Obituaries & Condolences

JOYES, Mary….

Peacefully with her daughter by her side at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, Mary Joyes passed away in her 65th year. Loving mother of Kelly Challis and her husband Dusty of Strathroy. Cherished grandmother of Lincoln, Calista, Amelia and Parker. Much loved sister of Bill McDougall and his wife Mary of Owen Sound, Laura Hanley and her husband Paul of London and Joe McDougall also of London. Mary will also be missed by her nieces and nephews. Dear friend of Cheryl (Squires) Adomitis for 52 years. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Loreen McDougall. Mary was a fierce, independent woman who always wanted to do things on her own terms right up until the end. She will forever be remembered for her strength and determination.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Mary’s Life will be announced at a later date due to COVID-19. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PERRY, Joyce Elizabeth

Peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Chateau Gardens, London in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Charles Perry (2014). Loving mother of Michael (Una), Brian (Yvonne), Robert (Joyce), Roderick (Susan) and David (Rolande). Sadly missed by 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Robert Ronald Hillaby

On the morning of Dec 1 2020, ironically at the Christmas Season that he loved so much, and with his loving family by his side, Bob Hillaby passed away peacefully after a long illness.  He was 82.

Born in Bridlington, England on Feb 6, 1938, Bob and his family emigrated to Canada in 1949 and the family settled in Sarnia.

In 1962 he and Connie were married and raised 3 children.  Bob taught all his children how to ride a bike, swim, garden, skate and fish and gifted them with sewing, ballet, piano  and hockey lessons. He also coached the hockey and baseball teams that his son David played on. Bob always loved history, woodworking and animals and could be seen daily walking his beloved dog Jody down the street , with his cat Buckwheat following closely behind.

Bob worked at Dow Chemical in Sarnia for 34 years. After retirement he enjoyed his crossing guard job and spending his winters in Florida.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Ronald Hillaby, his sister Zoe and his twin brother Gerard. He is survived by his wife Connie, loving sister Sheila ( Keith), daughters Chris (Dan), Jennifer (Charles), and son David (Maureen) as well as grandaughter Olivia (Mackenzie), and step granddaughter Leila ( Matt).

Cremation has taken place.  In lieu of flowers a donation to Pets Friends for Life (petsfriendsforlife.ca) or Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario (russellrescue.org), would be so appreciated. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Extendicare LTC for their compassionate care over the last year or so. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BELL, Alexandrina “Sandy”…..

With heavy hearts, we grieve the loss of the family leader and matriarch Sandy Bell, on her 71 birthday. Sandy will be deeply missed by 4 generations, that were honoured to have known her love, grace and passion.  

Friends and family alike experienced her strong embrace and selfless dedication. She created lasting connections with everyone she met. Sandy was known to all as an independent spirit, who had a generous and kind nature. She was a proud mother and a loyal labour activist. Sandy provided a lifetime of wisdom and influence to her sister Joyce Bossence, daughters Barbra Dunn, Jackie Robinson (Bradley) Tracy McLeod, and Sherry McLeod (Todd). She will be forever loved by her grandchildren Eric McLeod (Katrina), Nicholas and Cameron Robinson and Kale McLeod. Sandy was great granny to Maria, Elijah, Eula, Scarlett and Jayden. She was cherished by Joe & Dylan, Matthew (Ashley) & Jeremy Bossence, Lucas, Katy, Auron, Paxton and Everly Bossence.  Fiercely loved by her chosen sisters Sandra Carricato, Jean Simpson, and Sandra Ross.

A future memorial service will be held, when we can safely gather to share stories of Sandy’s amazing life.  

Memorial donations can be sent to the London Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 2Z5, where Sandy was recognized for volunteering her time providing relief from homelessness.

LeMarquand, Leonard …

Peacefully on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, London. Leonard LeMarquand passed away in his 78th year. Predeceased by his parents Georges and Evelyn LeMarquand. Loving father of Lori McDougall (Mike). Loving grandfather of Megan and Mitchell McDougall, and great grandfather of Day-ton and Annabella and new baby on the way. He will miss his summers at his trailer in Port Glasgow as well as his many friends. No funeral service will be conducted at this time. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BUNT, Judith “Judy” …

Peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, November 13, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, Judith (Judy) Dell Bunt (nee Badgley) passed away in her 67th year. Beloved wife of Roger Bunt. Loving mother of Kelly (Ted), Holly (Jeff), and Michael (Maria). Cherished grandmother of Ava, Connor, Marley, Abigail, James, Raquelle, Jesse, Joseph, and Ruby. Dear sister of Jacqueline Bloodworth and her late husband Tom. Predeceased by Jackie’s twin sister Diane McAfee and her husband Doug McAfee, by her father and mother Jack Badgley and Maude Badgley (nee Griffith). Loved by nieces and nephews. Judy enjoyed her children and grandchildren, family gatherings, friends including Goodwill fellow employees, sunsets, flowers, particularly daisies, peaceful times, and her 40 years with her hubby. A special thank you to the London Regional Cancer Program and to all the Victoria Hospital 7th floor Oncology Department for love, warmth and professional care, as was exuded at Sister’s of St Joseph Hospice, London. A memorial service will be held in the future. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2, Philanthropies – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Relief, 1450 N. University Avenue, Provo, UT 84604. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GRIFFERTY, Pamela (née Burton)….

