Obituaries & Condolences

MAC DONALD, Helen (nee Waters)…

It is with profound grief that we say goodbye to our wonderful special mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Mom passed away with all her family at the bedside on January 7th, 2025 in her 90th year.

She is predeceased by her Parents Jennie and Clarence Waters and her brother Don. Dearly loved by her husband Archie (2019), with whom she travelled to many countries and every state in the U.S.A. during their 55 years of marriage. Predeceased by their youngest child Dougie (1968).

Mom is lovingly remembered by her children Cheryle Anne and husband David, Ken and wife Sue (2023) and Ron. A patient, kind and generous gramma to Cole, Rhett, Douglas and wife Chrystal, Matthew and wife Rebecca, and Andrew and wife Thalia. A great grandmother with love and treats for great grandson Coen and his mother Courtney. Loved by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Mom was raised and remained a devout Christian who was the example for all of us. She believed “Kindness to others on Earth pays for a room in Heaven”. Family and friends were everything to her and she was always available for support, making cakes and treats for her grandsons and showing them how to make crafts. She was there for every baptism, graduation, birthday, concert or special event. Her face would light up with the mention of a family member coming to visit.

A very special thank you to family friends, Joan, Mike and Dolly for their support of Mom and us.

A very special thank you to the paramedics, firefighters and nurses in the ICU at University Hospital, Jody and Kathy and Dr. Haddara for their kindness to Mom and her family in this time of profound sadness.

The biggest thank you goes to her son Ken and son-in-law David for their support and help as we tried to ensure all her needs were taken care of in the last 6 years.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the warmer months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northbrae Public School – T.V.D.S.B., 335 Belfield Street, London, ON N5Y 2K3 for books and musical instruments. Tax receipts will be available.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MICHALCZYK, Grzegorz “Greg”

Unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Greg passed away at the age of 46. Husband of Kelly Michalczyk (nee Burrows) for 20 years and adored Dad of Brooklyn. Beloved Son of Les and Janina Michalczyk and son-in-law of Mary Szklenar (Nana). Loving Brother of Wojtek (Sonia) Michalczyk and Tommy Michalczyk. Proud Uncle of Marcus and Arius Michalczyk (twins). Beloved nephew, cousin, and friend to many.

I know that if you interacted with him, you had some sort of reaction to Greg, because he was such a big personality. If he was your delivery driver (the Pepsi guy), co-worker, neighbor, classmate, or friend (guy, bud)- it would be a great comfort for me and the whole family for you to join us at a Celebration of Life service. It will be held on Saturday, January 4, at Impact Church at 11 am (104-1200 Commissioners Road East). In honour of Greg, please wear a graphic t-shirt and jeans.

In memory of Greg, donations may be made to Impact Church. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WONNACOTT, Corinne….

Peacefully with her family by her side on, Friday, December 27, 2024, Corinne (Deziel) Wonnacott, passed away at the age of 60. Beloved wife of Andrew Wonnacott for 37 years. Loving mother of Bryan Wonnacott (Leanna), Eric Wonnacott (Samanatha), and Beth Wonnacott. Cherished Nana of Kayden, Kylie, Dominic and Bella. Dear sister of Terry (Dawn), Wade (Donna) Roxanne (Barry), Renee, Michele (Geoff), Tom (Lucy), Jackie, and Marc (Ann). Predeceased by her parents Fred and Isabel Deziel. Corinne will be reunited with her loving furry companion Pepsi. The family would like to thank the nurses at Victoria Hospital floor D7/C6 for their compassion. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Online condolences accepted at www.cremationlondon.com

DRIES, Raymond “Ray” Wilfrid…

Passed with dignity, grace and signature humor surrounded by his family at their longtime home on the anniversary of his birth, Friday, December 20th, 2024 reaching his 81st year and setting a family milestone.

Father to Becki (Alan Pullman), Bart (Mindy Muylaert) and Sandy (Richard Bertin), loving Grampaman to Everlea, Kellan (Becki, Alan), Bennett and Bauer (Bart, Mindy), proud and adoring partner to Lorraine Haskell.

