Services & Obituaries

PIDDINGTON, Jean…
Jean Piddington passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in her 92nd year.  Born to William George and Kate Elizabeth Collins in Forest Gate (Plaistow) in the county of West Ham England in January of 1932.  Beloved wife of her late husband Peter (2021) to whom she was married for 66 years.  Loving mother to Diane (Peter), Jane, Andrew and Jonathan (Angela) and grandmother to Tiffany, Timothy, Heidi, Tammy, Sebastian, James, Josh, Ashley, Owen and Benjamin and 9 great grandchildren.  Aunt to Sheila and Alan Norton (Chelmsford, England) and David and Sue Viney (Victoria, Australia).  
Earning a National Design Degree from Southeast Essex Technology College (Dagenham) in 1954, Jean happily tackled endless drawing, painting, weaving and sewing projects. She was an avid reader, writer, gardener, baker and loved to can many pickle and jelly preserves.  With a strong Christian faith, she was inspired daily by the natural beauty of God’s creation.  
Donations in memory of Jean may be made to a charity of your choice.  Family and guests are welcome to visitation held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CULBERT, Norman Richard “Rick”…
1951-2023

It is with deep sorrow and much love we mourn the passing of Norman Richard “Rick” Culbert on Monday, November 20, 2023 in his 73rd year.

Norm will be sadly missed by his wife Lyne of 47 years, his sons Norman Jr. (Cathy) of Watford, and Andrew of London, grandsons, and extended family. Dear brother of Janet, Barb, Ron (Debbie) and Donald (Brenda). Brother-in-law of Dave (Michelle), Bob (Kelly) and Jim (Anne). Remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Norman and Marion Culbert.

The family would like to express their sincere thank you to Dr. Hertzman; Smitha, Abby and Shincy from St. Elizabeth; and Brenda, Raji and Joseph from Paramed for their wonderful care and compassion over the years for Norm. The family also wishes to extend a warm thank you to Dr. MacLean and Dr. Johnson.

As per Norm’s request, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be held at 11 am. Future interment in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye. In memory of Rick, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Health Care, the Humane Society London & Middlesex, or the Make a Wish Foundation. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SPENCER, Patricia “Pat”

Passed away peacefully at Elmwood Place, London on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Robert Spencer (2001). Loving mother of Deborah (Wayne) Fischer, Barbara (Jeff) Johnston, Cathie Spencer and Jim Spencer.  Predeceased by her son Tom (1994) and daughter Margie (1955).  Dear grandma and great-grandma to numerous grandchildren. A private family service will be held. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Pat may be made to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAGGITT, Evelyn…
Mary Evelyn Haggitt passed away peacefully at Extendicare in London, Ontario, the morning of November 12th, 2023 in her 94th year. Evelyn will be missed by her son David Haggitt. Loving grandmother to Lynnai (nee. Wetering) Haggitt, Amanda and Courtney Haggitt. Dear Sister in law to Dorothy Walker.
She is predeceased by her husband Donald, her son Gary and her grandson Troy Haggitt. Also predeceased by her siblings John (Alice) Walker, Ann (Jim) Squire, Tim (Alice) Walker, Joe (Lila) Walker and Bill Walker and her parents Thomas and Mary Walker.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON.
Family and guests are invited to a visitation for Evelyn on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 10:00 am-11:00 am in the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Oakland Cemetery, Glencoe. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Rosanna (Watson) Youlton

Peacefully at rest on Friday, November 10, 2023, Rosanna (Watson) Youlton passed away in Palliative Care at University Hospital.

She will now be reunited with her late husband Bill Youlton (2015) and cherished granddaughter Jordan Aleena (2007). Beloved mum to Allison Youlton Gortzak (Jan) and loving Nana of Kaitlyn. Predeceased by sister Catherine MacMillan (Keir) and brother Art Watson (Barbara). Rosanna will be missed by her nephews Keith, Craig (Elaine), Tom (Pam) and Chris (Margaret) as well as great grandnieces and nephews.