November 13th, 2020

In comfort and surrounded by those who love her most, Pamela Grifferty in her 75th year. Originally from Leeds, U.K., Pam leaves behind loving family spanning the globe.

Cherished mother of Michael (Amity) and Tracy. Devoted grandmother to Corbin, Christian, Rachel, and Carter. Beloved sister of Charles (Pat) back home in England. Pam is reunited in peace with her parents, Doreen and Bill.

Pam was known for her kindness and unfaltering love for her family. You couldn’t leave without a hundred hugs and kisses. A thousand “I love you”s followed you out the door. She will be forever missed.

We love you too, Mom; Grandma; Pam. Rest In Peace.

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

MARSH, Percy….

On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Percy Frederick Marsh of Lambeth, Ontario, passed away peacefully from complications related to the Coronavirus at the age of 72, at University Hospital, London. Percy was predeceased by his beloved spouse, Sharon Anita McKee (2011). Percy is also predeceased by his loving sister, Mary Bedard (2015). Percy will be remembered by extended family. Thank you to the nurses, physicians, and staff at Chartwell London Long-Term Care Residence and University Hospital for the excellent care they provided Percy. Cremation has taken place. In light of COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honour Percy can make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BLAIS, Jerome….

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long-Term Care, London, on Wednesday, October 28^th, 2020, Jerome Blais passed away in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Norma (nee McCleave) (2009). Father of Donald, Mark, and the late Kenneth. Grandfather of Danielle, Kieran, Travis, and Tristan and great-grandfather of Lilly and Paisley. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Jerome 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

LOWERISON, Richard “Ric”….

It is with immense sadness and grief that we announce the sudden death of Richard Roy Lowerison “Ric” on the evening of October 25, 2020 at the age of 63. He died at home shortly after 6:00pm, in the company of his family. We are comforted to know that when he died, while seated in his favourite chair, he did so instantly, without any awareness of the event, and without any pain.

Ric’s sudden and unexpected death has been a terrible shock for the family, and we are profoundly overwhelmed by his loss. The day started off as a regular Sunday with gardening and taking care of small tasks around the house. He was very excitedly planning a Halloween dinner for the family and scavenger hunt for his granddaughters and was very much looking forward to their visit on the coming weekend.

Ric was born in New Brunswick to Leland Lowerison and Barbara (Richards) Lowerison. He was their only child and spent portions of his childhood in Sackville, NB and Seeley’s Bay, ON. He attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB graduating with a B.Sc. in Chemistry. It was at Mount Allison where he met his wife and best friend, Gretchen (Wentzell). They raised three children together and celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary last year. When his first child was very young, Ric advanced his studies in chemistry and engineering at Concordia University in Montreal in order to launch his career in aerospace. He started in the area of materials and process engineering at Canadair (now Bombardier Aerospace) in Montreal. His career in composites and materials and process engineering took him to Bristol Aerospace (division of Magellan Aerospace) in Winnipeg MB, Bell Helicopter in Mirabel QC, Diamond Aircraft Industries in London ON, and finally Bombardier Aerospace in both Queretaro MX and in Toronto ON. Ric semi-retired from Bombardier in June of this year and was in the process of venturing with his depth and variety of aerospace expertise as an independent consultant. Aerospace was not only a career but also a passion.

Ric’s semi-retirement gave him an increased opportunity to engage in his favourite hobbies including reading, cooking, gardening, exploring small towns, researching various interests, listening to music, planning family get-togethers, and spending time with his grandchildren. He very much enjoyed quiet days that included leisurely reading, planning and cooking hearty and adventurous meals for his family, and good conversation. He appreciated all literary genres, but especially enjoyed science fiction and history. Quiet evenings were typically spent watching absurdist/satirical cartoons, documentaries, or British television, and engaging in contemplative philosophical discussions with his family. During the day, Ric could be found tending the garden, pruning trees and bushes, and enjoying the outdoors, especially with walks in the woods.

Ric Lowerison was exceptionally kind, gentle, brilliant, loyal and wonderfully curious. His strength of character and authenticity were exemplary. He was affectionate and wise, hard-working, impossibly generous, and extremely amusing to be around. He appreciated the simple things in life and was highly evolved socially, emotionally, and in his views of the world. He accepted people exactly as they were and prioritized family over all else. He could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease. He was an expert listener and could hold space for people, with his full presence, for hours. The well of his compassion and insight was bottomless. He lived a rich and fulfilling life, and we are heartbroken because he had so much optimism for future plans and so much more to contribute to this world.

Ric will be sorely missed by his wife, Gretchen, his children Carin (Matthew White), Michael, and Matthew (Elizabeth Song), his mother Barbara, and his three grandchildren, Berkeley, Heidrun, and Clementine as well as by all of his extended family and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his father in 2000.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ric’s Life will be held with family and friends at a later date. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends. Donations in memory of Ric may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or the charity of your choice.

Ric was well-loved by all who knew him. We were all incredibly blessed to have had him in the world and in our lives. Special thanks to the wonderful EMS team from Middlesex-London Paramedic Services, officers from the City of London Police Services, who were first to arrive, and the Coroner who assisted on Sunday. Their compassion and level of care was incredible. We felt very well cared for and it helped make a very difficult situation a little bit easier.

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