Obituaries & Condolences

SMITH, Harley….

Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Harley Smith of London in his 91st year. Proud father of Cheryl Smith, Harley Richard Smith (Tracy McLean) and Charles Smith (Lisa). Cherished Pops of Matthew, Sarah and Carrie. Dear brother of Janette Baldwin. Missed by his wife Mary of over 60 years. The family would like to thank the staff on the Complex Care Floor for the love, care, and compassion. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Humane Society. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BIELER, Paulette Katheryne……

July 11, 1958 (Kitchener, ON) – Dec 13, 2021 (London, ON)

Peacefully at home and surrounded by love, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer, Paulette Katheryne Bieler, passed away on December 13^th, 2021. She was the beloved mother of Julie Dickison, Erin Skinner (Ian), Aimie Dickison, Jeffrey Dickison (Bonnie). Paulette had 5 beautiful grandchildren, Samuel, Wesley, Lukas, Beatrice and Cameron.  She was also sister to David Bieler (Orly) and Joanne Bieler (Barry).  Predeceased by her parents, Paul (2010) and Jeanette (2020). She was a giver by nature and always had a heart for those in need. She saw the best in everyone and made the most of all situations.  She had a passion for people especially caring for the elderly where she spent 20+ years working in long-term care. 

Some of her happiest times were spent in her garden or visiting with friends but most of all making memories with her 5 grandchildren. Throughout her 10-year battle with cancer, mom was always so appreciative of the care she received at London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joe’s Breast Care Program, including all the doctors, nurses, and paramedics that cared for her along the way.  In keeping with her wishes, no service will be held. A private family memorial will be held at a later time.  Donations can be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road E, London ON, N6C 2R6. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HICKSON, Tim….

Passed away unexpectedly at his residence in his 67th year on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Cherished father of Robert “BJ” Hickson (Cyndie) and Samantha Rodriguez (William). Adored Papa of Daniela, Olivia, Bre, Desiree, Jasmine, Keenan, and great grandpapa of Nailah. Dearly missed by his siblings Steve Hickson (Penny), Chris Westman, Tom Hickson and their families. Best friend of Nelson Burdett, Lindsay Scott and Rick McDougall. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FAUX, Mary…

Mary Ruth Faux, 83, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2021, at Highview Residences in London, Ontario of complications of Alzheimer’s and stroke. She was surrounded by close friends.

Mary was born March of 1938, in Hamilton, Ontario to Ernie and Patricia Robbins, and after her mother’s passing was raised by her stepmother Rose Robbins. She lived an extremely full life, residing at various times in Hanover, Strathroy, and London, Ontario; Concepción, Chile; New York City; Alexandria, Virginia; Cambridge and Arlington, Massachusetts; Whitefield, Maine; Chalatenango, El Salvador; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was a fighter for social justice, an Irish harp player, and a poet.

Mary earned a Master’s degree in Social Planning from Goddard College in Vermont in 1971; in the early 1970s she was Director of the Family Planning Office in Augusta, Maine; she raised two sons, as well as goats and sheep on a family farm in central Maine; ran several restaurants, notably the Wife of Bath, in Bath, Maine; she was a professional organizer for the Ladies Garment Workers Union and The Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union in New York; in her 50s she did two terms in the Peace Corps in Chalatenango, El Salvador where she organized women into a textile co-op and assisted the mayor in reconstructing the town, following the war. She played harp in the Angel Band, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and often performed for terminal patients in the hospital and in Hospice. Later in life she returned to Canada to be close to her two sisters, Pat and Sue, and her brother Chuck. She is survived by her two sons: Tom Faux (Robin) and George Faux (Melody); four grandchildren: Shelby (William), Malcolm, Celia, and Stella; her sister Sue Jaunzemis (Richard) and brother Chuck Robbins; her cousin Gary Depew; her nieces Margaret Walker, Nancy Walker, Patsy Walker, and Sarah Jaunzemis; her step-nephews and step-niece Shawn, Shane, and Michele; her close end of life companions Carol Burns and Jim Coulter; Dr. Jennie Wells, a very special mentor for many years; and her former husband Jeff Faux.

She was predeceased by her older sister Pat Walker, and her brother-in-law Jack Walker. She is no longer an old lady, no longer trapped in a pained body, no longer has Alzheimer’s. Let her spirit soar!!

Cremation has taken place. To honor Mary’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to Maine Family Planning, P.O. Box 587, Augusta, ME 04332-0587 or https://mainefamilyplanning.org. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MILLER, Vera…

Peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, ON passed away in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Sidney Miller (1987) for 45 years. Predeceased by her cherished daughters, Ann Hern (Bill) (2010) and Brenda Burke (Glenn) (2011). Adored Grandmother (aka Gram) of Sandra, Peter (Phoebe), Matt and Trevor (Suzie) and loving Great Grandmother to Drew, Ethan & Austin. Dear sister of Olive Tetsull (the late Cliff, May 2021) and predeceased brother Mitch (Joan) & Derek (Joyce). Loved and cherished by many nieces, nephews and extended family here, in BC and the UK.

