Obituaries & Condolences

SCANLAN, Patricia…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, August 13, 2022, Patricia Scanlan passed away in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Denis Anthony Scanlan (2021) for 65 years. Loving mother of Thomas (Rosemary) Scanlan, Cathy Scanlan-Baker, Chris Scanlan and the late Mark Anthony Scanlan (2019). Cherished grandmother of Matthew, Erin, Denice, Ryan and Sean.  Adored great-grandmother of eleven, and great-great-grandmother of one.  Cremation has taken place and at Patricia’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service held. In her memory, anyone wishing to making a donation can consider Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North London, ON N6B 3H8.  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DuBARRY, Frank…

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario on Friday, August 12th, 2022, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Brigitte and soulmate of 52 years. Proud father of Steven (Shannon) DuBarry, Hermann (Joan) Minderlein, Larry (Denise) Minderlein, Ruth-Ann Minderlein, Robert (Barbara) Minderlein, and Michael (Janette) Minderlein and loving grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 167, 316 William Street, Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S6 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Donations to the charity of your choice gratefully acknowledged.

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

TALBOT, Tiffany…

Passed peacefully and gracefully away surrounded by loved ones at University Hospital, London, Tiffany Stella Eliza Talbot of Port Elgin and formerly of Englee, Newfoundland, on Saturday, August 6, 2022 in her 34th year.

Cherished and adored fiancé and soulmate of Jamie Dorsch and their dog Douglas. Forever in the hearts of mom and dad Stephen Talbot and Darlene Bishop (Tony). Beloved granddaughter of Philip and Eliza Bishop. Predeceased by her grandparents Stephen and Stella Talbot. Adored and admired sister of Ryan Chaulk (JoEllen), Tia Lynn, Lauralee, and Stephen (Dana). She was the anchor in any of life’s storms they faced. Left with wonderful memories and good life advice on being their best are her nieces and nephews Emily Jaimes, Gracie, Ethan, Ryley, and Stevie and special nephew Kane. Tiffany will also be greatly missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. Left with memories of great adventures, laughs and support is her buddy John Bray. He was with her until the end.

From an early age Tiffy was destined for greatness and strived for perfection in all she did. The seas called her. She was a Fisher of the sea, and a member of the Canadian Coast Guard. In later years she moved her collection of coins and monopoly games and settled in Port Elgin to lend her expertise at Bruce Power Nuclear Plant. Tiffy could build an engine, mend twine, keep the engines running on the Griffin, BBQ a perfect salmon, bake a beautiful birthday cake, wire anything, renovate a home and build a deck. If Tiffy needed it done, Tiffy did it. If she could not, it was because it was not of any importance. Of all the things she loved bringing family together for holidays, trips, ballgames and concerts remained always her greatest passion and accomplishment. Tiffany was a bright light in her community and her many workplaces. When those beautiful brown eyes closed for the final time the world became a different place. May your seas be calm and your compass true Sail on, beautiful brown eyed girl. The angels are waiting for you.

Cremation has taken place. On Saturday, August 13, 2022, a gathering at her home at 608 Thede Drive, Port Elgin to speak of memories and honour her life will take place at 2 pm. On Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 11 am a family service will be held at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Englee. At 4 pm a Celebration of Tiffany’s life will be held at her Englee home and grounds. A sunset sprinkling of her ashes will take place on the harbour in front of Tiffy’s home on the hill. The family would love to see the little boats of Newfoundland attend her final voyage between her home here on earth and her heavenly destination. In memory of Tiffany, donations may be made to University Hospital, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STRAUB, Walter John “Walt”…….
Walt passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on August 6, 2022 in his 72nd year. Predeceased by his father John Stephen Straub (2016) and his mother Katharine Straub (2022). Walt is survived by his sister Brigitte Straub and her husband Michael Hollands, his aunt Maria Hudetz and cousins Andrea Schlaven and Petra Schmitz who reside in Germany. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date in lieu of a funeral. Walt was strongly devoted to animals and animal welfare. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Walt may be made to the Farley Foundation or to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Many thanks to the medical staff in CCTC at Victoria Hospital for their professional care. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PIZZUTI, Dorothy….

