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.

Norma Barr

BARR, Norma June
(nee Walker)

In her 95th year with her family by her side, Norma passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario on July 23rd, 2020.

Predeceased by her husband James Barr (1988), daughter Susan Thomson (2016) and siblings Bill Walker (1990), Phyllis Mennell (2018), George Walker (2005) and David Walker (1991). Norma is survived by children Carolyn (Brian) Bouchard, Peter Barr, Julie (Steve) Clarke and grandchildren Andrew and Ian Thomson, Christopher Bouchard, Lindsay Meroniuk and Stephanie Bouchard, Kyle, Craig and Lesley Barr and Timothy and Jillian Clarke. Norma is also survived by sisters Sheila Stafford, Helen Johnson, Gerry Davis and Carole Hawkins.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at a later date, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sympathy donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449 Station B, London, Ontario N6A 5M2, the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Arrangements entrusted with A. MILLARD GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Published on July 28, 2020

James Arthur Maguire (Jim)

June 24, 1929 – May 27, 2020

An engaging storyteller, accomplished gardener and precision woodworker, Jim Maguire passed away at the Dearness Home on May 27. He was in his 91st year.

Jim was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he remembered spending Saturdays walking to town with his father and visiting the pet store to “talk to the parrots.” He would play cricket in the street with friends, and when he got older, he would wander up to the mountains nearby and pick bluebells. “My mother would say she never could find me,” he once recalled. His was a youth also defined by the war years. On Easter weekend in 1941, for instance, not yet 12, he rode a tram through Belfast during an air-raid, “with all these bombs falling and guns firing and searchlights and dogfights in the sky.”

In his teens, he apprenticed as a wood patternmaker at the Sirocco Works, where his father worked. After a four-year courtship that began on a dance floor in the seaside town of Bangor, he married Pat Moore in 1950. In fact, they might not have met had Pat not approached him during the “lady’s choice” part of the night. He later remembered: “I saw a group of young ladies heading in my direction, when someone touched my arm and said, ‘Would you like to dance?’ I think Pat saved me from the stampede!”

The couple and their growing family later moved to Bangor. In time, Jim established his own renovation and homebuilding business. In 1965, with four children, Jim and Pat emigrated to Canada, where they made their home in London, Ontario. Jim worked at Gudgeon Brothers until retirement. He volunteered at Parkwood Hospital and with the breakfast program at Kensal Park Public School. Retirement also allowed him to resume lawn bowling, and he joined a local league just as he had done back in Bangor decades earlier. For many years, Jim was an active member of St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church.

Predeceased by daughter Joanne, Jim leaves wife Pat; children Jim, Patricia and Shane; son-in-law Bob; daughter-in-law Diane; grandchildren Melissa (Sean), Michael, Melanie, Jesse (Taryn), Maggie, Daniel (Melina), Craille (Alexandros), Ryan (Asher) and Colin; and great-grandchildren Sydney, Andre, Jermaine, Fiona and Eila. He is survived also by brother David (Vicky) and by nephews and extended family in Ireland and England. Jim was predeceased by sisters Gertie and Margaret, brother Albert, and parents John and Mary.

Jim’s family thanks Dearness Home staff, especially in the Oakdale wing, for their care and for the many kindnesses shown to Jim and Pat over Jim’s stay there.

Cremation has taken place, and plans for other remembrances are pending. Those wanting to pay tribute to Jim may make a donation to the Alzheimer Society in his memory.

Published on June 1, 2020

To plant a tree in memory of James Arthur Maguire, please visit Tribute Store.

LISA ALDINGTON

THANK YOU FOR LISA

The family of Lisa wishes to thank our relatives, friends, neighbours and co-workers for the thoughtful acts of kindness through cards, floral arrangements, food and memorial donations in memory of a wonderful daughter, niece, cousin and friend. A special thanks to all paramedics, firefighters, doctors and nurses for their compassionate care. A special thanks to Rev. Teresa Corrigan and our church family for their support and beautiful lunch.

Bob, Linda, & Christine

ALDINGTON, Lisa Lynn
May 15, 1980 – May 11, 2019

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our daughter Lisa on May 11, 2019 after a brief illness. Survived by parents Bob and Linda and sister Christine, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends will be received at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Bristol St. West, London, ON, N6J 1L9 on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service to celebrate Lisa’s life at 11 a.m. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the memorial fund of the Church of the Epiphany would be appreciated.

For information and online condolences, please visit
www.woodlandcemetery.ca

 On Friday May 17 a service of remembrance was held at  the Church of the Epiphany. Our little church was full to the rafters with friends, relatives and co-workers. Rev Teresa led us through a beautiful memorial much appreciated by all. It was a very appropriate and proper send off for our friend Lisa.

Joe Bowman

Joe Bowman was a long time parishioner at the Church of the Epiphany. He was known in the area as the Mayor of Manor Park. He owned a Variety Store on the corner of Wharncliffe Rd and Emery St. Joe was a very generous man. If someone needed food, but couldn’t afford to pay just then – no problem. Joe would give him what he needed. In reality Joe was the first food bank in the area, long before our church food bank. Joe was also a decorated war veteran. He was instrumental in forming the Manor and Highland Park War Restoration Committee when the cenotaph was vandalized beyond repair and had to be replaced. Back in 2011 Adam, Teresa’s son Adam interviewed Joe for a school project. Here is an audio file of that interview.