Services & Obituaries

LAWRENCE, Rose-Marie…

Quickly with loved ones by her side, at Westmount Gardens, London on Thursday, February 23, 2023, Rose-Marie Lawrence passed away a few days shy of her 67th birthday. She was the devoted wife of Wayne Lawrence. Beloved mother and step-mother to Yvonne Lawrence, Kerry Lawrence-Boot, and Donna (Rene) Murray. Adoring grandmother to Bohden and Natilia Kalybaba, Lauren, Aubrey and Gavin Boot, and James Murray. Rose was lovingly cared for in her final years by her sister Anna Boland and her dear friend Paula Sillers.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Rose’s life will be held at the A. Millard George Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, from 1:30-3:30 pm. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 1:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Canadian Mental Health Association or the London Abused Women’s Centre, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCKAY, June…

Peacefully in London, Ontario on Sunday, February 19, 2023, June (Umphrey) McKay of London passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Reverend J.F. “Jack” McKay for 53 years. Loving mother of Scott and wife Sandra, Jeff and partner Melissa, and daughter/best-friend Dr. Janet McKay. Loved dearly by her grandchildren Andrew and partner Christiane, Iain, Victoria and partner Glenn, and by her wonderful great-grand daughter Emma. Predeceased by her brothers Jack and Ron Umphrey, and her treasured sister Shirley Wynne. Born in Alberta, she lived as a young woman in Calgary, Montreal, and Oshawa, and upon marriage, Toronto, Lucky Lake Sask., Edinburg U.K., Boston Mass., Windsor, and finally London. June loved Canada, loved to travel, and loved the fun of meeting people on her journey. Based on her spirited and whimsical personality, she made life-long friendships in both church and community at each location. Using her enthusiastic and unusual leadership, she provided unequaled support to the ministry of The United Church of Canada for 60 years, and crafted a successful career serving the real estate needs of people in London through Canada Trust and her brokerage Grant & McKay Ltd. The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the care she received from the staff at Fox Hollow, University Hospital, as well as Dr. Dave Dixon. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1X6, where a service of Celebration will be conducted on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. (Please note time change). Family and friends are invited to watch the memorial service live from the comfort of their homes by clicking this link: https://youtube.com/live/gOt-vppazP0?feature=share. Interment in Kintore Presbyterian Cemetery, Kintore, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 2R6 or First-St. Andrew’s United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184.

“Nothing shall separate us from the love of God” Romans 8:39

DOWSWELL, Alliene…

Alliene chose to have a “Living” Celebration of her Life on Saturday, February 11, 2023, where her family, friends and staff from Craigwiel Gardens could celebrate her by sharing stories, giving tributes, and singing to her. Alliene later passed away the following Saturday, February 18, 2023 with family by her side at Craigwiel Gardens Long Term Care Home, Ailsa Craig, in her 90th year.

Much loved mother of Jeffery Dowswell of Corunna, Chuck Dowswell and his wife Jo of London, Melanie Evans of Richmond, B.C. and Joshua Dowswell and his wife Liz of St. Thomas. Loving grandmother of Shawn, Spencer and Jesse Dowswell, Jason, Jeffery and Scott Dowswell, Amanda and Melissa Evans and Sadie and Ashley Dowswell and great-grandmother of Morgan, Ben, Joel, Kaitlyn, Rebecca, Austin, Aidyn, Liam and Ewan. Dear sister of Jack Thompson of Trenton, Murray Thompson and his wife Elaine of Burlington and Helen Thompson of London and also survived by her sister-in-law Chris Thompson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Dorothy Boam, her brother Barry Thompson and her sister-in-law Ann Thompson. Alliene will be greatly missed by many.

