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In Memoriam
In Memoriam
This page is dedicated to remembering those alumnae we have lost and who will be missed dearly by the Brescia community. While the following women have left our lives, they are still very much a part of Brescia today and will continue to be even as we move forward.
Jennifer MOTT-MIFFLIN ('87)
(1965-2012)
Jennifer Mott-Mifflin, resident of R.R.# 3 Merlin, passed away suddenly as the result of a tragic motor vehicle accident on Monday, April 16, 2012 at the age of 47. Beloved wife of Jeff Mifflin. Cherished daughter of Frances Hendrix (John) of London and the late Donald George Mott formerly of Windsor. Beloved sister of her twin Heather Ellis (Floyd) of Trenton, Dwayne Mott (Stella) of Guelph, Jackie Emmons (Dave) of London. Much-loved aunt of Taylor Ellis, Clarke Ellis, Eric Mott and Patrick, Daniel, Emily and Teresa Mott. Jen will be remembered by her new and loving family, Murray and Esther Mifflin, Greg Mifflin, Sue Walker (Murray), Dave Mifflin (Lou-Anne Hunt), Mark Mifflin (Brenda) all of the Merlin area, Diane Vanderbeke (Keith) of Staples. Also survived by many other nieces nephews, and cousins. Sadly missed by stepsister Tina Vankroonenburgh, Terry Hendrix and their families. Predeceased by her grandparents Harold and Dorothy Mott, Myrtle and George Bayley, and aunts Mary E. Mott, and Donna Jean Savage. Jenny will be sadly missed by her many friends and family from coast to coast. Please bring your love, humour and stories when you come to Visitation at the John C. Badder Funeral Home 72 Victoria St., Thamesvilleon Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Celebration of Jenny's Life will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Brian McKay officiating. Interment Mayhew-Mt.Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville. Donations may be made at the funeral home by cheque to the A.L.L. for kids (Music program), Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Ontario Lung Association. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com
Mary Kathleen (Hargreaves) Shultz ('78)
(1956-2012)
Mary Kathleen Shultz Nee Hargreaves, in her 56th year, surrounded by family at home. Mary is survived by her soulmate and best friend of 40 years, Bob; her son, Christopher of Midhurst, daughter Sarah (Jeff) of Ottawa, and her two beloved grandchildren Reese and Claire Kelly. Mary can best be described as strong, both of heart and spirit. She survived countless rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and procedures over 6 years with unbelievable determination. Mary will be remembered foremost as a best friend, a wonderful mother and someone who was quick with words of wisdom and advice - usually over a glass of wine. Anyone who was lucky enough to find themselves at her home on a Saturday in the summer knows that "Babes" was full of “sprezzatura,” which, very loosely translated is someone who makes everything they do look effortless. This was especially true when she would breeze out of the kitchen with a cheese tray and steaks to throw on the BBQ, and a look that said "Of course you are staying for dinner". Mary filled each of her 55 years with laughter and will be missed by her friends and very large family: Francis Hargreaves (Helen) of Barrie, Anne Marie Christie (Ron) of Etobicoke, William (Joan) of Shanty Bay, Madeline Roy (Larry) of Oakville, Paul (Jean) of Alliston, Tom (Brenda) of Parry Sound, Bryan (Linda) of Barrie, Randy (Rosemary) of London, Kevin (Penny) of Toronto dozens of nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her parents Francis and Margaret Anne Hargreaves, Father in Law Tom Shultz, Brother Jack Hargreaves, Sister Elizabeth Hare and Sister in law Pam Stone. Mary received exceptional care from all of her doctors and nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital and Bayshore Home Nursing. The family would like to offer a heart felt thank you to her entire team. In Lieu of flowers, Mary has asked that any donations be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. A private family burial will take place. Friends are asked to join the family for a Celebration of Mary’s Life on Friday February 3rd at Fendley Hall Units C&D, 565 Bryne Dr, Barrie, On from 3:30-7 pm.
