Obituaries & Condolences

WRIGHT, Ronald “Ron”…

April 29, 1952 – August 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald “Ron” Wright, age 74, on August 27, 2026.

Ron was a loving father, granddad, great-granddad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by his three children, Andrew, Nicole, and Lindsay; his six grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie Wright, and by his beloved wife, Nancy Wright (McLean). Ron carried a deep and enduring love for Nancy throughout his life. He loved her dearly and never stopped missing her. Their love remained an important part of who Ron was, and we take comfort knowing they are together again.

Ron enjoyed the simple things in life, especially watching soccer and spending time with the people who meant the most to him. He will be remembered for his love of family, the memories he created, his quiet presence, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

Ron will be dearly missed by his children, Andrew, Nicole, and Lindsay; his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Bill Wright of Hespeler. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jeanette and Doug Starr, Charlene and Charlie Hakkers, Brenda and Ken Shiell, Paul and Freda McLean, and Gary and Lucy McLean, along with many extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU nurses at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for the care, compassion, and kindness they showed Ron during his final days. Your support brought comfort to Ron and to our family during an incredibly difficult time.

A very special thank you goes to Ron Hopper, who was not only a wonderful friend but also a caring and supportive neighbour. Your friendship, kindness, and presence meant so much to Ron and to our family, and we will always be grateful.

Ron will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered. His memory will live on through his children, grandkids, great-grandkids, family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Rest peacefully, Ron. You are reunited with Nancy, and you will always be in our hearts.

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

Rigby, James “Jim” …

Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, James “Jim” Rigby passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026 in his 85th year.

Beloved husband and best friend of Doreen, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Loving father of David (Dawn), Gillian (Rick), and the late Stephen (Claire). Cherished “Papa” of Lindsey (Andy), Craig (Lisa), Matthew (Krista), Leslie (Scott), and Leanne (Jivan), and proud great-grandfather of Norah and Jameson. Jim will also be lovingly remembered by his family in England and the United States.

In 1973, Jim and Doreen made the journey from England to Canada with their children, beginning a new chapter and building a wonderful life together.

Jim truly knew how to enjoy life and made the most of every moment. Music was always an important part of his life, and over the years he played drums in a number of bands. He also loved to jive and dance, especially when his favorite dance partner was his beloved Doreen.

Jim enjoyed golfing and was an enthusiastic darts player, participating for many years in the London Dart League. In retirement, Jim and Doreen settled in Bayfield, where he embraced the community wholeheartedly. He enjoyed getting involved in local activities, lending a helping hand, and being part of the community around him.

Retirement also brought many memorable adventures, including winters spent in Texas, where Jim and Doreen enjoyed escaping the cold and making more wonderful memories together.

Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his enjoyment of music and dancing, his involvement in his community, and most of all, for the way he embraced life. His memory will live on in the hearts of Doreen, his family, and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Memorial Donations can be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or The Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.

HERBERT, Lois Elaine “Elaine”…

Elaine Herbert passed away peacefully at Southbridge Long Term Care, London, on Monday, August 31, 2026 in her 99th year.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband W. Harold Herbert (2012) and her parents William Bunting (1975) and Elva Pennock Bunting (1996) and is survived by her daughter Karen Cudmore (Michael Coulter) and her granddaughters Julie Boudreault (Jessica) and Erin Coulter (Cameron Sinn).  She was also loved and will be missed by her cousins Sandy Romanow (Martin), Karen Carter (Randy),  and Janet Lewis (Doug).

As a young woman, Elaine graduated from the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing and was proud of her career with the Canadian Air Forces in Canada and overseas and in civilian hospitals.  Elaine loved cats and dogs and had many as pets over the years.  She always had a story to share of their adventures.

Special thanks to the dedicated staff at Southbridge Long Term Care Pine Unit for all the love and care over the years.

Cremation has taken place and Elaine and Harold’s ashes will be laid to rest together in the family plot in Ottawa at a later date.

In memory of Elaine, donations may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex.

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

ONVLEE, John…

John Onvlee passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in London, Ontario. He leaves behind his cherished son Tony. Predeceased by his children Elzeke Schiller (2013) and Frederick (1985). Loving grandfather to Josh, Melanie, Ben, Kylie, Aroki, Annie, Rachel and Sarah. Lovingly remembered by his many great grandchildren. Reunited with his wife of 62 years, Johanna (2015).

John will be missed by many.

Cremation has taken place.

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

LANGOTT, Vernon Anthony…

Vernon Anthony Langott passed peacefully on August 20, 2026 at the age of 61.

Predeceased by his grandmother Edith Wallace, mother Mariah Wright and father Doren Langott.

Survived by his beloved children Jamila and Isaac, brothers Wayne Wright and Stephen Wright, Allen Langott and sister Tanya Langott-Dunn, and stepfather Lassel Wright.