Dorothy Ann Pizzuti (née Komar) passed away on July 26, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m. after a long battle with Alzheimer’s  disease and dementia. She was under the excellent care of Lynda Monik’s second floor team at the St. Mary’s wing of Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care in London. She slipped quietly into the night with her son Michael by her side.

Dorothy was born on April 6, 1932, in Windsor, Ontario, to parents Isadore and Helen Komar. She attended De La Salle Elementary School and W.D. Lowe Vocational School, where she studied bookkeeping.

Dorothy began a long career in bookkeeping and accounts receivable at the elegant Prince Edward Hotel in downtown Windsor. While working there, she caught the eye of a passing photographer who took her picture and named her one of Windsor’s “Ten Best Dressed Women” in a 1955 Windsor Star feature. After the hotel closed, she moved on to Viking Pump for two years, and eventually Sears Canada in Windsor and London, where she remained for the rest of her career.

During her single years, Dorothy was a trophy-winning bowler who enjoyed music, dancing, and traveling, with trips to Bermuda, Mexico, and New York City being some of her favourite memories. She would gleefully recount one particular trip to New York City with her sister Bernice, where after spending all their money on clothes, they pooled their remaining coins to buy one sandwich on the train that had to last them all the way back to Detroit. Dorothy also loved to tell the story of a shopping trip to Detroit with her mother to buy new curtains. To avoid paying duty, they wrapped the curtains around their waists, covered up with tightly belted trench coats, and cruised across the border on the tunnel bus!

Dorothy met charismatic, fun-loving, and hardworking Ray Pizzuti in 1963; two years later they were married at Immaculate Conception Church on April 24, 1965. They honeymooned in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, and eventually they settled in South Windsor where they built three beautiful homes.

As a wife and mother, Dorothy was kind, warm, generous, and fun-loving. Recognized by her friends and neighbours as a gracious hostess, she passed on her love of baking and entertaining to her son. Whether it was a classic “Swiss Chocolate Torte,” a scandalous “Better Than Sex Cake,” or a pan of “City Chicken,” there was always something delicious coming out of Dorothy’s kitchen.

Always curious to learn and try new things, Dorothy enrolled in a wide variety of classes and lessons in the 1970s and 1980s: ceramics, cake decorating, scrapbooking, racquetball, and line dancing. Later, she took up knitting and crocheting, creating beautiful blankets, scarves, and sweaters for family and friends.

During her later years, Dorothy was an active member of the Hamilton Road Seniors’ Centre, where she looked forward to the weekly card games and social opportunities.  She enjoyed road trips with her friends, and weekend getaways with her son to Niagara on the Lake, Bayfield, Port Stanley, and Langdon Hall. She lived a full life.

Special recognition goes to the staff at Grand Wood Park Retirement Home, where Dorothy lived from October 2019 until March 2022, and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, where Dorothy resided from March 2022 until her passing.  She received attentive and compassionate care from a team of doctors, nurses, PSWs, and many, many others. Thank you for making Dorothy’s final years as comfortable as possible.

Dorothy is survived by her devoted son Michael Pizzuti and his partner Daniel Boudreau, who became like a second son to her; her brother Bob Komar (June); and her sisters-in-law, Agnes Komar and Vi Komar.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Isadore and Helen Komar, her brothers Mickey (the late Donna), Richard (Agnes), Roy (Vi), and her sister Bernice Monik (the late Bill). Her cherished husband Ray passed before her in 1991.

Out of respect for Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services or mass. A small gathering for family and friends will take place at a later date.

Interment will follow at a later date at Heavenly Rest Cemetery in Windsor, Ontario.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London in Dorothy’s name.

