Sifton Funeral Home

ROSSER, Miss Jessie, of Caressant Care on Bonnie Place, St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, in her 92^nd year.  Dear sister of Ruth McDonald of London.  Also fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.  Jessie was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Sherry and Lillian McIntyre, and three brothers, Harley, Elliott and Evan Rosser.  Born in St. Thomas, November 2, 1921, she was the daughter of the late John M. and Lillian H. (nee Johnson) Rosser, and the step-daughter of the late Esther E. (nee Baker) Rosser.   A missionary for 40 years, Jessie served under the auspices of the Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board in charge of a girl’s school in Kakinada in South India and worked with Bible women in Vuyyuru and later Tuni.  She was a member of Centre Street Baptist Church, St. Thomas and was the Honourary President of the Jessie Rosser Mission Circle.  In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and private interment will be made in the St. Thomas Cemetery, West Ave.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Centre Street Baptist Church, St. Thomas (Centre & Southwick) on Monday, May 13^th at 2:30 p.m., with a reception to follow.  If so desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) will be gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

Jones,  Mrs. Tillie, of Strathmere Lodge, Strathroy, passed away at her late residence on Friday, May 3, 2013, in her 93^rd year.  Beloved wife of the late William A. Jones (2005).  Dearly loved mother of Mary Anne Dubé Jones of Strathroy and Audrey Cole (William) of Courtenay, BC.  Cherished grandmother of William Dubé (Kelly) of London and Garfield Dubé of Strathroy, and great grandmother of Killian and Conan Dubé of London.  Dear sister of the late Joseph, and late Bart Pascuzzo.  Born in London, ON, January 17, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Myrtle (nee Calcutt) Pascuzzo.  In keeping with her wishes, a private graveside service will be held at St. Thomas Cemetery, West Avenue.  Memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

PECKHAM, James D. “Jim”, of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Thursday, May 2, 2013, in his 55^th year.  Beloved husband for 21 years to Anne Murray.   Dearly loved father of Deb Sutherland and her husband Doug.  Cherished grandfather of Bronson, Chelsea, Courtney, Ashleigh and Devyn, and proud great grandfather of Kylie.  Dear brother of Anne, Chuck and his wife Diane, Morris and his wife Diane, Carl and his wife Niki, and the late Ted Jr.  Also fondly remembered by several in-laws and many nieces and nephews.  Jim worked as a salesperson at various Ford automobile dealerships in the area, most recently at St. Thomas Ford Lincoln.  He was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing cribbage.  In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  A public memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks St., St. Thomas (Hincks & Wellington) on Monday, May 6^th at 2:00 p.m.  If so desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged.

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

FUTCHER, Mary Jean (nee Markle), of R.R.#1, St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at the Elgin Manor on Saturday, April 20, 2013.  Beloved wife of John E. Futcher.  Dearly loved mother of Jay Futcher (Lorrie) of Middlemarch, Mary Anne McMullen (Roger) of Port Stanley, and Mark Futcher (Libby) of Lake Forest, Illinois.  Proud Granny of Brooke (Marcel), Becky (Gerry), Laurel (Chris), Graham, Carrie, Emma and Charlotte and Great Granny of Peyton.  Also fondly remembered by several in-laws, nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Markle (1980).  Born in St. Marys, ON, Feb. 2, 1928, Mary was the daughter of the late Gordon and Ada (nee Burgess) Markle.  A Registered Nurse, she was a graduate of the Metropolitan School of Nursing, Windsor and received specialized training in obstetrics at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal.  Mary came to St. Thomas in 1952, and was the OB Nursing Supervisor at the Memorial Hospital and later at the STEGH.  Her community involvement and memberships included the Y.W.C.A., United Way, Southwold Home & School, Canadian Cancer Society, Old St. Thomas Church Restoration Trust, Talbot Estate and the St. Thomas Curling Club.  Mary was an avid bridge player and also enjoyed theatre, travel and reading.  A family funeral service was held at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160), followed by interment in St. Thomas Cemetery, West Ave.  A public memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Talbotville United Church on Thursday, April 25^th at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.  Flowers respectfully declined.  If so desired, memorial donations to the Brain Injury Association of London & Region gratefully acknowledged.

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

CUMMINGS, Mrs. Helen (nee Goodhue), of St. Thomas, passed away at Caressant Care on Mary Bucke, St. Thomas on Saturday, April 13, 2013, in her 91^st year.  Beloved wife of the late Alfred E. Cummings (1984).  Dearly loved mother of Marilyn Van Daele of St. Thomas, Debbie Jay (Jim) of London, Cindy Smyth (Mike) of Calgary, AB, and Sandy Pickersgill (Steve) of Port Stanley.  Dear sister of Charles Goodhue (Jean) of R.R.#7, Aylmer, Marion Grant (late George) of St. Thomas, late George Goodhue (late Hazel), late Harold Goodhue (Gladys of St. Thomas), and the late Dorothy McCormick (Tom of Sarnia).  She was proud of her 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.  Born on October 24, 1922 at R.R.#1, Port Stanley, ON, she was the daughter of the late James and Mabel (nee Scoyne) Goodhue.  Helen was a member of Central United Church.  Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. where the funeral and committal service will be held on Thursday, April 18^th at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be made privately in Elmdale Memorial Park.  Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the charity of one’s choice gratefully acknowledged.

