NESBITT, Valerie Jean Lenore

NESBITT, Valerie Jean Lenore

Val passed over into paradise on Sunday October 24, 2021 surrounded by her family at University Hospital, at the age of 65.

She is survived by her (Bubby) Alyssa, and daughter-in-law Cadet. Her partner of 35 years, Brian. Her incredible granddaughter, Kennedy. Her mother, Carole, brothers and sisters, Cheryl, Kimmerly, Christina and Kelly. Val will be loved and missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She would say her greatest accomplishment was the arrival of her daughter at 38 years old! And anyone who knew her knew of her love of Phil Collins!

Val was predeceased by her father; Albert, and 3 of her siblings; Phillip, Theresa and Allister. A private service will be held at Needham Funeral Home on Friday, October 29, 2021. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Valerie’s name to the Canadian Lung Association.

Fred Holowitz

Mr. Fred Holowitz passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Born in Fort William, ON on February 27, 1925 he was a lifelong resident, attending local schools. He served in the Canadian Navy during WWII as a sailor on the HMCS St. Catherines and was a long time employee of the intercity location of Sears, retiring in 1982.

Predeceased by his wife Esther Holowitz (Silvestri), father and mother Stephen and Ahafia Holowaty, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Dan Mozel (Fort William), brother Joseph Holowitz (Fort William) and nephew-in-law Bill Makiw (Thunder Bay).

He is survived by his son Stephen (Teresa), London ON, daughter Cathy (Doug), Thornbury ON, grandchildren Adam (London ON), Elena (New Westminster BC) and niece Jean Makiw.

Special thanks to Thunder Bay cousins Joanne Walters and Robert Sylvester.

A member of St. Agnes RC Church, the Royal Canadian Legion (Slovak Branch), the Knights of Columbus, and longtime member of the Fort William Country Club and Go-Slow Curling at Fort William Curling Club and the Men’s Bowling League at the Galaxy and Big M Bowl.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

If friends desire, donations in memoriam, may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada.

The family would like to thank the staff of Birch Wing – Hogarth Riverview Manor for their compassionate and thoughtful care of Fred, particularly since the passing of Esther last December. The kindness and support of this wonderful team of caregivers will always be remembered by the immediate family.

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

Mildred A McColl

Mildred McColl (nee Bell)

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute on Monday, August 23, 2021, Mildred A. McColl in her 97th year. Beloved wife to the late Donald K. McColl (2008). Loving mother of Janet Stewart (Ron), Wendy MacSween (Rod) of Kincardine, and Donna McColl. Dear Grandma of Sara and Cait Stewart, Suzanne Hallay (Peter) and Scott MacSween (Carmen), and special “Gram” to Lindsay Hall (Nathan). Loving Great Grandma to Mason, Max, Ivy, Carter and Bazil. Cremation has taken place. Guests will be received for visitation at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1997 Dundas Street East, London on Monday, August 30 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Following physical distance restrictions, 40 people are allowed for visiting at any given time. We apologize in advance for any delays in entering the funeral home based on the numbers attending. A private Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Please contact the family, if you wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Thames Valley Education Foundation or to the Church of the Epiphany.

Jeanne Heighway

HEIGHWAY, Jeanne

With deep sadness the family of Jeanne L. Heighway (nee Hunt) announce her passing on Thursday, April 1, 2021, due to complications from a stroke, in her 92nd year. Beloved mother of Catherine (Wally MacKinnon) and Steve (Kim) Heighway. Devoted Nana of Mitchell (Meg) Heighway, Brent Heighway and Emily MacKinnon. Survived by her sister Betty (Bud) Bathgate, brothers-in-law Bob (Midge) Heighway and Don Winterton, sister-in-law Kit Hunt as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving husband Bruce (2016), brother George Hunt, sister-in-law Mary Jane Winterton and brother-in-law Don Heighway. Jeanne was born and raised in London, Ontario. She attended Central High School, and it was at a school dance where she met Bruce who would become her beloved husband. The couple married in 1951, built their home and raised their family in London. At 16 years of age, she began working at “The Bell” telephone company as a switchboard operator. Jeanne stayed at home to care for her young family and in 1968 joined Canada Trust – University Branch as a teller. Over the span of her 25 year career with the bank, she also worked at head office accounting and real estate administration. Jeanne poured her heart and soul into all aspects of her family. Among her many passions she was a superb gardener, a fantastic cook, an excellent seamstress and an avid birdwatcher. Jeanne and Bruce shared a love of travel that took them on many world-wide adventures. Closer to home, they both enjoyed activities with the Ilderton Curling Club, Huff n’ Puff biking group and the London Centre Branch YMCA. They owned a cottage near St Joseph on Lake Huron for several years, which was the hub of family get-togethers. It was here that Jeanne nurtured her spectacular gardens and opened the wonders of nature to her young grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and always felt so blessed to have been able to take an active role in their lives. Jeanne was a resilient, determined, creative, generous, and loving woman and we will miss her terribly. We would like to thank the staff at Fox Hollow Assisted Living for their care and compassion over the past several months. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held when Covid restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, PO Box 601, Mt Brydges, ON N0L 1W0, Wellspring London and Region Cancer Support Centre, 382 Waterloo Street (Inside the YMCA), London, ON N6B 2N8 or the London Centre Branch YMCA – Strong Kids campaign, 382 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6B 2N8 in memory of Jeanne. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com”The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth.
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

Junne Boucher

BOUCHER, Junne

At University Hospital, London on Monday, March 15, 2021, Junne (Winslow) Boucher in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Boucher (1981). Dear mother-in-law of Wayne Parker (Connie). Cherished grandmother of Janice Wiersma (Jim), Bob Parker (Sue), and great-grandmother of Laryssa Parker and Michelle Wiersma. Dearly missed by Allan Cross (Barbara). Predeceased by her stepdaughter Dorothy Parker, her parents William and Clara Winslow, her sisters Clara, Audrey and Phyllis. A private graveside service was held at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Esther Holowitz

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.