Sister Pierina Caverzan ('63)
(1924-2012)
Sister Pierina Caverzan (formerly Sister Frances Cabrini) entered Eternal Life
on Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Chatham, Ontario. She was born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia in 1924, the daughter of the late Umberto and Maria (Perin) Caverzan. She entered the Ursuline Sisters of the Chatham Union in 1945. During those years she served the Ursuline Community as a teacher in Stratford, Toronto, Wallaceburg, Chatham, and Tecumseh. Sister served as the chief librarian at Brescia University College from 1967-1983. In 1984, Sister was appointed Superior at Glengarda in Windsor. She later moved to “The Pines”, Chatham and served as the full time Community Librarian. Villa Angela has been her home for the last five years. She is survived by a sister Armida Bortolon of Chatham, a brother Ricardo of Michigan and several nieces and nephews.
Husband of Martha Steers '51
IAN BARRY CONNELL STEERS
It is with profound sadness that the family announces Barry's passing. He died peacefully at his home in London, ON, on November 20, 2011. Barry was surrounded by his immediate family. Husband of Martha Steers of over 59 years. Barry, missed by Sara (Bob), Greg (Anne) and Con (Sue) and seven grandchildren, Tamber (Jennifer), Claire, Ryan, Charlie, Sophia, Pilar and Gabriel, and great- grandchildren, Graydon and Arabella, his brother Kevin (Peggy) and sister, Mary and many relatives in Canada, Colombia and elsewhere. Predeceased by his parents, Connell and Kathleen Steers. Each posting abroad enriched their lives and each city became a home. From the comfort of his hometown of London, Ontario, Barry grew to become as happy in the back streets of Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo as in the hubs of New York City and Toronto. Of particular importance was the commitment and support of his wife Martha throughout his career. He joined the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in 1956, and during his career, was posted to Singapore, Greece, Israel and the Canadian Consulate in New York. Following a posting home to Ottawa, he served as Canadian Ambassador to Brazil from 1971 to 1976, as Canadian Consul General to New York from 1976 to 1979 and concurrently, as Commissioner to Bermuda. From 1981 to 1989, Barry was the Canadian Ambassador to Japan. Wherever Barry served, he was committed to Canada yet embraced the people and customs of the countries where he and Martha made their home. Among various achievements, he was awarded the Public Service Award of Outstanding Achievement (The Prime Minister's Award) and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Western Ontario, his and Martha's Alma Mater. Following a distinguished career in the Civil Service, Barry became an advisor to many companies and served as a Board Member of London Life, CP Hotels (Fairmont), Canadian Pacific Airways, Gendis Corporation, Manalta Coal and International Bank of Japan, Mizuho, Canada among others. Barry also participated in various public organizations and charities, that included serving as Trustee of the Royal Ontario Museum, Trustee of the Canadian Opera Company, and of particular importance, a Board Member of the Gatineau Fish and Game Club, adjacent to his and Martha's cottage in Quebec, long the family's point of reference. Barry was a wonderful husband and a guiding light to his children, grandchildren and the many others he touched in his long and compassionate life. While he will be missed, his presence is so strong that it will endure throughout the rest of our lives. We loved him, love him and will miss him. The family would like to thank the support and services of Medical Priorities of London, ON that helped Barry and Martha through these last difficult months.
Christine (Kristina) Suokaite
1924-2011
Christine (Kristina) Suokaite, Class of 1950, entered eternal life on Sunday July 17, 2011 in Chatham, Ontario. She was born in Tryskiai, Lithuania in 1924 and due to wars in Europe, Christine fled to Canada and became a Canadian citizen. She completed her university education and received her Masters of Library Science from Rosary Hall in Chicago. For over 50 years Christine worked in the Brescia University College library. Christine is fondly remembered by the many university students who benefited from her abundant knowledge, dedication, and willingness to help them with research and the finer points of using a library effectively. In November, 2007, due to ill health Christine moved to Villa Angela in Chatham. Christine was recently honoured by the Brescia Alumnae at the 2010 Homecoming with a plaque in the study room at Brescia's library which was named and dedicated in her honour. She is survived by a sister, Danute Vilkeliene, and a brother, Romas, who live in Lithuania.
