Obituaries

On Monday, January 25, 2021, held in the arms of one of the many people who loved him, surrounded by the ferocious love of his family, and with the 20th Century Fox theme song playing in the background, Toby left this world, at the tender age of 4. While devastated, his family acknowledge that it was time for him – with his quirky sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye – to complete his earthly journey and reconnect with those waiting for him on the other side. Toby was an inspiration and purpose to his mom Lindsay (Bloch)… Read complete obituary here.

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London with her loving family by her side on Saturday, January 23, 2021 of London, formerly of Temiscaming, Quebec, at the age of 73. Beloved wife of Frank Sapala for over 51 years. Cherished mother of Tania and Rick MacQueen of Appin, and Krysia and Eric Phillips of Stratford. Proud grandma of Aidan and Mikey, Kyle and Alyssa, James and Mallory, and Nate. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Merlene and Ray St-Onge of North Bay, Dawn and Ray Hammond of Georgetown, Marcelle Eaglesham of Montreal, and Ted and Josie Sapala of London. Fondly remembered by many… Read complete obituary here.

On January 19, 2021 the world lost a good man. William Douglas (Doug) Rivers passed away peacefully under the wonderful care of the staff at Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario. Doug was in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Mary Eileen Rivers (Jeffery), dear father to daughters Barbara (Ben), Cathy (Rob) and loved grandfather of Paul, Lisa, Travis (Amanda) and William (Majse). Doug was a tremendous example for all, conducting himself with a quiet grace. He was unwavering in his ethics, had a rare ability to see the good in all people, and had a great sense of humour, qualities… Read complete obituary here.

Passed at home on January 2, 2020 at the age of 66. Beloved brother-in-law of Catherine Hemsworth of London. Robert will be fondly remembered by his nephew James Hemsworth of London. Predeceased by his siblings Johanne Hemsworth, Joseph Hemsworth and James Hemsworth and his parents Joseph and Anne (Walker) Hemsworth Cremation has taken place. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London will take place at a later date. Cremation & Celebrations entrusted with arrangements (519-963-4003).

After a year long fight with cancer on December 12, 2020, surrounded by family Deborah Lynn Haskett (Needham) passed away peacefully at her home.  Remembered by Jim Haskett (husband), Mabel Needham (mother), Brad Needham and Shelley Rivard (brother and sister-in-law), Katie Needham (niece), Emily Needham (great-niece), Kayne Needham and Sam Kurtz (nephew and niece), Sharon Davis (sister in law), Shirley Colbert (cousin) and many more uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by Gary Needham (father).  Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.  Thank you to the palliative care teams from Dr. Cling, Para-Med… Read complete obituary here.

November 8, 1927 – November 11, 2020 Peacefully at home with her family by her side on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 of Ingersoll, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Eckhardt (1998). Cherished mother of Jeff of Herentals, Belgium, Nancy and her husband Gary Latimer of London, Jim and wife Kathy of Naples, Florida, and Carol Eckhardt of Woodstock. Proud grandma of Sean, Greg, Jill, Laura, Andreas, Jamie, and Jack and her great-grandsons, Nolan, Oscar, Gust, Louis, and Lex. Predeceased by infant daughter Gail Helen (1957), daughter-in-law Patsy (1996), sister Joy (2009) and brother Jim (1944). Keeping… Read complete obituary here.

At St. Marys Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 23, 2020 of Thorndale at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Donald Phillips for 60 years. Dear mother of Susan (Brian) Pratten of Thorndale, Don (Rene) Phillips of Thorndale, Ted (Julie) Phillips of London, Kit Kinney (Rob Ward) of Belmont, Bob Phillips of London, David Phillips of Thorndale, Michelle (Eldon) Campbell of Stratford, and Kim (Jim) Judge of Mount Brydges. Loved grandmother of Alex, Jeremy, and Kate; Sarah, Rachel, and Kelly; Bart, Jason, and Sam; Ashley, Brent, Shyla, and Ayden; Jonathan; Brandon, and Owen; Jaxon and Emma; and also remembered by… Read complete obituary here.

At London Health Science Centre (LHSC) – University Hospital on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 of London and formerly of Sudbury at the age of 88. Beloved wife of Leo Robert Niemi married 65 years. Loving mom of Darrell Niemi (Terry Purvis) of Sudbury, and Brent (Geraldine) Niemi of London. Adored grandma of Jessica Niemi (Eric Levert) of Timmins, Pearl and Daisy Niemi of London. Dear great-grandmother of Drake. Lois was a devoted school teacher for the Sudbury School Board for 35 years. She will be remembered for her open-door policy and her whole hearted efforts (large and small) to make… Read complete obituary here.