Jack Black

BLACK, John Ross Albert “Jack”

After a lengthy illness, Jack Black of London, found his peace on Monday, January 30, 2023 in his 88th year.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris (nee Whittington) Black. Loving father of Kim (Scott), Ross (Tammy), Robert (Karen) and Pam (John). Proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Ruth Ann MacFarlane of Hamilton, Bob Black and his wife Gloria of Quebec and brother-in-law of Beverly Black of London. Predeceased by his brothers William, James and Thomas.

Born in Kapuskasing, Ontario to Goldie and Bert Black. He was a proud veteran of the Royal Canadian Regiment serving 28 years at home and abroad. In his retirement he enjoyed time fishing on the great lakes. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge, and devoted participant.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 1-1:45 p.m., followed by a Masonic Service under the auspices of Middlesex Lodge No. 379 A.F. & A.M. at 1:45 p.m., and the memorial service at 2 p.m., all held at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London. PLEASE NOTE: As a request by the family, masks are required to attend the church. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jack are asked to support the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o 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

Helen Johnson

JOHNSON, Helen

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Helen Eileen Johnson (nee Walker) in her 91st year, passed away surrounded by family. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Johnson and mother of the late Pam Johnson. Survived by her daughter Janet (Scott), her grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Renee (Jeff), great-grandchildren Dominic and Natalie, her sisters Sheila, Gerrie, Carole and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by her son-in-law Dave and close family friends Anne, Declan (Phyllis) and Liz. Helen found great joy in her family, friends and spending time at the family’s cottage in Port Bruce.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private inurnment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Mary Bosley

Bosley, Mary Ellen

It is with deep sadness that we share that Mary Ellen Bosley passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 in her 82nd year at Victoria Hospital in London, ON.

Mary was born on August 15, 1940 to Herbert and Beatrice Bosley in London, ON. Mary graduated from Western University while she pursued a career at London Life which she enjoyed for 35 years. Mary was an avid investor who enjoyed the occasional night out at the symphony.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Beatrice. She is survived by her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Shirley; her nephews, Keith (Beverly), Kevin (late Gloria), David (Pamela) and Darren; her great-nieces and nephews, Kayla, Rachel, Olivia, Philip and Brandon; and her cousin Barbara (late Steve) Clarke and her family.

Mary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thank-you to Patty, Jean and the various PSW staff for their dedicated help.

Visitation is to be held Tuesday, February 22 from 1-2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond in London with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Marion Rice

RICE, Marion…

 
Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Marion Rice passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, her 102nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Rice (2012). Loving mother of John Rice (Barbara) of Manitoba, Annette Pole (Ken), Tom Rice (Gail) and Jane Kowalski (late Rom) all of London and Tim Rice (Cathy) of Glencoe. Loved grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her granddaughter Shahna Rice. Marion was the only child of Nellie and Leonard Greenaway.  Her life was centered around her family and beloved husband of 72 years.
 
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. 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. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and pictures shared at www.amgfh.com

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.”

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.