It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother (OUR Queen) who passed away peacefully at the wonderful age of 103 with family by her side on Thursday October 27th in Woodstock. Predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Bill and two sons Hugh and Michael. She was dedicated to her large family of surviving children Ann (David), Sally, Anthony (Marg), Mandy (Ricardo) and 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Mum was a military wife who enjoyed all that military life had to offer and along with our Dad made many lifelong friends. In 1959 Mum sailed on the HMT Dunera from Southhampton with 5 children ranging in age from 4 to 15 to join him while he was stationed in Nairobi, Africa. She would say this journey which took 3 weeks was one of her greatest challenges in life.

Mum and Dad immigrated to Canada in 1964 with five of their six children. In 1965 she began working for Office Overload as a Secretary. In 1967 she was offered a permanent position as a Secretary with Monarch Construction (part of the Taylor Woodrow Group) eventually becoming Administrator of Mortgages until her retirement in 1982.

Upon retirement Mum & Dad travelled extensively and took up stain glass as a hobby, eventually selling their pieces at local craft shows and to family and friends. Mum also enjoyed folk art painting, knitting and reading. She was a great cook, and her Sundays were spent making a roast beef dinner along with not one, not two but three desserts. Her Yorkshire puddings were incredible, and she made the world’s best gravy. Mum perfected the art of making meringues and made them in all manner of ways, topping them off with fresh whipping cream.

Mum had a zest for life and was a fighter to the very end and despite all of life’s challenges that came her way, she powered through them all. At the ages of 101, 102 and 103 she participated in the Dash4Dad annual Walk/Run raising $4300.00 for Prostate Cancer to support her son-in-law, a Prostate Cancer survivor.
Our mum was a woman of grace, with a great sense of humour, a quick wit and a sharp mind. She was known for always wearing her pearls, clip on earrings and scarves. Our lives will never be the same without her, but we draw comfort from knowing that she had a long and fulfilling life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Rest in Peace Mum.