 Rosanna was a delightful presence whenever she visited the family parish of Holy Trinity St. Stephens Memorial.  She was devoted to her family and was so proud of her beautiful granddaughters. Her humor was contagious, and she was well known for her vivaciousness, warmth, and charm. Rosanna was a long-time member of the Order of the Easter Star, currently of Daylight Chapter #336. Before her retirement to London ON, she was dedicated to her professional career as a Legal Secretary at Runnymede Development Corp, 1051 Tapscott Road Scarborough. 

The family would like to thank the Doctors and their staff of both the Palliative Care program and the Stroke Center at University Hospital LHSC, for their kind and compassionate care.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00am for a visitation at Holy Trinity St. Stephens Memorial, 727 Southdale Blvd.  A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm beginning with an Eastern Star service at 11:45am. Light reception to follow in the Fireside lounge. Inurnment will take place at 3pm at Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Dr, London, ON.

As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations in Rosanna’s name can be made to either: The Outreach Ministries of Holy Trinity St Stephens Memorial Church [www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-stephens-memorial/] or the Regional Stroke Centre, University Hospital at London Health Sciences Foundation [https://lhsf.ca/ways-give/memory].

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

A. Millard George Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com

RUEDI, Lois Anne

Peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Parkwood Institute, London, Lois passed away in her 76th year.  Long time companion of Beat ‘Max’. Beloved mother of Ursula (Ian Carroll), Monika (Scott Foulser) and Heidi ‘Sean’. Proud grandmother of Lilley ‘Leo’ Johnston. Dear sister of the late Bill (Jeane) and David May. Predeceased by her nephew Nicholas May.  Lois will be remembered by her extended family in Appin, Ontario. Lois worked for 18 years at the Region of Waterloo Library as a Library Cataloguer where she was a respected and loved part of the team. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues. Our Mom was a wee little lady with a big personality. She was absolutely hilarious, and had a dry wit. We always admired her strength and resilience, especially during her long battle with ovarian cancer. She was dedicated to her family and her children providing endless love and support.  There are so many things we will miss about her, but we will always hold close to our hearts the amazing memories we shared as a family. A special thank you to the palliative care team at Parkwood for supporting and caring for Lois and her family. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Lois’ wishes a private family service will be held. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lois may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Arrangements entrusted A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FAIR, Eleanor(e), nee Lyle (1933-2023)

Known and loved for her sense of humour and her ability to split an apple clean in half with her hands, Eleanor Fair was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and community member.  

Eleanor was always keen for a tease, a game, a glass of chardonnay, or a dinner out. She loved her many years curling and playing bridge. She was also renowned for her bizarre dreams, brisk walking, pickles, and pecan balls.

Eleanor died from pulmonary fibrosis on November 7, 2023, at home in London, Ontario, surrounded by family.

Beloved wife of the late John William “Bill” Fair (died 1992), she was also predeceased by many dear Irish and English in-laws and close family friends (Deacons, Schroeders, and Hardys).

Eleanor is survived by her children, Maureen Fair (Wendy Shaw), Pam Chrisco (Rustin), Janis Fair (Craig Heighway), and Jamie Fair (Crystal) and her beloved grandchildren Alex and Kate Chrisco. Her nieces and nephews and extended family will miss her.

Born to Lena and Stanley Lyle, Eleanor grew up on the farm in St. Thomas, Ontario. Eleanor cherished her time with siblings Mary Beattie (Earl), William Lyle (Marion MacKenzie), Robert Lyle (Jean), Cathryn Ireland (Jack), and Douglas Lyle.  

Eleanor was a 1955 graduate of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing along with longtime friends Betty Ann Mollard and current neighbour at Longworth, Fern Heslop.