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

NIGHTINGALE, John…

Son, brother, uncle, husband, father and Grampy. John Alfred Nightingale passed away on July 21, 2022 in London. John was a musically talented, funny prankster of a man who loved his family more than anything! Son of Agnes Lorretta Kelly and Alfred Nightingale (both predeceased), brother of Margaret “Peg” Mulvey (husband John), uncle of Kelly and Sarah. Husband of Phyllis (predeceased), and father of Philip (predeceased), Patti and John/Nikki. Beloved Grampy of Janelle and Connor. Loving dad of furbabies Cooper and Roscoe. John was surrounded by family to the end. He is and will always be greatly missed! Until we see each other again… love you! Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PROULX, Joseph Andre Rodolphe “Rudy”….
Peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at University Hospital, London, Rudy passed away. Dear father of Sandra, Martin, and Stewart. Grandfather of Michael and Clayton Father in law to Steve. Rudy is survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Napoleon and Laurette and five brothers, survived by two brothers and his only sister. Rudy will be missed by many extended family members and friends. Rudy was always very fond of outdoor activities and always lending a helping hand to those in need. He liked debating politics at the coffee shop with his friends and acquaintances and acted as a care giver to many seniors in his neighborhood. An avid driver Rudy was always on the go delivering meals or running errands. He especially enjoyed making homemade soup, pie and applesauce for his friends and acquaintances. Rudy was mechanically inclined and could not resist collecting and fixing broken machines so they could be of use to others in need. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BENNETT (nee Reed), Anne….

With heavy hearts we announce the loss of our dear Anne in June 2022 at peopleCare Oakcrossing, London. Anne was born Sybil Anne Reed in Galt (Cambridge) in October 1942, though she lived most of her adult life in London, raising her son and working many years for Sifton Properties. Predeceased by her beloved son Brent Morgan. She will be sadly missed but forever remembered by her sister Sherry Macfarlane, her niece Lauren, and close cousins Elizabeth White, Marion White, Susan Hart Norman and their families, as well as the Reed family, her tennis family and many dear friends. A special thank you to the Norway Spruce staff at peopleCare Oakcrossing and to Dr. McNair for their thoughtful care of Anne in the past three years. Anne loved to create and decorate in her home and garden. This was a favourite passage she carried with her:
” And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain.
And futures have a way of falling in midflight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you do have worth
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn.”

Cremation has taken place. Anne will be laid to rest, along with her son Brent, in the Reed family plot in Cambridge, Ontario. A celebration of Anne’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GRYS, Carolyn Estelle (nee Taggart)……

Carolyn, 73, passed away July 1, 2022 in Palliative Care at London’s Victoria Hospital from colon cancer. Carolyn was the loving and passionate wife of Ted, her husband for 49 years. She was the caring and affectionate mother & mother-in-law, to David & his wife, Meghan . Dear niece of Marian Pratt of California. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Estelle Taggart of Oakville.

Carolyn had a bevy of close friends, to whom she stayed connected on the telephone, every afternoon for hours. She was a Registered Nurse, but it was her many years at Kingsmill’s that she cherished. Carolyn has been cremated and to abide by her wishes, there will be no funeral or Celebration of Life. If you wish to commemorate Carolyn, please donate to the Salvation Army or Mission Services. The family thanks all the caring and compassionate staff at Victoria Hospital who looked after Carolyn. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MARSHALL, Arlene….

It is with great sadness the family of Arlene Elizabeth Marshall (nee Fagan) announce her passing at Kensington Village Long Term Care on Friday July 1, 2022 in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Willson Marshall (1967). Dear Mother of Maureen Haynes (David) of London, ON, John Marshall (Deborah) of Oro Station, ON and Barbara Thomas (Robert) of Nanaimo, BC. Loving Grandmother of Paul (Melizza), Robert (Heather), Meredith (Mike), Owen, Virginia (Vincent), Fraser and April. Great Grandmother of Kaitlyn, Aiden, Lucas, Lily, Travis, Kadence, Sebastian and Olivia. Great Great Grandmother of Max. Predeceased by her brothers Robert Fagan and Cyril Fagan Jr. Survived by brothers Gerald Fagan and Dennis Fagan. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was born in London, ON, on Sept 8th 1927, daughter of Cyril and Norah Fagan. Arlene’s working career included office work at London Hosiery Mills and at Millard George Funeral Home. She was an active member of the Kinette Club of London, ON and the Miniature Enthusiasts Club of London, ON. Other passions included painting, crafting and antiquing. In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Sincere appreciation is expressed to Dr Whynot and the nurses and staff of Kensington Village and Long Term Care for their kindness and compassionate care of Arlene. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com