On January 16, a beautiful sunny day, Libby Kay (nee Box) of London, slipped away from us at Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy, after a courageous battle with dementia. Beloved by everyone who knew her, she is survived by her husband Malcolm of 66 years, her children Laurie (Sandy), Tom (Nicole), and Andrew (Deb), and grandchildren Derek, Claire and Leo, brother Chuck Box (Janis) of Grand Bend, sister Marsha Allen of London, and sister-in-law of Judy Box of Parkhill and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Laurence and Margaret Box, brother Jim of Parkhill, and brother-in-law Jim Allen of London. Libby would have said that she was “plenty-nine” but we know that she was 85.
An avid roller skater in her youth, a photographer’s model, a high school queen, a past president of the Garden Club of London, Libby’s calling was to be the loving kindergarten teacher everyone wishes for. Libby had many talents – gardening, painting, sewing, genealogy – but her passion was people. She had a rare and precious ability to put everyone at ease, and she did that with everyone she met. We are heartbroken by the loss of her.
Libby and Mal travelled extensively, all over Canada, the US, Europe, and her favourite – Hawaii. She loved her Byron condo, but her soul belongs at her cottage in Norman Heights, Grand Bend, where she spent much of her life. She once roller skated from her childhood home in Parkhill to Grand Bend. Her skates needed new wheels after that!
The family would like to thank Dr Jennifer Parr, the team at Strathmere Lodge, and Susan Wood of the Alzheimer’s Society for their compassionate care of Libby in her final months.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Lucan on Saturday January 21st from 10:30-11:30 AM where the funeral service will be held at 12 noon. Interment Parkhill Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer Society or Strathmere Lodge would be appreciated by the family. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
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).
Valerie Boland
Dear Malcolm, it was by chance that I found out about Libby’s passing. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to you. She was such a lovely, lovely lady and she always held a special place in my heart because she remembered my Mother, Rosalie. I have missed seeing you and Libby at Denny’s over the past few years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Valerie Boland
Owner
Denny’s Drive-In, Grand Bend
Frank & Eleanor Sadler
So sorry to hear of your loss. Libby was a wonderful person. The pictures brought back a lot of good memories. Derek has changed quite a bit since I taught him back in Grade 1. It was nice to see his graduation pictures.
Doug Procter
Laurie and Sandy
Sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Our sincere condolences. Thinking of you.
Doug and Debbie Procter
Sue Oswick
Sincere condolences to you, Laurie, and all your family. We met your mum a few times and found her to be a gracious lady. She was a fantastic hostess and always made you feel welcome. We know you will miss her a great deal.
Much love and virtual hugs
Pete and Sue
Margaret miller
Shared many happy times with Libby at the garden club. She will be sadly missed
Margaret Miller
Lorne Hooper
To Mal and the Family, may I offer you my sympathy in your grief from Lib’s passing and my hope that the memory of her charm , support and talent will make the grief more bearable .
Dianne “ Lady Di” Morton
My sincere condolences go out to all the Kay family especially Malcolm, Laurie, Sandy and Derek!! I was truly shocked to learn of this very sad news. Libby had a very infectious smile which was a true reflection of her wonderful personality and unconditional love. I feel very fortunate to have know her for as long as I did!! May your family obtain strength in this time from all the glorious memories you hold of Libby, mom and grandma.💕💕
Ann and Doug Jenkins
Dear Malcolm and family. Sending you our deepest sympathy and love. Libby was a true and classy lady and shall be missed by us all. Sorry we can’t make the service tomorrow but you are in our hearts and prayers .Any time we can help with anything just let us know. Doug and Ann Jenkins
Sherry Nichols
Andrew and Deb, please understand we are there in spirit to support you both. Tom, it would have been good to see you again and personally express the grief we share with you. We know that Libby welcomed all of us. We felt it. We offer our condolences to Malcolm , Tom’s family, Laurie and family as well.
Elizabeth Reid
Our condolences are sent to all of you at this time.
Libby was a beautiful woman and was loved by all who met her.
She will be greatly missed by all
May you all be blessed by all her great memories she has left for you.
Thinking of you all
Bill and Elizabeth Reid (cousins)
Lorna Roberts (cousin)
Mary and Clayton Dadd (cousins)
Betty Warwick
I am really sorry to hear of Libby’s passing. From the time Bill and I spent with Libby and Mal at 9 Signals to being in the Garden Club with Libby I have always admired her kind and gentle manner and spirit.
My sincere sympathy go out to Mal and family as they journey through their grief.
Alexandra Box-McCoy
Lib is so easy to miss. May her memory be a blessing. She made Norman Heights such a special place for our family <3 sending many hugs to all as we remember her.
Nancy and Randy Warden
Our deepest condolences to Mal and your family on the passing of dear Libby. You are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed.
