Suddenly at University Hospital, London on April 9, 2022 of Exeter at the age 71. Beloved wife of Jim for over 32 years. Dear sister-in-law of Betty Birrell of Ancaster.
Mary Lou was very kind and generous, she gifted many people with her musical talents of singing and playing the keyboard. She and Jim are both founding members of the Probus group, and active members of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Mary Lou has a large collection of Teddy Bears gifted to her by Jim and was fond of the ones with big smiles. She was a real sweetheart; she will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 40007 Kirkton Rd, Centralia on Wednesday, April 13th from 11:30 -12:30 PM, where the funeral service will be held at 1 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery. Registration is required and appreciated to attend the visitation. To register, please click “Register Now” below.
Donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
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 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jean Kelly
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I have lots of good memories from the farm of watching you and Mary Lou together. She was one of the most joyful people I have ever met. And she was perfect for you! These are difficult days but there is joy in store for us all. Be strong and endure .
Tracey Stanlake
My sincerest condolences Jim. She will be missed by many.
Tom Creech
My sister Ann and Mary Lou were good friends for many, many years. Sorry to read of her passing.
Tom Creech
Janet & John Bilcke
Jim we are so sorry to hear of MaryLou’s passing, but we know she’s in her eternal home now💜 She always had such kind words for everyone. John & I always enjoy our quick visits w you both when we come to pick your vehicle up.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you 🙏
Mark Heimrich
To Jim & all Mary Lou’s friends;
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dearest Mary Lou. I will always remember her as such a kind and happy lady, with a cheerful countenance and bright smile. My Mom, Marilyn, remembers Mary Lou as one of the sweetest and most pleasant students she ever taught.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
Brian & Elaine Hodgins
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. May all the good memories give you peace and comfort.
Cherish these memories. Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Jim. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Ellen Hodgins
Sorry for your loss Jim. From Gloria Johnson and Mark Bredin.
Er v Steinmann
Jim. Irla and I send our sincere condolences . We have many good memories. I’m sure God said “Hello Marylou”! Er v Steinmann
Russell &Verona Snider
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a genuine loving person. We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Marg McAlpine
Jim .. thinking of you at this most difficult time… I am so happy we had our short visit on the street in Exeter just recently.. I have many fond memories of our times together when travelling with Ilderton Tours…Cherish all of those …. sincerely Don & Marg McAlpine
Joan and Dave Goddard
Jim,
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Bonnie Gigliotti
I am so very saddened to hear of Mary Lou,s passing, Jim. She was a light to all who new her and the dearest friend to me. I am so sorry that I can’t be at the funeral since I won’t be back til April 20. I’m praying for you dayly. Mary Lou will always be with you in spirit, Jim.
Lov e Bonnie and Ed
John & Sandra Dixon
Jim, we were so saddened to learn of Mary Lou’s sudden passing. She was always such a delightful lady with a big smile. We know you’ll miss her deeply. Our sincere condolences.
Peter and Sharron Snell
Jim,
We were so pleased to share a lovely luncheon with you and Mary Lou a couple of weeks ago. We never know when life can take a disastrous turn, so, of course, we were devastated when we heard that Mary Lou had passed suddenly. Our memories of out friendship with you both transcend time. When we say “friends for life” we don’t think of life ending. So, Jim, we’ll just say “forever friends.”
Peter and Sharron Snell
Betty Prest
Our sincere sympathy to Mary Lou’s family. Though you didn’t share as many years as you would have liked, they were certainly golden years. Please know we are thinking of all of you.
Betty Prest and family
Margaret Prout
Jim, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Lou. I enjoyed having a chat with her at
our Probus meetings. When Mary Lou was President, it was my honour to be on the
executive and she tried so very hard to please everyone. Mary Lou was a very kind, gentle
and thoughtful lady. Rest In Peace my friend 🌷
Marg Prout
Kay Tripp
I offer my sincere condolences….Kay Tripp
Dale Grant
Jim,
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. I will miss the sweet sound of her singing.
Evelyn and Gaylan Josephson
Jim
Our deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of your wife and best friend. Mary Lou was always so friendly and caring and always had a kind word to say about everyone. She will be missed. We will truly miss her singing and her beautiful voce. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Carol LeBeau
My sympathy to you, Jim, on the loss of your dear wife Mary Lou.