A special thanks to Dr. Andrew Whynot, Mr. Ernie Harris, and the wonderful family of nurses, PSWs, RPNs, and the many support staff in Craigwiel Gardens LTC Home. The family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

Cremation has taken place and the interment of her ashes will take place at a later date in Parkhill Cemetery, Parkhill. In honour of Alliene, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0, the Breast Care Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or to Craigwiel Gardens for “Building a New Craigholme”, 221 Ailsa Craig Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON N0M 1A0. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

PHILLIPS, Leona (nee Westlake)…

Leona Phillips of London passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the age of 94 at Country Terrace Nursing Home in Komoka, ON. Leona will be missed by her sons Peter, Paul, and Patrick (Dawn). Dear Grandmother to Juliana (Shaun), Jessica (Hamish), Thomas and Rebecca (Petyr). Dear Great-Grandmother to Reeves, William, Samantha, Jennifer, Anna and Layla. Also missed by her sister-in-law Marion Cavanaugh and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers James and Hugh, sister Margaret, and daughter-in-law Jennifer.

Leona was born on a farm in Hibbert Township in 1928 to Arnold & Oriole Westlake. Like many children growing up on small farms, her character was shaped by the daily life and tasks of tending to animals, fields, and the crops. As a teenager, she trained and step danced the Highland Fling and Sword Dance, receiving numerous accolades and honours. After graduation from high school, Leona moved to London and began work at London Printing. This was followed by a long career of approximately 30 years with Huron College (UWO) where initially tasked with operating the switchboard evolved into caring to the needs of thousands of young students of the men’s residence. Leona loved gardening, interior decorating, quilting, and reading. Leona had a lifelong commitment to the Presbyterian Church.

We express our deep gratitude to the caring staff of Country Terrace for the love and compassion shown towards Leona over her many years of residency.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 1-2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Future interment in April in Hensall Union Cemetery, Hensall.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations to Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

PARKIN, William “Bill” …

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, William “Bill” Parkin passed away in his 99th year. Beloved husband of the late Jean (Merryfield) Parkin. Dear father of John Parkin and his late wife Rae, Shirley Parkin and Cindy Gentle and her partner Ian. Much loved grandfather of Lindsay and her husband Rob, Ainsleigh and her husband Morris, Vicary and her husband Mazen, Stuart and Samantha and great-grandchildren Addison, Evan, Owen, Nile, Blake, Rayan and Soran. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Jean James and her husband Doug.

Bill was raised in Montreal where he met Jean, his lifelong partner. After returning from serving in the Navy during World War II, he worked for Northern Telecom until retirement. The family moved to London in 1960.

Bill and Jean were active members of the Telephone Pioneers for many years. Bill volunteered at the McCormick Home while Jean was there and for several years following her passing in 2004.

Friends and family are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 6-8 pm and 1 hour prior (10-11am) to the funeral service that will be conducted on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Veterans Care Program, PO Box 5777, STN B, London, ON N6A 4V2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

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

Fazlic, Dana…

With broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Dana Fazlic (nee Hart) at her home on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in her 36th year. Beloved wife of Dejan Fazlic. Adored and loving mother of Andrew Lee. Cherished daughter of Pamela Hart and her husband Mark and David Albert and his wife Lori. Dear sister of Barbie MacDonald, Tara Hart and Samantha Hart. Special auntie of Danielle, Jacquon, Jeanesta, Lilyee, Jayse, Jaiden, Isabella, Daris and Miron. Daughter-in-law of Pasaga and Darinka and sister-in-law of Danijela and Amar. Dana will be lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. Predeceased by her cherished nana Georgina and papa Jim Bryson and her grandma Margaret Rose Albert. Dana will be greatly missed by her four-legged companion Jeb.

Dana was an avid reader, a loving and kind soul to all those she met and was a faithful friend of many.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please honour Dana with a donation to London Cares Homeless Response Services, 602 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Y8 or Atlohsa Family Healing Service, 109-343 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3C2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOODY, William E…

His sails have been lowered, his tools laid down, and his lessons well taught.  William “Bill” Moody, passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the age of 81. Beloved husband of the late Donna May Moody (2008). Dear father of Jason Moody and his wife Sherri of London. Loving grandfather of Kiera and Robee.  Bill is survived by sister-in-law Brenda, niece Janice, and nephews David (Janet), Jeff, Aaron (Kelly), Brett (Christina), and great nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents William and Miriam, and brothers Robert and Doug.  