Sharon Clark
Chuck please except our condolences our Prayers & Thoughts are with you and your family and Libby’s family.
Heather Jennings
Dear Chuck and Janis,
We are so sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Ralph, Heather, Amy, and Bradley Jennings.
SARAH PURVIS
To Mal and Family and Chuck and Marsha. I am so sorry to hear of Lib’s passing. I shared Lib’s love of gardening and have fond memories of her showing me her beautiful gardens at Norman Heights.
My sincerest condolences.
Sarah Purvis
Eileen Scott
Sincere condolences to Mal and family,Chuck and Marsha and families in the passing of Libby.She was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed. Eileen Scott
Philip Spencer
Deepest condolences to Mal and your family on the passing of dear Libby. RIP 🙏
Pam McLinchey
Chuck and Janis and your Family, thinking of you at this time. Sending sincere Condolences and hugs.
Eric Chovancek
Mal and family, we were saddened to read about Libby’s passing. We remember her as a warm, gracious hostess and a caring friend from our days on the 10th of Blanshard. We offer you our sincere sympathy and trust her loving memories will always comfort you.
Eric and Pat
Judy Grunwald and LCol (retd) Armin Grunwald
Dear Mal,
Our condolences to you and your family on the passing of Libby.
Judy Grunwald and
LCol (retd) Armin Grunwald. COM, MSM
Members of Royal London Military Institute (RLMI)
Shirleyan English
Libby was a lovely lady in every way. She was also a very talented and creative floral designer and a former president of the Garden Club of London. She was the easiest person in the world to work with when teaching floral design. A very positive and attractive lady.
Dale Whitelaw
Dear Chuck, Janis and family: Dianne and I are so sorry for your loss. Libby lived a very eventful and exciting life and will be remembered by so many.
Dale and Dianne Whitelaw
Carol Wasnidge
Kay family and Box family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Lib will be remembered and carried in our hearts forever. She was a very special lady but is now at peace. Lib will be greatly missed.
Doug& Marge Hillis
Our deepest sympathies to Mal and family for their lost of Libby. She was a fine lady and a great neighbor to all in Norman Heights
Greg and Linda Oswick
Our sincere condolences to you Laurie and your family. We wish we could be there to support you. Your mom was a lovely lady who took great care of us when we visited. Take care. Xoxoxo. Linda and Greg.
Blair Purvis
To Mal and Family, I’m sorry to hear of Lib’s passing. I have fond memories of her at both Norman Heights and our cottage at Houston Heights at the various family gatherings. She was always very interested to hear what I was up to and took the time to listen. It was a pleasure sitting down and chatting with her. I know she will be fondly remembered.
Warmest regards,
Blair
Jean Weber
To Mal and family – I am so sorry to learn of Libby’s passing. Please accept my sympathy in your loss. We were both interested in researching the Box family tree and sharing our information.
Gerald and Bonnie Wright
To Libby’s family, Chuck and Marsha. We offer our sincerest condolences on your loss. Hopefully your many wonderful memories will bring you peace.
Gerald and bonnet Wright
Linda Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family,
Linda (Hodgins) & Jim Dietrich
Margaret Prout
Sincere condolences to Malcolm, Chuck, Marsha and families. Cherish
your wonderful memories of Libby.
Edward & Linda Fox
Chuck and family
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Libby.
Treasure your many memories of her and hold them close to your heart where she will always remain and remember that LOVE never dies.
RIP Libby.
Sincerely.
Edward and Linda Fox
Robyn Hall
I’m so sorry to hear of Libby’s passing .
I have fond memories of our visits. We both really enjoyed our Domino and Uno game sessions together . We also had wonderful conversations and she always has great stories to tell. My deepest condolences to the entire family .
Robyn Hall
At Your Service for Seniors
(Rev.) Bob Johnstone
Libby walked in front of me–both figuratively and physically–through our days at Parkhill High School. Each year I bought her text books which were in good condition and well-marked with her penned notations. We lived just a few doors apart on the same street. The first wedding cake I decorated was one for Libby and Mal. Through the years we kept in touch, and more recently enjoyed theatre together with her cousin Jan at Blyth, always with dinner afterwards in Goderich.
I extend my condolences to Mal, his family, Chuck, and Marsha as you journey through the emptiness of grief. Be comforted in the assurance that there are many others who are journeying with you at a distance. In the meantime, Libby has been liberated from a hideous disease.
Marjie Westerveld
To Lib s family,,,,so sorry to hear of her passing,,she was a very dear friend to my mom,,Tish Tudor(2016) and a wonderful lady,,,hold your memories close,,,I have many great pictures of them.❤️
Kathy eagleson
To chuck and Libby’s family it was a pleasure. Doing Libby hair and getting to know her she was a dear lady she will be missed!