, 2020.

As per Sonia’s wishes cremation will be taking place.

Sonia was predeceased by her first husband, Sigmund Pfaffinger of Kitchener, ON. And, also by her second husband, Hugh Joseph O’Donnell of London, ON. Her beloved younger sister, Sandy Thompson, passed away in 2013 and was profoundly missed. Sandy was survived by her wonderful husband H. Alan Thompson of Vancouver, B. C. Al remains an excellent uncle and mentor to both of Sonia’s sons.

Sonia was an understanding, loving and caring mother to both Nic Pfaffinger of Kitchener and to Eric Pfaffinger and his partner Donna White of Waterloo.

She was the proud and devoted Nanny to her grandson Joe Pfaffinger and his partner Samantha Newman of Kitchener. And, to grandson Tyler Pfaffinger, currently studying at Fanshawe College in London, and to grandson Benjamin Pfaffinger, currently studying at York University in Toronto.

Sonia was a Christian, a Registered Nurse, a friendly, reliable and engaged neighbour, a committed volunteer, a Master Gardener, an opera lover, an animal lover, a prolific reader and was well known as a generous friend to many. She was reluctant to liken her
obituary to her resume, and so her various milestones and many accomplishments will not be mentioned here. Perhaps those stories and memories can be best shared at a small memorial service to be held at ” The Church of the Epiphany “, 11 Briscoe Street in London on Thursday Dec 10th, 2020 at 12 noon.
The Reverend Teresa Corrigan will conduct the service and if you wish to attend or to say a few words at that time, please contact her at 519-671-0577 or teresacorrigan1@gmail.com.

As Sonia has planned, there will be a reception after church at “The Idlewyld Inn” at 36 Grand Ave., in London. Maps and directions are available for those who require them. And all Health Unit Covid-19 guidelines will be in effect.

When you speak of Sonia, speak not with tears, for thoughts of her should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for Sonia’s life was richer because of YOU whom she loved so deeply and so dearly.

All Saints – Safe Home

All Saints

At the firehall three bells indicates all safe home. At Epiphany on all saints day we ring our bell as each name on our All Saints list is read. When everyone’s name has been read we ring the bell three times to indicate all safe home.

Here is our All Saints List

Rae Whittington

Stan Whittington

Catherine Whittington

Billy Whittington

Barb and Ross Turner

Bill and Mary Whale

Les and Ethel Whittington

Robert and Marjorie Williams

Robert Williams

Lindsay Williams

James and Susan Whittington

Burt and Goldie Black

Russ Bell

Jack Davies

Ken O’Liari

Eleanor O’Liari

Keith Lindsay

Gerald, Doug, Robert

Randy and Ricky Gillan

Leo and Catherine Corrigan Patrick Corrigan

Diane Buie

Ben and Gert Smallman

Stew and Molly Tack

Helen Jamieson

Don McColl

Cameron and Jean Stewart

Douglas Stewart

Marion Lyons

Melba and Tony Zanni

Glenn Whittington

Betty Whittington

Susan Christensen

Janet Whalls

Fred and Janet Haskell

Laura Freeman

Mary, John and David Sylvester

George and Delores Walker

Bob Bonnell

Ernie, Thelma, Bill and Helen Brereton

Theo Joyes

Annie and Howard Aldington

Vic Thompson

Kathy Roedding

Tracy Aldington

Keith and Doreen Winterton

Bert and Mabel Winterton

John and Alta Wilson

Florence and Bill Brock

Ellen Brereton

Joe Bowman

Cliff Varey

Ted Varey

Peter Scott

Jean-Pierre Tremblay

Daniel and Helen Bonner

Florence and Willis Ball

Ev Sweet

Robert “Bob” Cyril England

Phyllis Mennell

Joyce Gillan

Donald Hawkins

June Ball

Dianne Walker Barfett

Lisa Aldington

Raymona Joyes

Fred Bowman

Norman Watterton

Monneen Elliott

Jim Maguire

Norma June Barr

Sonia O’Donnell

Norma Barr

BARR, Norma June
(nee Walker)

In her 95th year with her family by her side, Norma passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario on July 23rd, 2020.

Predeceased by her husband James Barr (1988), daughter Susan Thomson (2016) and siblings Bill Walker (1990), Phyllis Mennell (2018), George Walker (2005) and David Walker (1991). Norma is survived by children Carolyn (Brian) Bouchard, Peter Barr, Julie (Steve) Clarke and grandchildren Andrew and Ian Thomson, Christopher Bouchard, Lindsay Meroniuk and Stephanie Bouchard, Kyle, Craig and Lesley Barr and Timothy and Jillian Clarke. Norma is also survived by sisters Sheila Stafford, Helen Johnson, Gerry Davis and Carole Hawkins.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at a later date, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sympathy donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449 Station B, London, Ontario N6A 5M2, the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Arrangements entrusted with A. MILLARD GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Published on July 28, 2020

James Arthur Maguire (Jim)

 

June 24, 1929 – May 27, 2020

An engaging storyteller, accomplished gardener and precision woodworker, Jim Maguire passed away at the Dearness Home on May 27. He was in his 91st year.