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

GROVE, Frederick J. “Fred”, of St. Thomas, passed away at his home on  Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in his 86^th year.  Devoted husband of Eileen (nee Plain) Grove.  Cherished father of Shirley Ford (Fran), Larry Grove (Mary), Ron Grove (Paula), Marilyn Bishop (Doug), and Linda Fox (Tom).  Proud grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 13.  Also survived by sister, Joan Ingram (Cliff), brother Lloyd Grove (Doris), brother-in-law, Tom Plain (Janet), as well as several nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by sisters, Ethel, Alice, and Carol, and a brother, Victor.  Fred was born on February 4, 1928 in Montréal, Québec.  He was a retired employee of Jaeger Machine Co., St. Thomas.  Fred never once complained of the devastating interruption in his otherwise healthy life.  He enjoyed being outside, either looking for “make work” projects or conversing with neighbours.  There will be no public visitation or public service.  Cremation will be followed by a private family interment at a later date.  Flowers gratefully declined.  If so desired, memorial donations to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation will be appreciated.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).  The family extends a “thank you” for the support of many during Fred’s illness.  The care received at the STEGH and LRCC was exceptional.  A special thank you to Dr. David Dougherty whom Fred enjoyed a fine rapport.  The care provided by CCAC, so Fred could stay at home, was greatly appreciated. 

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

MARKHAM, Mrs. Elsie (nee Bear), formerly of St. Thomas, passed away at her residence, Terrace Lodge, Aylmer on Friday, March 8, 2013, in her 98^th year.  Wife of the late Richard I. Markham (1993).  Mother of Patricia Agar and the late Gail Corner.  Grandmother of Richard McNicol (Wanda), Sherri McNicol (Shawn Brown), Kerri O’Brien (John), and Scott Agar, and great grandmother of Kansas McNicol and Alanna McNicol.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Elsie was the sister of the late Eugene Bear and the late William Bear.  Born in St. Thomas, ON, February 10, 1916, she was the daughter of the late William and Eugenie “Jean” (nee Billingsley) Bear.  The funeral service will be held at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Thursday, March 14^th at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in South Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice gratefully acknowledged.

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

MARGETTS, Mrs. Margaret “Margie” (nee Dingman), of the Bobier Villa, Dutton, formerly of St. Thomas, passed away unexpectedly at LHSC, University Hospital on Friday, March 1, 2013, in her 87^th year.  Wife of the late George H. Margetts (1996).  Mother of Jeffrey Margetts (Patricia), and Susan Margetts, all of St. Thomas.  Grandmother of Andrew Margetts (Jessica Lawson), Jon Margetts, and Julia Margetts (Corey Southern).  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.   Predeceased by a sister, Nancy Dingman, and by a brother, George G. Dingman.  Born in Middlesex County, ON, April 4, 1926, she was the daughter of the late George M. and Helen (nee Griffin) Dingman.  Margie grew up in Springwater and later moved to St. Thomas.  She was a graduate of Alma College where she was a member of the swim and diving team.  She excelled in language, music, arts and business typing, and went on to work at Canadian Timken, St. Thomas.  She soon after met her husband George.  Margie had many gifts; a lending ear, a compassionate heart, a wonderful sense of humour and a quick wit.  She enjoyed history, working in her gardens and baking, and the very fortunate were given her pecan pie.  Her humour and interjecting with French brought a smile to many.  Spring was her favourite time of year.  She will be missed and her presence is irreplaceable.  In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no public visitation or funeral service.  Interment of her cremated remains will be made in Elmdale Memorial Park at a later date.  Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

DALTON, Carl W., of St. Thomas, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Sunday, February 24, 2013, in his 85^th year.  Beloved husband for 63 years to Doreen (nee Cameron) Dalton.  Dearly loved father of James “Jim” Dalton (Angelina) of St. Thomas, Michael Dalton (Nyna) of Edmonton, AB, and Paul Dalton, Nancy Hollingshead (Stephen O’Connor), and Elizabeth “Beth” Beecroft (John), all of St. Thomas.  Cherished grandfather of  Bradley and Craig Dalton, Erin and Kyle Hollingshead, Matthew Dalton, and Trent and Nicholas Beecroft.  Loved brother of Maxine Daniel (late Harry), and Melvin Dalton (Aleta), all of St. Thomas.  Dear former father-in-law of Chris Dalton and Gary Hollingshead.  Also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Predeceased by three sisters, Doris Campbell, Ida Laurance, and Valda Campbell, and by a brother, Wilmont Dalton.  Born in St. Thomas, ON, November 2, 1928, he was the son of the late Gordon Dalton and Alta (nee McNea) Dalton Bateman.   Carl was a retired machinist at Aylmer Toolcraft Ltd. and a former machinist at Canron Inc., St. Thomas.  He was a member of the Community of Christ, St. Thomas.  Carl was a past member of the St. Thomas Elginaires Barbershop Choir (for 27 years).  Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Friday from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. and for 1 hour prior to the funeral service at the church.  The funeral service will be held at the Community of Christ, 105 Fairview Ave., St. Thomas on Saturday, March 2^nd at 11:00 a.m.  Interment in South Park Cemetery, St. Thomas.  Memorial donations to the Community of Christ, the Caring Cupboard, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario gratefully acknowledged.