Marilyn I. Davis
(1931-2011)
Marilyn I. Davis passed away peacefully with her sister beside her at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday June 13, 2011 in her 81st year following a lengthy illness. Born in Chatham, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Norman H. and Myrtle (McCrieght) Davis. Marilyn had been a resident at Riverview Gardens for the past several years. She received her education at C.C.I in Chatham, Brescia University College and University of London, England where she received her PhD. She has taught school in Wingham, London, and Saskatoon. She also co-authorized a book, “Firing the Heather” with the late Mary E. Hallett. Marilyn is survived by one sister Norma McArthur of Erieau and a niece, Marilyn Joanne (Tickey) Vandenberg, (Case) of Erie Beach. In keeping with Marilyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment of the ashes will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donation to the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario would be appreciated. We wish to thank the staff of Riverview Gardens on 3 East, Dr. Park Parry, and staff of the I.C. Unit and Medical Unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their kind and compassionate care. Arrangements entrusted to the Bowman Funeral Home, 4 Victoria Avenue, Chatham (519-352-2390). Online condolences may be made at www.bowmanfh.ca.
Helene (Riou) Reeves
(1934-2011)
Helene Reeves passed away peacefully in hospital on January 31st at the age of 76, with her loving family by her side. Left to mourn are daughter Mary and son John. Beloved grandmother of Alex Cosway, Lisa and Amanda Ross, Alexandra Philp, and great-grandmother of Xavier Cosway. Helene was a graduate of U.W.O (Brescia University College) class of '55 and a retired employee with the NCC.
Margaret (Stobie) O'Connor
(1938-2011)
On Thursday, January 13th, 2011, Margie's lengthy battle with COPD ended peacefully with family by her side. Predeceased by the love of her life Fred. Loving mother of Cathie, Patty (Michael Ward), Susie, Heather (Edward Jonasson), Barb (Shane Black) and Christopher. Grandmother of Ryan, Jonny, Jessi, Christine, Connor, Malcolm, Alex, Tori, Megan and Samantha. Loving sister of Andrew Stobie and Janet Stephenson. A special thanks to Aunt Sammy for her love and support.
'Margie' as her Brescia classmates know her, was a member of the Toronto bridge group, and will be missed dearly by her fellow alumnae.
Mary Patricia Gray
(1923-2010)
At University Hospital on Friday, November 26, 2010, in her 88th year. Dearly beloved daughter of Robert Patrick Gray (1939) and Mary Belchona Forman Gray (1969). Predeceased by her younger sister Miss Laura I. Gray Q.C. (1983). Survived by her cousin Miss Helen Gray McLeod, London. Miss Gray was a life long member of St. Peter's Basilica. She graduated from Brescia University College in 1946 and went onto complete her nursing degree at St. Joseph's School of Nursing, and U.W.O. School of Nursing. She worked for the City of London Health Department, served in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, H.M.C.S. Prevost. She was a school nurse at Clarke Road and H.B. Beal Secondary Schools. She was the office manager for her late sister for 25 years. Following the death of her beloved sister Miss Gray became a lay reader and an extraordinary minister of the eucharist at St. Peter's Basilica and studied China painting. She continued these activities until she became a victim of macular degeneration in 2000. She was a member emeritus of the Registered Nurses of Ontario, a member of the C.W.L. St. Peter's Basilica, a Ursuline Associate, a life member of the N.O.A.C. London Branch, the R.C.N.A. and the Royal London Military Institute. “Each day is a gift from God“
Dorothy (Dunn) Black
(1917-2010)
Mrs. Dorothy A. (nee Dunn), a resident of the Elgin Manor, R.R.#1, St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at her late residence on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, in her 94th year. Beloved wife and soulmate of the late Alexander R. Black (1998). Dorothy was a caring sister to Sister Mary Winifrid Dunn, late Sister Elaine Dunn, and the late Joseph Dunn. Dear sister-in-law of Norman and Mary Miller, and Marjory Dunn. Dorothy was a devoted aunt to one niece and five nephews, and great aunt to three great nephews. Born in St. Thomas, June 13, 1917, she was the eldest daughter of the late Harry and Winnifred (nee McNamara) Dunn. Dorothy's life was full and rewarding. She was a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (Brescia University College), and a member of the alumnae and class of 1938. Dorothy was a member of Holy Angels' Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic Women's League, and was a former avid and competitive member of the St. Thomas Duplicate Bridge Club. Her career extended to Montréal and Toronto. She returned to St. Thomas in 1953 and enjoyed her position as Registrar of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital School of Nursing and more latterly Fanshawe College.