Bill was born and raised in London.  After starting his career at London Hydro, Bill returned to school to earn his teaching certificate and taught Architectural Drafting and other technology courses in high schools, first in Wallaceburg and then in London, most recently at Saunders Secondary until his retirement in 1999.  Bill used his drafting and technology skills most notably at his second home on Skeleton Lake.  In the busy summer months, “Uncle Bill” could be found visiting or consulting on a project with members of the extended Skeleton Lake Family many of whom he had known all of his life.   Although Bill enjoyed the quiet off-seasons at the cottage he would look forward to the return of summer to fish, sail, and have morning coffee down on the dock with a dog at his feet.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 6-8 pm or Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 11-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Family and friends are also welcome to attend the funeral service which will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 1pm.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or charity of choice.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEARCE, Alison…

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Alison Pearce on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Elmwood Place Long Term Care, London.

She was predeceased by her parents Alice (nee Morris) and Ernest Pearce, siblings Norine Campbell, Mary Oldham, Dora Blachford and Franklin, and special companion Bill Keeler (2016). She leaves behind several nieces, a nephew, the Keeler family, and many good friends.

Alison grew up in Wallacetown, Ontario, and went on to have a career in education. She started her teaching in Sarnia, before travelling to London England where she taught from 1955-1959. Upon returning to Canada, she moved to Toronto to teach at schools with TDSB. She was Principal of the Junior School at Bishop Strachan for several years and enjoyed working with the children and their families of that community. Alison also served two terms as Trustee with the TDSB. Alison enjoyed theatre, music, reading, writing and had a life-long love of learning. She had a deep interest in the history of Elgin County, and researched the genealogy of the Pearce family. She was very active in the Tyrconnell Heritage Society and the Backus-Page House Museum in Wallacetown.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Carter, and members of the healthcare team who provided excellent care for Alison at Elmwood Place.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 2-5 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Family and friends are also welcome to attend the funeral service which will be held at a later date, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 am at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 29596 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown. Interment to follow in St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cemetery. In memory of Alison, sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association, 502-885 Meadowlands Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 3N2, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CROWE, Eileen M. …

The family of Eileen M. Crowe sadly announce her peaceful passing in her 102nd year, at Kensington Village Long Term Care Home on Sunday, February 12, 2023.  Eileen is survived by her much loved daughter Carrol and son-in-law Ron Tanner, her grandson David and his wife Natalie Tanner and granddaughter Meagan and her husband Tyler McGregor.  Her great grandchildren Tanner and Carter McGregor, Ben and Jet Tanner and Kyla, Troy and Joel Harness brought her great joy. Eileen is predeceased by her dearly loved husbands James Stewart (1952) and Kenneth Crowe (2018). Thank you to Dr. Whynot and the caring and supportive staff at Kensington Village Long Term Care, your kindness is greatly appreciated. At Eileen’s request there will be no visitation or service. Donations in Eileen’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAGGITT, Troy Deveron…..

 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, to announce the unexpected loss of Troy Deveron Haggitt, whom passed away at his home in his 40th year.

Troy is survived by his mother and step-father, Mikalene and Gord Thompson. Predeceased by his father Gary Haggitt (April 5, 2022)

Dear grandson to Marion (Larry) Warren, and Evelyn Haggitt.

Troy will be deeply missed by his younger sister Lynnai (Dan) Wetering, and his older step-brothers Chuck Thompson and Darcy (Tam) Thompson.

Proud uncle of Tristen, Wesley, Abby, Emma, Paige and Chase.

His memory lives on with his aunts, uncles and cousins near and far.

He will be forever loved and remembered by many dear friends, and his kind heart will forever be cherished. In the words of Troy’s friends “So many memories, so many laughs, so many giant hugs. A sweet, big hearted, funny, and loving person. We’ll miss his loving heart, kind eyes and keeping all of us laughing”

Troy was a devoted Equipment Operator at London Hydro and will be dearly missed by so many colleagues and crew members.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Troy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 2-6 pm at the Brookside Banquet Centre, 99 Brookside Street, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com