Eleanor met Bill Fair, who had recently arrived from Ireland, on a blind date and they married in 1960. Eleanor and Bill loved to travel, often loading up a small car with kids and camping gear. They also traveled extensively to Ireland, England, Morocco, and China.

Eleanor volunteered for decades for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and the London Regional Cancer Clinic where she provided soup, blankets, and kindness. Eleanor received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, in recognition of her extraordinary community service.

Mom and her family deeply appreciate the wonderful community and loving care provided by the staff at Longworth Retirement Home.

Family and friends are welcomed to visitation on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7. Interment in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Eleanor may do so with a donation to West Neighbourhood House, 248 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON M6J 3A2 or St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURDOCH, Norma Lynn…

May 25, 1952 – November 3, 2023

It is with broken hearts the family of Norma Lynn Murdoch share with you that after a three year battle with cancer she has crossed peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by close friends and family. Gert (as we fondly called her) had a long successful career at RBC which allowed her to live in multiple places including Vancouver, Oakville, London and Trinidad. She loved every moment of it and made some special friends along the way and always treasured those relationships. She had two great passions, one of course was to travel the world. Places like South Africa, Scotland, China, Hawaii and of course the Caribbean. She loved to travel and certainly lived life to the fullest. Her second passion was her love of animals – especially those in need of rescuing. She volunteered for a rescue in London and was always driving somewhere when an animal needed to be transported to a safe place. For years she sponsored an elephant (Olorien) in Kenya. She had many cats and dogs over the years, but the true love of her life was her mischievous dog she rescued, Luka. We are certain she is busy gathering up all her animals who are waiting for her at the bridge so she can lead them across. She will be dearly missed by her sister Dell Walker (Wayne), nephew Michael Walker, niece Michelle Van Osch (Brendon), and grand-nephews Macsen, Coleson and Logan. She will also be missed by her Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and her childhood friends “The Park Girls”, Darlene, Jackie and Verna. A big thankyou to her Special Chat Group, Darlene, Linda, Laura and Lindsay who have been there for her throughout her final journey. Predeceased by her parents John F. Murdoch and Norma A. Murdoch. Special thanks to Dr. K. Hahn and her team at the LRCP as well as Dr. K. Onunkwo.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or visitation. Donations to All Breed Canine Rescue (ABCR), 229 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3C2, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA (SWT), 101-25283 Cabot Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

We love you, we miss you, you will always be in our hearts.

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

BAKER, David L.

David Baker passed quietly at the Age Care Long Term Home in his 78th year on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Survived by his son Barry Neatby, and three grandchildren Jayden, Keyana and Cohen, and his sister Wendy Magrath and her husband Doug and nieces Marissa, Allyson, and Azra, and his brother Murray Baker and his wife Maria Isabel and niece Alexa, and step-mother Loreen Baker.

David loved his dogs and always had a four-legged companion to accompany him on his walks around the neighbourhood. Dave was a great sports enthusiast, friends often dropped by to watch his beloved Bears, Rangers or Red Sox’s teams on TV with him, or play a game of darts or backyard baseball. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading, watching old movies with his beverage of choice and his creative ability was shown in his poetry. His dry humour and friendliness will be missed.

Friends and family are welcomed for visitation one hour prior (12-1pm) to the funeral service that will be conducted in the chapel at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 1 pm on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory can be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex or the London Food Bank. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Joanne…

Peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Victoria Hospital, London, Joanne  passed away in her 76th year. Beloved wife of the late Paul Smith (2010). Loving mother of Anastasia (Ken) Coffin and Michael Smith. Cherished grandma of Weston, Callum and Everleigh.
Dear sister of Catherine Dobec. Predeceased by her siblings Robert Fisher and Mary Zelinski.  Joanne will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.  Joanne’s grandchildren were her greatest treasures and brought her much happiness and joy.  In her retirement she kept active and social with golf, bowling and having lunch with the ladies. A private service has been held with immediate family. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Joanne may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com