Remembrances of Dorothy will remain safe in the hearts of all who knew her.
Patricia O'Dwyer
(1925-2010)
At University Hospital, London, on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, Patricia 'Pat' Alberta Theresa O'Dwyer in her 86th year. Daughter of the late Dr. Patrick J. O'Dwyer (1950) and Ida L. O'Dwyer (1994). Dear sister of Daureen Stover of Halifax, N.S., Maurice O'Dwyer of Southhampton and Michael (Deborah) O'Dwyer of Oro Station, ON. Sister-in-law of Elsie O'Dwyer of London. Devoted and loving aunt of many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and numerous caring friends. A dedicated and caring Health Care professional, Pat's first job was working for her father, a Country Doctor in Zurich, ON. She then spent many years at St. Joseph's Hospital, London, where she became Director of Nursing; following that position Pat became a Nursing Instructor at Fanshawe College. Patricia was a member of the class of 1948. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation. Online condolences at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca
Josephine Megan Jarvis
(1930-2010)
Born in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, England January, 1930. Died peacefully at the age of 80 with her family near at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital July 6, 2010. Devoted wife of 58 years to William, Amherstburg. Doting mother of Sarah, Windsor. Predeceased by her loving parents, Herbert Colin and Elizabeth Hayes. Youngest of six siblings, Jo leaves her wonderful sisters Roma (the late Reginald) and Beryl (the late Alan and Maurice) and their families; predeceased by Gwendolyn, Blodwyn and Dallas. Predeceased by parents-in-law, William and Alice Jarvis. Dear sister-in-law to Roy (the late Sylvia) and his family, and cousins in Canada. She has an extended family of friends in Scotland, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Her gift of laughter and conversation blessed so many.
She nurtured and adored Sarah’s friends, too, and became a second “Mum” to many. All were welcome in her home. Jo believed in leading by example, and was an untiring volunteer in theatres, museums and the Anglican Church; always going out of her way to help others – and showing us how it was done. Bill and Sarah would like to thank our family, friends and hospital staff at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital and Windsor Western Complex Care during Jo’s long struggles with ill-health. We had hoped to celebrate her 80th with everyone, but now we celebrate a wonderful life lived well.
Mary Isabelle (McCormick) Guichon
(1924-2010)
Mary passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at the age of 85 surrounded by her loving family. Mary attended Sacred Heart and St. Mary's schools in Calgary, and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brescia University College in 1947. She went on to achieve a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 1949, thereafter becoming employed in adoption placement.
At a Kamloops B.C. rodeo, she met and fell in love with Urban J.G. Guichon (1918-1993), an accomplished agriculturist and an officer in the Canadian Intelligence Corps in World War II. They married on September 26, 1950 and had six children: Gregory (Susan Guichon), Anne, Carolyn (Robert Pearce), Juliet (Alain Verbeke), Brian and Urban John Jr (1963). Mary meaningfully assisted Urban in his position as President of Riley and McCormick Ltd., a well-known Calgary-based company co-founded by her father in 1901. Throughout her life, Mary was dedicated to serving her church, community and democracy in Canada. To name a few from a long list, in the 1950s, Mary was a member of the Catholic Women's League and a founding board member of the Calgary Catholic Family Service Association.
A decade later, she served on the building boards of the Providence Creche and the Inter-faith Lacombe Foundation. Mary served as President of the Calgary Women's Liberal Association, of the Local Council of Women, and of the Calgary-Buffalo Liberal Association. Mary ran as a Liberal candidate in the 1972 federal election, and participated in two International Women's Year Committees. She was honoured as Pioneer Lady by the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants and was also a member of the Calgary Women's Literary Club and the Glencoe Club.