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

BROWN, George Leonard (Len) (Lennie), recently of Fingal, ON, formerly of Astle, NB, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Friday, February 15, 2013, with his loving family by his side.  Len was born in Avery’s Portage (Now called Astle), August 7, 1927.  He was a son of the late James Leonard and Maria Louise (nee Palmer) Brown.

Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Peters) Brown.  Dearly loved father Janice Marriott (Donald) of St. Thomas, Shelley MacKenzie (David) of Fingal, and Laurel McTavish (Brian) of St. Thomas. Step-father of Erik Martinez Sr. and Tonya Martinez, both of Florida.  Loved grandpa of Tanya Vernackt, Jerrod Berdan (Heidi), Les McTavish (Jessica), Beverley McTavish (Nic), all of St. Thomas, Kiefer MacKenzie (Lexi) of Calgary, AB, Angus MacKenzie of Fingal, and Erik Martinez Jr. of Florida, and great grandpa of Kayleen Vernackt, Brielle and Alexa Berdan, all of St. Thomas. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Emma Brown of Astle, NB and many nephews and nieces.  Len was loved and will be missed by his furry friends: Scamper, Peppi, and Holly.

Predeceased by his siblings: Harlan, Mabel, and Arthur Murray, paternal half siblings: Joyce, Marjorie and Ross Brown, and maternal half siblings: Eldon, Mary (Mamie), Gladys, Rita, Manley, Regina, Merlin, and Rena Green.

Moving to Woodstock, ON when he was in his early twenties, Len first worked for Massey Ferguson. He then moved to London, ON where he worked for Northern Electric. Len then set up his own building and renovation business. Following that, he was employed at Canada Post from where he retired early due to ill health. Returning to the family homestead in his 60’s, he built a home where he spent his last twenty years.

Len was the Worshipful Master of Prince of Wales Lodge #171, A.F. & A.M., Iona Station, ON in 1975.  In Astle, Len was heavily involved in fundraising to refurbish the local Recreation Centre as a community gathering place suitable for any and all events. He was a strong advocate for seniors’ rights and volunteered at the Central New Brunswick Nursing Home in Boiestown, NB.

Len enjoyed being “back” home where he renewed old friendships and made new ones. He especially treasured the time spent with his nephews and nieces, cousins and extended family in New Brunswick. Being back fishing in the rivers and streams and hunting in the woods of the Miramichi were a dream come true for him. He also enjoyed felling, “Juncking”, splitting and hauling his five cords of firewood on his refurbished tractor. Len was a talented man who could do practically anything he wanted and he did. His was a life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed.

Len was a visionary who understood the world and his place in it very well. His curiosity, intellect, wit, great sense of humour, and interest in everything remained to the end even after he failed physically. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Len’s life will be held both in ON and NB at later dates.  Memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas, ON (519-631-1160).

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

They that think you are gone,

Because your face no more they see,

Are wrong—for in our hearts you live,

And always will, in memory.

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.

BOURIS, Mrs. Irene (nee Kereliuk), of Sparta and formerly of Manitoba, passed away at her home on Thursday, February 7, 2013, in her 72^nd year.  Mother of Michael Bouris of Vancouver, BC, and Amy Evens of St. Thomas.  Grandmother of Miles Evens of London, and Gabriel River Zay Bouris of Vancouver, BC.  Mother-in-law of Paul Evens of Atwood.  Also survived by 4 sisters, 4 brothers and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  Born in Stuartburn Twp., MB, January 1, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Phillip  and Anastasia (nee Wepruk) Kereliuk.  Irene moved to Ontario from Manitoba in 1967 and to Sparta in 1992.  She was a Registered Nurse at LHSC, South Street Hospital, London.  Irene was a member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, the Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario, the Aylmer Horticultural Club, and the St. Thomas Field Naturalists.  In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  There will be a private interment in Ascension of Our Lord, Ukrainian Catholic Parish Cemetery, Sundown, MB, in the spring.  A memorial gathering to celebrate Irene’s life will be held in the Rodney Hall of Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks Street, St. Thomas on Friday, February 15^th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Memorial donations to the St. Thomas Field Naturalists gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).

Email messages of condolence may be sent to siftonfuneralhome@sympatico.ca

For more information about this obituary visit http://canadaobits.ca/author/siftonfh/.