Her lovely smile and happy disposition will be missed by all who knew her.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
Carol
Jackie Wells
Dear Jim, we are so very sorry for your loss. It was so obvious that Mary Lou’s love for you made you complete. Your love story matched no other.
May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Debby Wagler
Jim, we are so sorry to hear about your loss of sweet Mary Lou. We have many memories of sharing church life together with her. She so often had a kind word. You both modelled a beautiful caring marriage. May God be with you and bring comfort. Randy and Debby Wagler
Elaine & Jim Tomlinson
Our sincere condolences go out to you Jim. Mary Lou was always a cheerful person with a ready smile whenever in her presence. RIP Mary Lou
Wayne and Chris DeLuca
Jim
Please accept our sincere condolences on Mary Lou’s passing. She was a dedicated Probus member who was always ready to offer assistance and help to make the Club better for all members. Cherish all your wonderful memories!
Wayne and Chris DeLuca
Doug and Mary Lee
Sorry about your loss Jim. Many memories of both of you.
8
Dear Jim so sorry to hear of Mary-lou’s passing . She was always smiling and singing .My condolences she was a great lady always helping at the the Brinsley Church, Linda (Morley) Wilkinson
Richard and Margaret Ross
Margaret and I were deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Mary-Lou. She was a vibrant, joyous and loving person, whose memory will be etched on us indelibly. She received us with open arms and an open heart when we arrived from Australia and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in 2006. She and Jim opened their home to us and we were blessed to experience her hospitality, care and her love of God. We were delighted to renew our friendship with Mary Lou and Jim when we re-visited Canada in 2017, and she was still the loving and generous person she had been before. It is hard to imagine Jim on his own – they were such a united couple. May God’s eternal love be his comfort and strength.
Clara Vanderlaan
Dear Jim ,
Our deepest condolences in the sudden loss of your sweet heart Mary Lou .
She was always so kind and thoughtful to others , giving words of encouragement and sending cards to those around her . She will be missed by many of us . She was a faithful studier and participant of Coffee Break Bible Study , sharing her thoughts, wisdom and questions from God’s Word .
May God bless and strengthen you with His Love and Peace knowing she is with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers,
Tony and Clara
Ron and BettyLou Heywood
We are so sad to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. She was such a cheerful and interesting person. We chatted briefly with her a couple weeks ago at the church .So glad for that exchange with her. She will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you , Jim.
Neil and Marcia Trevithick
Jim sorry to hear of your loss. Each year I always looked forward to a Christmas card from Mary Lou and your greetings for our Anniversary, which we shared with you and Mary Lou. We have many cherished memories of your time at the Brinsley United Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nora Lippa
Heartbroken at the news. Dear Jim, we are sending you our deepest condolences. Mary Lou’s grandfather and my grandfather were brothers. We loved hearing from you both every year. Love from us both, Nora and Dominic
Sandra Newton
Dear Jim.
I can’t begin the words to express my sorrow over the sudden death of Mary Lou. I will fondly remember her as a delightful lady with a joyful, soaring spirit. We will miss her at coffee break.
Don and Ruth Ann Cunningham
Jim,
We are so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s sudden passing. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful voice. She will be very missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Don and Ruth Ann Cunningham
Darren and Teressa Thomson
Our condolence to Jim and your family on the passing of Mary Lou, she was always very pleasant to talk to . She will be missed.
Anna Marie and Casey Cook
So sorry to hear about Mary Lou’s passing. Mary Lou was always so cheerful. She will be missed at Probus. Mary Lou contributed so much to the club.
Evelyn Vincent
Jim & Betty
Sincere sympathy in your loss
Jeannine Vanneste
Sending my condolences to Jim , I am so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing , she will be missed by many.
Catharine Pike
Mary Lou, Jim, our friend Bonnie and I enjoyed many lunches together during the time I lived in Grand Bend. Mary Lou was always the centre of the gathering! Jim, may you find comfort in the loss of Mary Lou knowing that she is safe in the arms of Jesus. Catharine
Ed & Marie Nethercott
Jim , so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric and Sue Gerber
Jim,
We are sorry for the passing of your dear wife
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Our sincere sympathy Jim with the passing of your Best Friend Mary Lou. We will always cherish our memories as neighbors and members of Brinsley United Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Brian and Janet Wedlake
So sorry for you loss. She was a beautiful soul.
