Elma Marie Howald

HOWALD, ELMA MARIE (nee McKessock)

Always remembered for her kindness and warmth, spiritual dedication, smile and humour, plus her commitment to family, Elma died peacefully in London surrounded by her four children on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in her 88th year.  Despite Covid restrictions, Elma connected with family, friends, and Siloam United Church through permitted visits, by phone and computer (avid Zoom user) until an unexpected stroke interrupted this and led to her death in her 88th year (and she never looked her age).  We were grateful to have had the past few weeks with Mom to be able to tell her what she meant to us and to reflect on a life truly well-lived.  She never stopped asking about family members and assorted family pets.  She loved them dearly.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, travel partner and best friend of 56 years, Harry (2011) and her special friend and cribbage opponent, Bob Griese (2019); also by her parents, Alan & Ena McKessock, of Thamesford.

Loving Mom, example, and inspiration for Kate & Nick Head of Dunnville, Bob & Joan of Mississauga, Brian & Kelly of North Vancouver, and John & Julie of Scarborough.  Grandma (Granny to her great-grandchildren) is remembered for her stories, cross-stitching, Seafood Chowder, and baking by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ~ Kate’s family: Jacob (Billie Jean) with Liam and Lilyanna, Dr. Liseann (Adrian) with Amelia; Bob’s family: Caitlin (Mike), Kimberly (Jared), Jacqueline; Brian’s family: Alyssa (Brian), Shannon (Laura); John’s family: Brendan, Laura.  Elma had a special connection with her “Smith Cousin”, Elaine Clays of Thorndale.

Prior to getting married and raising a family, Elma graduated from London Normal School and taught in Ingersoll.  She also returned as an occasional teacher when her children were grown.  Elma was an active volunteer with Boy Scouts, various United Churches and Presbytery (Thamesford, St. Catharines, Dunnville, and London), and Hospital Auxiliaries – a Past President of Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario and a Past Board Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries.  She treasured her many friends coast to coast.

We are thankful for the many friendships Mom enjoyed at Richmond Woods Retirement Village and the attentive care she received from the Stroke Unit staff at University Hospital.

Friends are invited to call at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout St. South, London, ON  N6C 3X1 on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 11:15 – 1:45pm. 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. A private family funeral will follow which will be livestreamed. 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 or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Inurnment will take place at Zion 7th Line Cemetery, Thamesford.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations to London Public Library’s “A Book for Every Child“, 251 Dundas St, London ON  N6A 6H9 or Siloam United Church, 1240 Fanshawe Park Rd East, London ON N5X 3Z8.  Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the online Book of Memories at www.amgfh.com

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the

purest love you can find on earth.”