Obituaries & Condolences

ALWASITI, Qais…

Dr. Qais Alwasiti passed away peacefully in London, Ontario with his son by his side on Friday, March 14th, 2025 in his 74th year. Beloved father of Ali (Kaylie MacIntosh) Alwasiti. Dear brother of Nidhal (Rick) and Ali.

Qais was a man who appreciated the finer things in life and shared them generously with those around him. He had a deep love for photography, a keen interest in business improvement, and a habit of staying informed through the news. In his younger years, he was passionate about cars, and later in life, he enjoyed traveling, fine food, watches, and his time at the hunting club. He was known for always having a box of chocolates to share, especially with his nurses, who adored him for his kindness. Above all, Qais was a devoted family man who cherished his time with Ali, Kaylie and their dog Abee. He never hesitated to support and spoil those he cared for. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Glendale Crossing and Victoria Hospital for their compassionate care of Qais.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral services. Donations in memory of Qais may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Diabetes Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ROBERTSON, Georgina “Georgie” (nee Grant)…

At University Hospital, London, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in her 94th year. On July 14, 1954, Georgie Grant married her best friend, Bill Robertson (d. 2007) in Crimond Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, Scotland (Home of the Psalm Tune Crimond). Devoted mother of Angela (born and died February 15, 1957), Raymond (Michele) of Kitchener, and Morag of St. Thomas. Doting nana of Jacob (Laura) of Kitchener (her beloved only grandchild). At her own request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Memorial donations may be made to the Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute (through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation) or the C.N.I.B. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PATON, Charles Francis
September 26, 1956 March 5, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce that Charles Francis Paton passed away on
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the age of 68. Charles is survived by his
brother James and sisters Patricia (Lewis) and Barb. Charles is remembered by
his son Chris and wife Alana, Charles Jason, Shawn and wife Joanna. His
grandchildren, Kyle and wife Hayley, Christopher, Hailey (Heppenheimer),
Jason, Jailyn, Aiden, Dominic, Gabriella, Savannah and Jaxon Paton. Great
grandchildren Tommy, and Delilah (MouldsHeppenheimer).

Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex (519-858-2764).

Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GOLDIN, Tina Marie…

Tina Marie Goldin (nee Jonker), passed peacefully from this life into eternal rest on March 11, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 82 years old.

Tina is lovingly remembered by daughters, Dr. Nicole Goldin and Tara Goldin, and grandchildren Joshua and Jordan Goldin-Kizer (Paul Kizer).  She was a devoted sister to Ena VanRooyen, Gus Jonker (Tina), Vince Jonker (Edwina) and Carla Garrison (Tim). She was predeceased by parents Margaret and Gerralt Jonker, sister, Nicolette Jonker (Mike Hryzsko) and brother-in-law, John VanRooyen (Ena).

Born in Vleuten, Netherlands on February 14, 1943, Tina Marie Goldin (nee Jonker) emigrated to St. Catharines, Ontario with her family in 1955. She worked at General Motors for 30 years before retiring. One of the greatest joys of Tina’s life was becoming an “Oma” to Joshua in 2007 and then to Jordan in 2010 – roles she embraced with love and pride.

During her retirement, Tina found joy in gardening. She had a gift for creating beautiful flower arrangements and took great pride in her plants and garden pots. She enjoyed spending time with, and talking often to her grandchildren about their day, school and soccer activities. She spent much time with family and friends over coffee and Dutch treats.

Tina’s warmth, resilience and love for her family and friends will be missed but will forever be celebrated those whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew her.

Cremation has already taken place. The family invites all who knew and loved Tina to a Celebration of Life on March 29, 2025, at Convenant Christian Reformed Church, 278 Parnell Rd in St. Catharines, Ontario, starting at 11 am. Reception to follow. A live feed of the service will be available.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Health Science Center or the Walker Family Cancer Center. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

KERNOHAN, Aaron…

Aaron Kernohan passed away suddenly due to complications after surgery on March 10, 2025 in London, Ontario in his 31st year. Beloved son of Mark of London and Cynthia of Sarnia. Cherished brother of Amy of London. Dear grandson of Joan Webster. Best friend of Matthew of London. Aaron will also be missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Aaron was a gentle giant with a heart just as big as his presence. Known for his kind spirit, warm smile, and unwavering generosity, he was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Aaron found joy when he was fishing-his favourite way to spend time, whether alone in quiet reflection or sharing stories with his Uncle Calvin, friends and family by the water.

The family would like to thank the cardiac care team at University Hospital for their compassionate care of Aaron the last 7 weeks.

Friends and guests are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 1:30pm-3:30pm in the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JOHNSTON, Rose Mary (née Smith)…

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Rose Mary Johnston, who left us peacefully on March 5, 2025, in her 68th year.

Rose was predeceased by her loving parents, Reginald and Margaret Smith, as well as her cherished brothers, Rick, Tim, and Pat.

She is survived by her loving brother Randy and her three devoted sons, Jeffrey, Christopher (married to Gemma), and Steven (married to Sally), who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. As a grandmother, Rose adored her grandchildren-Sandra, Dakota, and Connor-and found immense delight in her role as a great-grandmother to Zennan, son of Sandra. Each of their smiles was a source of light in her life.

Rose shared a lifelong bond with her dearest friends, who became family to her. Among them were her closest companions, Pauline and Elaine, together forming an unbreakable trio known as the Three Musketeers. Their friendship was a cornerstone of her life, filled with laughter, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories.