KATHY DASILVA
So sorry for your loss Jim. Mary Lou always had a smile and a wave and big hello for us. She was a kind and friendly neighbour to Mom and Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Yvonne/Jim Barnetson
So sorry for your loss Jim!
She was a wonderful lady!
RIP MaryLou ! From Yvonne (Fisher) Barnetson
Ellen Hodgins (Simpson)
Jim…so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. Always enjoyed our chats on the phone.
Bill & Audrey Rowe
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing! She always had a beautiful smile and will be missed by many. Bill & Audrey
Jim Chapman
Jim and family;
My deepest sympathy !
Surprised and sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. She was a delight to know and spend time with. I’ll miss the tours around the province that she loved to share with her friend Eve.
Laura & Don Dixon
Jim you are in our thoughts at this difficult time, so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy
Don & Laura Dixon
JoAnne Pickering
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. Jim keep all the great memories close in the sad time! JoAnne Pickering
Iris Currell
Mary Lou was such a special lady who touched so many lives. She will be missed . We certainly shared some good times and memories thru Probus. My condolence to you Jim , as you morn the loss of your partner’s passing.
Maureen Wood
So Sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s Passing,
Always so Cheerful & Happy
Maureen Wood
Ralph Topp
Jim
I am very sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. When we lived near you in the community we had many good times together. Your dad pointed the way for my tree planting on the farm. When you and Mary Lou married a few years ago Mary Lou asked me to play the music for your wedding. I remember that very well and your slogan at the time was ‘we’re not perfect but we are perfect for each other’. I have been out of touch with you since I moved to London. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Gabbie and Margaret Mol
Our sincere condolences with Mary’s passing God give you strength
Bill and Cathy Dinney
Dear Jim sorry to hear of Marylou’s passing she was a thoughtful and generous person .
DAVID MCCLURE
Jim, it was so nice to have such a nice visit with you and Mary Lou at the last Exeter Probus meeting. We go back a long way. I have so many fond memories of you and Mary Lou and your father Andy years ago whether it was picking apples ,making cider or pruning those walnut trees down at the Concession 9 McGillivray farm and planting all those trees at your sister Betty Birrell’s Rodney farm .May you be blessed with God’s comfort in the days and weeks ahead .
Don Lankin
Sorry Jim to hear of Mary Lou passing used to enjoying chatting when getting apples when you were on the farm.
Bob and Helen Coates
So sorry to hear that Mary Lou has passed. She made our meetings at Probus so much fun when she was president and she was always made our meetings interesting. We enjoyed her singing many times. We have memories of sweet lady who was always a pleasure to know. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and her family.
Marlene Ingram
So very sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing
George and Sue Wilson
Jim, we sent our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Mary Lou. She was a friendly woman, and very musical. She loved to sing. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Jodi Schenk
Jim,
We are so sorry to hear about Mary-Lou’s passing. I will miss seeing her every Tuesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jodi, Kris, Emma and Kolten
olive brown
Mary Lou was a special friend/ travelling companion to me for the 12 yrs I lived in Zurich. When my husband Mati died she was my rock, totally making all the funeral service arrangements for me,and when I ran into problems with Mati’s children,she stood faithfully by my side and was my encouragement in those dark days. We enjoyed singing together in the Exeter community choir. I am totally shocked to hear of her sudden passing.
Marilyn Waldeck
Sad to hear of the loss of Mary Lou who will be missed by many. She had a beautiful voice and loved her music. Jim I know you will miss her and hope that all the good memories you shared with her will make it easier for you to accept.
Brian & Lynda Sanders
So sorry to hear of MaryLou’s passing Such a sweet sweet lady Our condolences go to to Jim & Family MaryLou will be missed Brian & Lynda Sanders
Ken & Joan Agnew
A cheerful, caring person we will miss. Mary Lou brought fun to our Probus as a dedicated member and love and concern to her many friends.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to you, Jim.
Ken & Joan Agnew