Ray wrote many colourful chapters in life, born on the kitchen table in Ruscom, Ontario working the family farm with his six beloved sisters and brothers, establishing multiple businesses, raising with his family a stable of champion Egyptian Arabian horses, navigating the Great Lakes, the Great Loope and Gulf Stream Crossing in his PDQ twin diesel powercat, exploring Europe and the Hawaiian Islands with Lorraine.

When he wasn’t inventing or Macgyvering solutions to help his friends in Squamish and the Cove, solving word puzzles or conjuring up a new business plan, Ray could be found “mowing da lawn” at the family hobby farm.

Always ready with a dad-joke or an (in)appropriate gem from his collection of colloquial idioms, Ray delighted in imparting his unique brand of sage wisdom to those around him. “Let’s just save time and assume that I’m right”. “We’re here for a good time, not a long time”. “You never know from where you sit…”.

Ray’s final days were comforted with wonderful medical community care and surrounded by his family’s tears of sadness and joy, immense love and legacy.

In memory of Ray, those wishing to make donations can do so towards SickKids Toronto. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Anna Elizabeth Woodson
Anna (Muffett) Woodson passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after living gracefully with cancer for three years. She was 71. She will be dearly missed by her husband Peter Barnett; her daughter Merritt Crews (Dave Miller) and grandson Charles; Peter’s children Mackenzie and Clayton; sister Sarah James, brother James Woodson, and nephew Michael James.
A woman of uncommon physical and inner beauty, deep spirituality, and natural warmth, Anna was born in Selma, Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University and subsequently received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. After immigrating to Canada in her mid-20’s, Anna married David Crews, who she met in Muskoka. She worked for and led numerous professional organizations over the years, including Oolagen Community Services, the Metropolitan Toronto Special Committee on Child Abuse, and the Creche Child and Family Centre. Anna married her second husband Peter in 2000 and moved to London, ON, where she became the Clinical Director of Madame Vanier Children’s Services. The final 20 years of her career were spent working as a private practice psychotherapist.
For over 20 years, Anna graced the choir at St. James with her beautiful voice. Her radiant spirit and uplifting presence touched everyone she encountered, earning her the love and admiration of all who knew her. Anna’s kindness and infectious high spirits will forever be remembered and sorely missed.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON, on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 2 pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Anna may be made to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and the St. James Westminster Church Music Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationlondon.com

TROOP, Kevin “Scott”…
Kevin “Scott” Troop passed away in London, Ontario, on December 12, 2024 at the age of 65. Loving husband of Katherine Troop. Dear father of Zackary and his wife Sarah, Mitchell, Tyler, and Alexandra Troop. Loving “Grandpa Scott” of Addison and Charlie Mae. Brother of Terry.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Scott may be made to the Humane Society of Durham Region. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
The angel said my place is ready, in Heaven far above.
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home,
For God looked down and smiled at me, and told me “Welcome Home”.
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

Margot Sauer | (1927-2024)

Margot Sauer of London, Ontario passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the age of 97. Beloved wife of the late Roland Sauer (2018) and dearly loved mother of the late Roswitha Sauer, Virginia Clark (the late Bill), Roland Sauer (Marilyn), Frank Sauer, the late Rikada Sauer, the late Angelica Sauer, Anita Sauer (Wendy), Sonja Dibsdale (Dan), Harold Sauer (Jackie) and Rob Sauer (Tiffany). Cherished Oma to 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren (and growing).

Born Margot Bethke, her journey began on December 8, 1927 in Recklinghausen, Germany. At the age of 2 she spent her formative years growing up in an orphanage. Her days were spent amongst other children, sparking her famed motherly nature at an early age. She met the love of her life, Rolf Sauer in West Germany and they were married on New Year’s Eve, in 1948.