Vernon spent his childhood in Jamaica raised by his grandmother and his father. He joined his mother’s family in Canada as a young man and before long had a family of his own. His children were a constant source of pride and joy. Vern loved sharing Jamaican food, music and culture with friends and family in Canada.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Vernon, in lieu of flowers, please consider the London Food Bank. www.LondonFoodBank.com

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be conducted at North London, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 800 Fleet Street, London, Ontario, on Tuesday September 1, 2026 at 11 am. It will be followed by a celebration of Vernon’s Life in the church hall.

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

SANDERSON, Gwen…

Peacefully, on August 14, 2026 in London, ON, Gwen passed away in her 95^th year.

Beloved daughter of the late Muriel & Reuben. Dear sister of Wilma, beloved aunt of Susan, cherished great aunt of Nikola, and great grand nephew Ante who both reside in Australia. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister, niece, great nephew, and many friends.

Gwen will be remembered for her devotion to her family, friends & community. She had quite the travels and especially enjoyed getting involved with communities she resided in. Those who knew her will fondly remember her big heart and how she was always helping others.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Cremation has taken place.

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

McCALLUM, Mabel Marie…

Marie McCallum passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Friday, August 14, 2026, her 90^th birthday.

Beloved wife of the late Grant McCallum (2023). Loving mother of Mark McCallum and his wife Pat and Kim Mann and her husband Steve. Dear grandmother of Kathryn Stewart (Matt), Jordan McCallum (Paulina), Kyle Mann (Stephanie) and Darcy Mann and missed by great-grandchildren Andrew, Callum, Madden and Waylon.

Marie had a lifelong love to her family. As a teenager, she was an avid tennis player and proudly won several local tournaments. In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Grant, and the newlyweds began their life together in Sarnia. Marie had the privilege of staying home to raise their children. Mark and Kim feel that her time, love, and devotion were the greatest gifts she could have given them. She loved the outdoors, from the early days of tent camping to eventually travelling in their motorhome. Marie and Grant enjoyed weekends and holidays travelling throughout North America, as well as spending their winters in Florida. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile, her love of ice cream of all kinds, and, most of all, the happiness she found in simply being with her family.

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

TRAXLER… Margaret Lily

Margaret Lily Traxler passed away peacefully at the age of 101, Friday, August 7″, 2026 at Victoria Hospital in London. Reunited with her husband Clifton George Traxler (1987). Loving mother of Peggy Ann and Elizabeth. Predeceased by her children, John, Barry and Peter. Cherished grandmother of Donald and Dustin. Special great grandmother to Ethan, Grayson, Madisyn and Jayson. Predeceased by her sister Joan Fritzges.

Margaret was born in England, where she met her husband Clifton during the war. Soon after they married, they moved to Canada, living in Petrolia and later London, Ontario. Margaret was an avid gardener and had a beautiful English garden. Margaret loved her card games including Yahtzee, Euchre, and Hand and Foot. In her younger years Margaret tenderly raised many Scotties. Through this hobby she was able to take her children to visit her homeland of England. She loved her dogs Trouble and Willow. Margaret was incredibly strong willed and her witty sense of humor will be missed.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to Humane Society London and Middlesex.

Barbara Lawlor (Boniface)…..

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Lawlor (née Boniface) in London ON, on Sunday July 26 2026 at the age of 88.

Barbara was born and raised in Toronto, ON. where she had cherished relationships with her siblings and cousins. As a teenager, she began a lengthy and fulfilling career at Bell Canada. Barbara was a full time working Mum with a wide variety of interests including curling, dancing, drawing, puzzles and reading. In the early 1980s, she moved to London, ON. (with Bell Canada) where she began a new chapter of independent life and purchased her treasured “porch with a house attached”. In her later years, Barbara loved sitting on her front porch, reading, doing cross words and chatting with neighbours both young and old.

Barbara was a supportive confidante to many friends and family all of whom appreciated her kind listening ear, her laughter and her wisdom. She exuded a quiet elegance which she maintained along with her sense of humour.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her beloved daughter Brenda Lawlor-MacDonald, son in-law Lloyd, grandchildren Breanna (Joshua) and Dylan, great grandchildren Lillian, Dasen, Aenghus and Mary-Frances as well as by her siblings, nieces and nephews, neighbours and dear friends (you know who you are).

As per Barbara’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Barbara’s life at Creative Nomad Studios 23 Mississaga St. W (upstairs), Orillia ON. on Sunday October 4, 2026 from 1-4p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m..

We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff of London Health Sciences Centre, especially the Palliative Care Team that ensured Barbara’s peaceful passing.

Memorial Donations can be made to Ronald MacDonald House or The Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto.

McCONNELL, Victoria Ann…

1951 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Victoria Ann McConnell on July 22, 2026, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Victoria was known for her contagious laugh, kind heart, and love of family. She enjoyed music, dancing, road trips, cooking, long walks, and watching sunrises and sunsets. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her and will be deeply missed.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Doug McConnell; her daughters, Jamie Speirs and Robyn Speirs; her stepchildren, Katie McConnell and Paul McConnell; and her beloved grandson, Taleeb Speirs.

Victoria’s love, strength, and beautiful spirit will remain in our hearts forever.