In later years, she devoted herself with gentleness to her beloved grandchildren. Mary's memory will be cherished not only for her distinguished career but also for her uncommon insight into human nature, outspokenness to protect the vulnerable, graciousness, charm, superb sense of humour and remarkable ability to bring out the best in others.
Bridget (Blackwell) Harrison
(1946-2010)
Bridget Harrison, nee Belinda Bridget Blackwell, passed suddenly at age 63 on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010, at her home in Mississauga. Bridget is the beloved mother of Caleb Aaron Harrison, and “Nanna” to Mason and Mecaela Harrison. Bill Harrison, the enduring love of her life with whom she travelled widely, shared numerous adventures, and brought light to world, predeceased her by one year. Born on November 11th, 1946, in London, Ontario to Grace and Doug Blackwell, Bridget was an accomplished actress, singer, and performer by the time she was a young woman. Her appearances were extensive and included the Stratford Festival and the CFPL show “Act Fast.”
A worldly and politically active young adult, she traveled to Liberia with Crossroads International in the 1960s. Bridget graduated from Brescia College at Western University and began teaching - which she loved passionately - and which led to her far-reaching educational career. Mainly dedicated to the Peel County School Board, her work also included the Toronto District School Board, the Ontario Ministry of Education, and OISE. As a lifelong learner and inspiring leader, Bridget touched countless educators in Canada and abroad. She was a remarkable role model for all young women, and a true champion for teen mothers.
Bridget will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and colleagues around the world, especially her brother Doug and sisters-in-law Jane, Sharon and Liz; her nieces Kate, Anna, Stefani, Samantha, Nina, Jennifer, Jamie, Karina, Sonja, Jesse, Corinda and Niki; and her nephews Marc, Tobi, Andre, Bobby, Ivan, Tony, Greg, Aaron and Steven. She was also “Nanna” to Lillie, Elia, Lauren, Jackson, Jordan, Jayden I, Declan, Gabriel, Jayden M, and several other adoring children.
Patricia (Griffin) Charles
(1936-2010)
Pat Charles (nee Griffin) was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1936 and graduated from Brescia in 1958. Having married Ferrel 'Bam' Charles, following graduation, Pat moved to Saint Lucia in 1959 where she began with her role as a tutor of English and History at St. Joseph's Convent, continuing in the mentoring role for an additional fifty years in various forms through her contributions to the world of arts, cultre, small business and sport.
Pat had a unique passion and love for the arts and as such formed the Creative and Performing Arts Society in St. Lucia in 1966 where she served as General Secretary as she watched the institution grow. Pat also founded the Caribbean Research Centre (CRC) and served as its Executive Director until 1992. Her additional contributions and involvement to the Arts and Research fields include Chair of the M&C Fine Arts Awards Council, founder of the Caribbean Research Centre, Executive Director of the Saint Lucia National Trust, founding member of the Jubilee Trust Fund and the first Chairperson of the Cultural Development Foundation.
While Pat always had a busy schedule with international dedication to multiple organizations, she ensured that she made her visits back to Brescia since graduating over half a century ago, including in 2007 when Pat attended Homecoming festivties at Brescia to accept the Carmelle Murphy Alumnae Award of Distinction recognizing her lifetime achievements in teaching and volunteer work and setting a true example of how Brescia continues to succeed in "educating women who change the world".
Pat is survived by her husband, Ferrel "Bam" Charles, her daughters Linda Augier and Eva Lewis, her son Gordon Charles and her eight grandchildren.
Sister Dominica Dietrich
(1916 - 2010)
Known to some as "Sister D",she was born in Dashwood, Ontario in 1916 andentered the Ursulines of the Chatham Union in 1934.
In addition to serving as Brescia's Principal and Dean from 1963-1969, Sister Dominica was also the Chair of the Home Economics Department and the President of the Canadian Dietetic Association in the late 1960s, helping to make her footprint in what isknown astheFoods and Nutrition Program today at Brescia. She received her Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Western Ontario in 1971.
The Sister Dominica Dietrich- Dr. Gerldine Montag Scholarship was established in June of 2007 byDr. Geraldine M. Montag to commemorate her 60th anniversary of graduation from Brescia University College, one of the many ways thatSister Dominica's memory will continue to live on.