Jim was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he remembered spending Saturdays walking to town with his father and visiting the pet store to “talk to the parrots.” He would play cricket in the street with friends, and when he got older, he would wander up to the mountains nearby and pick bluebells. “My mother would say she never could find me,” he once recalled. His was a youth also defined by the war years. On Easter weekend in 1941, for instance, not yet 12, he rode a tram through Belfast during an air-raid, “with all these bombs falling and guns firing and searchlights and dogfights in the sky.”

In his teens, he apprenticed as a wood patternmaker at the Sirocco Works, where his father worked. After a four-year courtship that began on a dance floor in the seaside town of Bangor, he married Pat Moore in 1950. In fact, they might not have met had Pat not approached him during the “lady’s choice” part of the night. He later remembered: “I saw a group of young ladies heading in my direction, when someone touched my arm and said, ‘Would you like to dance?’ I think Pat saved me from the stampede!”

The couple and their growing family later moved to Bangor. In time, Jim established his own renovation and homebuilding business. In 1965, with four children, Jim and Pat emigrated to Canada, where they made their home in London, Ontario. Jim worked at Gudgeon Brothers until retirement. He volunteered at Parkwood Hospital and with the breakfast program at Kensal Park Public School. Retirement also allowed him to resume lawn bowling, and he joined a local league just as he had done back in Bangor decades earlier. For many years, Jim was an active member of St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church.

Predeceased by daughter Joanne, Jim leaves wife Pat; children Jim, Patricia and Shane; son-in-law Bob; daughter-in-law Diane; grandchildren Melissa (Sean), Michael, Melanie, Jesse (Taryn), Maggie, Daniel (Melina), Craille (Alexandros), Ryan (Asher) and Colin; and great-grandchildren Sydney, Andre, Jermaine, Fiona and Eila. He is survived also by brother David (Vicky) and by nephews and extended family in Ireland and England. Jim was predeceased by sisters Gertie and Margaret, brother Albert, and parents John and Mary.

Jim’s family thanks Dearness Home staff, especially in the Oakdale wing, for their care and for the many kindnesses shown to Jim and Pat over Jim’s stay there.

Cremation has taken place, and plans for other remembrances are pending. Those wanting to pay tribute to Jim may make a donation to the Alzheimer Society in his memory.

Published on June 1, 2020

To plant a tree in memory of James Arthur Maguire, please visit Tribute Store.

 

 

Olivia Formosa

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our little angel of 5 years, Olivia Marie Formosa, on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Olivia was an old soul, loving, smiling and singing Frozen and Frozen 2 songs through her biggest battles. ‘Liv’ was the cherished daughter of Brooke Formosa and Zachary Mayer and adoring sister of Paisley. Precious granddaughter of Lino & Kari Formosa, Mary Mayer and Robert Cubrt and great granddaughter of Mary & the late Arthur Formosa, Donald & the late Patricia Moore, Phillip & the late Sue Mayer. Treasured niece of Sarah and Katie Formosa and Brandon Mayer. She was a feisty, unforgettable and magical beacon to her family, friends and community. A private family visiting will be held with a proper celebration of Olivia’s life to be announced at a later date. The HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. If desired, remembrances to Childcan, The Childhood Cancer Research Association may be left at the funeral home 519.627.3231. Online tributes may be left at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca The family would like to thank the community and especially the angels of the Children’s Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre, Sick Kids Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Holland Bloorview Rehab Centre and Ronald McDonald House for their outpouring of love and support.

Published on May 2, 2020

The community came together on Tuesday for a touching tribute and celebration for a brave local girl, who has received her angel wings.

Olivia Formosa passed away at her home in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

She was five-years-old.

Olivia inspired many, was a fighter and showed tremendous courage during a three year battle with brain cancer.

Shortly after Olivia turned two years old, doctors found a mass that surrounded her cerebellum, her brain stem and down into her spinal cord.

Over the past few years, Olivia underwent multiple procedures.

She returned home from the hospital on Monday.

To honour Olivia and support her family, a special celebration of life cruise took place in Wallaceburg on Tuesday evening.

Over 450 vehicles packed the parking lot outside of the former Sobey’s building on McNaughton Avenue. Bicycles, ATV’s, cars, trucks and emergency service vehicles drove in a parade down Albert Street and by the Wallaceburg Christian School, where the Formosa family gathered.

Some of Olivia’s favourite characters, Princess Elsa, Anna and Cinderella were present and waving as the cruise drove by Olivia’s family.

Honking horns could be heard throughout the entire neighborhood as the parade participants tried to make the parade a fitting tribute to Olivia.

Wallaceburg resident Madison Bembridge, a friend of the Formosa family, told the Sydenham Current she has known Brooke Formosa, Olivia’s mother, for a few years, as her child Scarlett used to have play dates with Olivia, as they were only a few months apart in age.

“When I heard about Livie getting sick, I was heartbroken,” Bembridge said.

“I’ve followed her journey and prayed that she would fight this. After three long years of battling, God decided that it was time for Livie to gain her angel wings and go up to heaven.”

Bembridge added: “Olivia has touched many hearts and Brooke is a strong will-powered mom, who did the best she could through this hard battle. Livie is a warrior. She was a strong, beautiful little girl. She fought her battle till the very end. Fly high sweet angel.”

The Chatham-Kent Police Service traffic unit was supportive of the event, helping to organize the blockades and direct traffic during the celebration cruise.

Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services Station #3 Wallaceburg firefighters and Chatham-Kent EMS paramedics were also present to show their support.