Throughout her courageous battle with leukemia, Rose felt truly blessed by the love and strength of her tight-knit circle of girlfriends, including Karen, Vicky, and Nancy, as well as the fun-loving group known as the Cottage Girls-Charlene, Penny, Mary, and Rhonda. Their steadfast companionship provided her with comfort and the resilience to embrace life each day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and physicians at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Margaret’s Hospital in Toronto. Special thanks go to the transplant team, Dr. Xenacosta, Dr. Julia Mount (Hematology), and Dr. Malik (Palliative Care). Their unwavering support and belief in Rose from the very beginning were invaluable. We also wish to acknowledge the compassionate nurses who cared for her with kindness throughout her treatments and final days.

Rose was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a passionate sports enthusiast, cheering wholeheartedly for her favourite teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. Her spirited energy and unwavering loyalty were truly infectious, sparking lively discussions and camaraderie among those who shared her love for the games. She will be especially missed by Rick Page, who took great joy in exchanging game updates with her over text and sharing meaningful conversations while accompanying her to medical appointments.

She will also be fondly remembered by her teammates at Bad Boyz MMA, where she enthusiastically participated in the Train Like a Fighter classes. Under the guidance of Coach Hollis Huggins, Rose honed her skills in boxing, Muay Thai, and circuit training while increasing her confidence. Her dedication to fitness and camaraderie with her fellow fighters brought her immense joy and a sense of belonging.

An animal lover at heart, Rose leaves behind her cherished dog, Abby, and her beloved cat, Callie, who provided her with endless comfort and companionship.

Professionally, Rose dedicated 27 years of her career as an executive assistant at Physical Relief Caring Services, where she was an invaluable member of the administration team and a dear friend to many.

A celebration of Rose’s life will be held on Sunday, March 9, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Palasad (Oxford Street & Adelaide Street North, London). All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in honouring her remarkable life and legacy.

In accordance with Rose’s wishes, a private family inurnment will be held early this summer at the mausoleum in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s memory can be made to Arts4Animals (please note this is not a registered charity) or to a charity of your choice.

Rose will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her legacy of love, friendship, and resilience will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

God Speed My Friend, until we meet again.

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

SHAW, Stephen

Peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Parkwood Institute, London, Stephen passed away at the age of 62. Loving husband of Sue Shaw. Dear father of Brayden and Hannah Shaw. Stepfather of Patrick and Stephaine Parker. Proud step-grandfather of 6. Cherished Son of Edward and the late Greta Shaw. Stephen will be remembered by his close friends Bonnie and Glenn.
Stephen was a dedicated family man whose memory will live in the hearts of those who knew him.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JENNER, Lois…
Lois Jenner passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 in London, ON, in her 74th year. Predeceased by her parents, Harold and Gladys Jancey, and brother John Jancey. She rejoins her lifelong love and husband, Morris Gary Jenner (2017). She is survived by her loving sister Rosemary (Herb) Lukings. Lois was the beloved mother of Stephanie (Adam) Johnston, and Sheldon Jenner. Dear grandmother of Victoria (Connor) Shoebottom, Isabelle Eleftheroglou, Brooklyn and Kingston Medeiros, Zachary, Naomi and Jacob Jenner. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren Elijah, Elliott and Theodore. In addition to her family, Lois loved all her fur babies, and spending her time toiling in her backyard garden paradise.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Royal View Church 218 Clarke Road, London, ON. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DUNN, Neil…

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving son Neil Dunn, who was suddenly taken from us January 26, 2025 at the age of 47. Loving son of Doug and Dolly Dunn. Grandson of Gord and the late Barbara Dunn. Father to Nathan and Hannah Dunn. Brother to Carrie Dunn (Fitzmark). Uncle to Mackenzie Johnston and great-uncle to Hunter. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BRENNAN-COLES, Mona…

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mona Marie Brennan-Coles on January 10, 2025, at Victoria Hospital in her 76th year of life. Mona was predeceased by her parents and her brother. She was the beloved wife and soulmate of her spouse Robert Coles.

She is survived by brother-in-law David Coles and his wife Marny Coles of Sarnia. Also survived by niece Shannon Coles Castillo, her husband Charles (Chuck) Castillo, and great nephews Jason and Eric Castillo of Guelph; also survived by nephew James Coles, his wife Bryanna Coles, and great nephews Howe and Nash Coles of Strathroy.

Originally from Blind River, Mona had a variety of careers after moving to London. She worked as a research chemist for the fledgling heart transplant team at University Hospital before moving on to perform data analysis and conference planning for the Multi-Organ Transplant group.  It was during this time that she met her husband Robert, and they married in 1991.

Fascinated by the future of technology, Mona began working for Western’s Information Technology department where she assisted in data base migration moving on to telephony where she was instrumental in the selection of Western’s next telephone system.  Mona also helped to coordinate the shared telephony services provided to Western, London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Fanshawe College. Always passionate about learning and professional development, Mona obtained her Project Management Professional certification and soon after joined the Board of Directors of Insight 100, an international telephony support group as a director then becoming Conference Planner responsible for planning their large yearly conference.  Mona later rose to become President of the group. While still at Western, Mona joined the faculty at Fanshawe College and began by teaching Emergency Management. She next changed faculty to the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business teaching courses on Project Management.

Mona, an avid theatre goer, enjoyed seeing as theatre productions in the local area as well as in the United States and England.  Mona was an avid supporter of local amateur theatre and she spent many an evening and weekend working in back stage roles such as Costume Designer, or Stage Manager, or as Producer.  Mona joined the Board of Directors of WODL first as an area representative and later became President of the group.

During her working career and her social life, she met many people, and many became fast friends. Mona always had a smile on her face and thought highly of those she encountered. Mona gave amazing hugs freely to everyone she knew. She continuously strived to broaden her knowledge and to pass this knowledge onto others. She held everyone she met in high esteem and always encouraged and supported them to also dream big, be adventurous, expand their life experiences, and live life to their fullest.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. A private internment service will be held Jan 29, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2025 at the Palace Theatre, London, Ontario. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com