She was a proud Brit who emigrated in 1957 with her family to make a life in Oakville, ON where she resided until 2017 when she moved to London. She was a hard working, strong, steadfast and loving woman who was always devoted to her family and her friends. She adored cats and dogs, caring for her own and the rest of our family pets. She was always an available and happy furbaby Grandma. She was a talented cook, seamstress and enjoyed knitting. One of her most favourite past times though, was her garden where she spent hours cultivating and nurturing her many plants, flowers and vegetable batch.

Our family would like to extend our thanks to all the wonderful staff of Chelsea Park LTC for the remarkable care they gave our dear Gram. In particular, the staff of the 4th floor who loved and took care of her as if she were their own… they were very much her family for the 4 years she lived with them. I know she loved you all. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON N4P 9Z9, your local Humane Society or a charity close to your heart. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

McCANDLESS, John Furbow…

John passed unexpectedly at University Hospital in London on November 18th, 2021.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sigrid (nee Saulgriezis); cherished daughters, Kate and Erin; brothers Richard, Robert and Henry and their partners, many nieces and nephews and extended family. Predeceased by brother David McCandless and sister Joan Stevenson (nee McCandless).

John was born in Port Alberni, BC on June 21, 1950, to parents George Bartlett McCandless and Leone Marie McCandless (nee Brown). He graduated from the University of Victoria in 1972 with a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science. John later moved to Toronto where he had held various senior leadership roles in IT and systems development and systems management at; MFS, CSG, Tandem Computers, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), OLGC, ACI Worldwide (Canada) Inc and most recently as IT support specialist at TD Bank, based in London. In his leisure time he was an active member and scuba diving instructor with the Hart House Underwater Club; enjoyed sailing and curling at the Boulevard Club in Toronto and at the Port Credit Yacht Club, and recently curling at the Highland Club in London.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date in BC, when it is safe to gather.

Please pour yourself a glass of your favourite red wine or a generous measure of single malt scotch in his memory.

Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 in his name. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MOORE, Brian…

Passed suddenly on Saturday, November 20, 2021 in his 73rd year. He will be dearly missed by his children Phillip and Lindsay, his siblings Sharon, Lynn, Richard and Bill as well as many friends and extended family and his beloved grandpuppies Sydney and Lucy. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In memory of Brian, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

OUELLETTE, Margaret…

Placed in the loving hands of God, Margaret Ouellette (nee Brisebois) of London, and formerly of Sturgeon Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 in her 87th year. The Beloved wife of the late Armand Ouelette (2007) and loving mom of Darryl (Vicky) of Stoney Plain, A.B., Louise of London, and Paul (Karen) of St. David Ridge, N.B. Margaret was the cherished nan of Jazzmin Lepage, Andrea Ouelette, Jay Ouellette, Ryan Griffiths, and Jay Griffiths and Great nan of Peyton, Georgia, Hadley, and Sutton. Predeceased by her bother Bob Brisebois, and sisters Catherine (Dittie) Kalar, and Eleanor Wilson.

Margaret grew up in Sturgeon Falls, where she met Armand in 1952 and the two began their life as a married couple in 1953. Margaret was an adored bus driver, a strong independent woman, and was devoted to her family and St. Andrew’s United Church in Sturgeon Falls. Margaret often travelled, accompanied by her treasured church friends, or even striking out on her own. Reading, playing cards and quilting were some of Margaret’s favourite hobbies when she wasn’t in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. She later moved to London to be closer to family. Margaret will be forever missed by family and friends.

Cremation to take place. Donations in memory of Margaret can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GAGLIARDI, Mario…

Died peacefully at home with family by his side on Friday, November 5, 2021 in his 90th year. Loving husband of Lina Gagliardi for 65 years. Cherished father of Filomena (Ghislain), Franco (Liz), Giuseppe (Kerri) and Antonio (Julie). Devoted nonno of Renee (Dan), Melanie (James), Greg (Paige), Christopher (Susie), Hailie (Josh), Hollie, Brad (Madison), Jonathan, Eric (Samantha) and Matthew. Adored great-nonno of Xander, Xane, Harper, Gianna, William, Erilyn, Westley, and Baby Nico who was born on November 5. Dear brother of Francesco Gagliardi of Hornepayne. Mario will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister Rosina Gagliardi and brother Giuseppe Gagliardi.

Mario was born in Malito, Italy and came to Canada in 1959. He was later joined by his wife and two eldest children. He worked for many years for the Canadian National Railway until his retirement. He was an avid gardener and wine maker. A heartfelt thank you to D6 staff at LHSC, PSWs from VON, Paramed nurses and a special thank you to Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Woods.

Cremation has taken place and a private mass will be held. Inurnment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Mario can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DALE, Catita…

Peacefully at home on Thursday, November 4, 2021, Catita Dale of Stratford passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Vasile Dale. Loving mother of Aurelia Szilagyi, Mariana Avram and Vasile Dale. Cherished grandmother of Adrian Tuduce, Mihai Tuduce, Christopher Avram and Alexandra Avram. Treasured great-grandmother of Tara Patricia Tuduce and Viktoria Tuduce. Catita was born in Romania and moved to Canada in 2008 to be near her family. She was a talented artist, a passionate gardener and a wonderful and caring person who made everyone around her feel loved. She will be greatly missed. Cremation to take place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com