April 24, 1936 – August 16, 2025
It is with deep sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Beverley “Bev” Johnson-Millard, who left this world peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the age of 89.
Bev—known affectionately as Grandma Bev, Lummer, Grandma, GMA, Grammy, Gramma, Nana, Pink, Schmev, and Ms. B—was the heart and soul of her family, a woman whose love and care touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She was the beloved spouse of William “Bill” Millard, whom she married on February 1, 1996. Together, they shared nearly 30 inseparable years of love and companionship. Bill was by Bev’s side throughout their marriage and in her final moments, reflecting the deep devotion they shared.
Bev was a devoted mother to her “cubs,” Michael “Mike” Blackburn, and Daniel “Dan” Blackburn, as well as a loving mother to Mary Crozier, and Mark Bourcier (her adopted cubs). She was also a cherished stepmother to Ruth Millard, and David Millard.
She held a special place in her heart for her daughters- and sons-in-law: Yulia Blackburn, Stephanie McAuley, Tim Terrence, Sybille Brault, Stephanie Habib, and Julie Booth.
Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren:
Jacob Blackburn, Jordan Blackburn, Taylor Blackburn, Alli DeLeary, Nicole Boyko, Anastasia Blackburn, Julia Terrence, Wesley Terrence, Ryan Terrence, and Lindsay Terrence. Bev was more than a grandmother—she was a guide, a cheerleader, and a source of warmth, support, and encouragement for each of them.
Predeceased by her parents Leslie and Margaret (Andrew) Johnson.
Bev was a devoted and caring mom who nurtured her children and grandchildren, supporting their dreams and aspirations. She built a loving legacy that will ripple through generations, one rooted in compassion, resilience, and faith. Anyone who knew Bev felt her love, radiance, and care for so many. The loss of Bev is deeply felt by her immediate family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. We miss you dearly, Mom, and we are forever grateful that we had you as the matriarch of our family for six decades.
You will be missed. Bye for now.
You’re packed—packed more than me.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life and interment will be held at a later date.
Donations to Sick Kids Foundation or Operation Smile Canada in Bev’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
Sincere condolences to Bill and family. Bev lived next door to us while Bill and Bev lived in Georgetown. Bill built a gate between our back gardens so we were able to slip in and out for all our little chats.Bev always had a good story to tell. She was so very proud of her family. I missed her so much when they moved back to London.
RIP Bev. Isobel & Jim
Mary, I’m so sorry about the loss of your dear Mum. The description of her is beautiful. She was a treasure. I hope you and all of your family are finding comfort in memories of her great love for all of you.
So sad to lose our sweet dear Bev. Our deepest condolences to her rock Bill, Mike and Dan and their families.
Over the 25+ years of our friendship we have enjoyed many fun times and meals together. Bev was always warm, charming and loving. She was kind, giving, had a great sense of humour and we will miss her enormously. Gail & Doug
So sad to hear of your passing my wonderful friend Bev. You were such a wonderful person, and I will miss you. I have kept one of your bears sitting on the landing of the stairs for 23 years. I will miss you and our chats so much. Love to your family, who all adored you as much as you adored them.
My deepest condolences to Bill, Mike and Dan and their families on the passing of this wonderful woman. She brought so much joy into this world and we will all be the lesser because of her death.
I only came to know of “Cuz” Bev in my late teens, but she quickly became the closest contact with the Andrew side of my family and the sister I never had with her family connections, great sense of humour and deep sense of relationships with everyone she knew and loved. We visited from time-to-time as we were across the country from each other but kept in touch by phone and her amazing “stream of consciousness” emails.
My daughters have wonderful memories of time spent with her and my granddaughter is the proud recipient of one of her innumerable “bears”.
Rest in peace, dear Beverley. You will be truly missed.
“Cuz” Bob