In 1953 (with three children in tow), they immigrated to Canada, landing in Quebec with only a few of their possessions, ready to start a new chapter. They first settled in Strathroy, then Melbourne before finally finding their forever home in London, Ontario. Life was not easy. They felt the joy of welcoming seven more children, and profound loss with the passing of Rose, Ricky and Angela.

In her later years, Margot could be found tending to their award-winning garden or knitting Christmas stockings, mittens and slippers for everyone in the family. She loved baking cookies and cakes – Oma’s famous apple cake was the family’s favorite.

Throughout her 97 years, Margot truly lived every moment – experiencing all the ups and downs of life. Her resilience and grit was rivalled only by her sweet and caring nature; an admirable combination that made Margot uniquely special. To know her was to be inspired by her.

The list of things she passed on to her family is endless, whether it be their competitive love of soccer, memories of time spent in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, that Jägermeister is for celebrating and to help settle your stomach, a love of gardening, or how to make sausage and sauerkraut just like Oma’s. But above all else, what she will be remembered for is the love and care she had for her family.

This Christmas, like every year, the Sauer family’s mantles will don personalized stockings for everyone in the family, each knitted with love by Margot.

An incredible life, well-lived. An incredible Wife, Mother, Oma and Great-Oma, well-loved and remembered.

Auf Wiedersehen, ich liebe dich.

BREAULT, Elke…

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elke I. Breault, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully on December 12th, 2024, at the age of 75.

Born in February of 1949, in Recklinghausen, Germany. Elke lived a life marked by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She was a nurturing mother and grandmother, always there with a listening ear, a warm embrace, a homemade meal, and freshly baked treats. As a wife, she shared a deep and enduring love with her spouse, Peter, building a life together filled with laughter, adventures, and cherished memories.

Elke was also a beloved sister and friend, known for her generosity, loyalty, and support. She liked nothing more than sharing laughs, good music, a pot of coffee, and having those she loved most all together. Elke is well known for her chocolate cake, cheesecake and potato salad. She made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.

Elke is survived by her husband Peter, her children, Michelle Moore (Breault) and Patrick Breault of London. Loving grandmother of Amanda Robinson-Kenner (Nickalas), Emily Moore, Kaitlyn Breault, Jordan Breault, and Morgan Breault. Devoted sister to Dieter Buerger (Mary).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1.

We find comfort in knowing that her love and memories will live on in all of us and that she is now at peace.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LUCE, Eric…

It is with great sadness that we announce that Eric Warren Luce, age 86, has passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband and best friend of 61 years to the late Anna Luce (2023). His memory will be cherished by his daughter Kiersten (Matt Weichel), his son Jamie (Elizabeth Coleman), his grandchildren Sean and Nicole Aye, and Nico Luce. Eric is also survived by his brother David Luce (Belle-Anne). He is predeceased by his loving parents Wilber and Barbara Luce (née Warren), and his brothers Barry and Garry. Eric graduated from Beal Secondary School in commercial art. He worked in the advertising department at London Life in his early career. He then attended University of Western Ontario receiving a B.A. in 1963 and became an art teacher. Eric was a gifted watercolour artist. His paintings reflect the love he had of light, colour and nature. Eric’s other love was cars. He and Anna could often be seen buzzing around their summer home in Southampton in a sports car. The family would like to thank everyone who has given their love and support to Eric over the years including the wonderful staff and residents at Chelsey Park Nursing Home. As an expression of sympathy, donations could be made to the Southampton Arts Centre. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LIVINGSTONE, Graham..

Graham Livingstone of London, passed away peacefully at home in his 79th year. Loving husband of the late Heather Livingstone (October 2024) for 52 years. Graham will be dearly missed by his children Loranne (Jonathan), Erin (Phillip) and Darren (Beckie). Beloved grandfather of Brandon (Cristal), Matthew (Yanelli), Brett (Brandy), Ethan, Madelyne, Jake, Cole, and Will. He will also be missed by his great grandchildren Brady, Eladia, Vincent and Jacob. Survived by his brother Jim (Jane). Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com