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Abhinna (Cassie) Burke posted a condolence
Friday, June 14, 2024
Dear Mark, David and Lisa,
On the anniversay of Mildred’s transition in early June last year I was prompted to share my fond remembrance of her. As you know we (Cassie and Carrie Burke, daughters of the late Ross and Tiny Burke of Erieau) shared an upbringing in the United Church and all of you are part of our memories in that community that raised us.
Mildred was an impactful figure in my life. I remember her from my first visits to the Fourth Line Church as a child, from Sunday School and from the place she, Jack and you, her family, always sat on the left of the church, of which we had a fairly good view from the far right. I chuckle to remember mom often telling me to “look straight ahead, at the minister” because as a child and then young teen I frankly found Mildred quite fascinating as she was the epitome of poise and fashion. Whatever mom advised, I preferred to sit so I could best watch and emulate her lady-like manners. In the line after the sermon Mildred always took the time to speak with me as though I was an adult, even when I was a young girl. It gave me a strong sense of self that every young person should have.
Mildred and I shared two things -- a love of fashion and a love of language. Mildred always cut an elegant figure and had the perfect posture to match. She held herself with such dignity and treated everyone with such respect. She was curious about others and their lives. She was diplomatic and reserved when need be. What I learned from her came in handy in my years to follow in public relations.
I loved to ask her about her years as a teacher and she loved to speak about them, always with such clear articulation. Years later when I worked as a Quality Manager in a health research call center and wrote their ‘Voice and Delivery Skills’ manual, I recalled Mildred and her influence. In the course of my life I met only two or three people who spoke in as distinctive a way. I also never knew her to say anything frivolous or insincere.
Mildred always had kind words of genuine concern and support. When I lived in Ottawa and my sister in London she would always ask about my sister, Carrie. She would ask about our mom, Tiny, and how she was managing her treatments. She would ask about our dad, Ross, in the hospital and later in the Dearness Home in London where he resided for part of his 90’s. When our parents died in the 90’s she was there to offer support. She was a close friend of mom’s and together they enjoyed many meetings of the United Church Women. That mom passed in her late 50’s in 1992 hit Mildred hard. It was remarkable that Mildred lived 31 more years after her friend. What longevity!
I live in Alberta now but several years back I was in London and on a strong last minute Sunday inner prompting headed to the Fourth Line Church in hopes of attending the service and perhaps seeing Mildred there. As I entered the church just seconds before the service started our eyes met and there was a huge wave of emotion. There she was, one of the giants of my youth, as elegant as ever, looking over with the same concern she always showed. It was a poignant moment and we spoke for quite a while afterwards. I knew she was fondly remembering my parents, gone over two decades earlier. It was a touching goodbye as I think we both knew we might never see each other again. She told me she would like to remain at the farm as long as possible and spoke of fighting the same battle mom had, through surgery and treatment. I sympathized and told her I was ever grateful for her friendship over the years. One fond memory I hold is of calling her on her leap year birthday once, years after moving afar. Her joy knew no bounds and the connection had not lost a beat.
Mildred was very proud of all of her children and always keen to give me updates. Although it has been a very long time since the Sundays of our youth, please know that your mother was a cherished part of our lives and that her influence endured. She was truly an extraordinary woman, and along with your Jack, brought joy and stability to the Fourth Line community. What a blessing she was to us all.
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DELMA COLL lit a candle
Friday, June 30, 2023
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my condolence to you mark, LISA , Dave and your family.
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Terry and Doreen Pook posted a condolence
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Mark and Alice... so sorry dor your loss.
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Nancy Horak posted a condolence
Monday, June 26, 2023
Mark & Alice , Lisa & Chuck ,Dave & Laura and families ,
A beautiful tribute video for a life well lived and loved .Mildred was always smiling and loved her family so much .
She will be truly missed ,
Nancy and Paul Horak
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Elaine Warriner donated to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Hope you are having opportunities to share many memories of your time spent with Mildred through the years. Such a gracious woman. We are happy to have known her and her caring family. Hope we can share some of those memories too.
Elaine & Garry Warriner
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Catherine Shaw donated to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation
Saturday, June 24, 2023
In loving memory of my Aunt Mildred Huffman.
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Deb Jackson posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We always enjoyed our cousins get togethers over the years
Sincere sympathy Max and Doreen McFadden
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Rosemary and Craig posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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We have lost a friend......praying for you all through this time of sad loss.
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Elinore and Bill Jackson donated to THE SALVATION ARMY CHATHAM-KENT MINISTRIES
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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Elliott Wilson pledged to donate to THE SALVATION ARMY CHATHAM-KENT MINISTRIES
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Condolences to the family of Aunt Mildred.
Sending sincere sympathy, Elliott, Cindy & Family
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Tracy Wygiera (Tiffin) posted a condolence
Saturday, June 17, 2023
David, Laura & Lisa and Huffman family:
So sorry to hear of Mildred’s passing. My deepest condolences. Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this loss.
Tracy Wygiera (Tiffin)
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Jane moore posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
So sorry to read of Mildred’s passing.such a lovely lady and how we enjoyed our time painting in Blenheim. She gave me a Christmas ball when we left Blenheim and I have thought of Mildred every Christmas..I was pleasantly surprised and happy to see her in Blenheim shopping a year or so ago. Her gracious smile will be my memory. I am glad to see the paint brushes with her picture.. Thank you for sharing your mother with us.
Jane Moore
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Larry & Patricia Rumble posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mom, she was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. May the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days to come
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Foster Family donated to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation
Monday, June 12, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. May treasured memories shared amoung family and friends bring you comfort and peace.
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Ginny (Terry) Schedewitz posted a condolence
Monday, June 12, 2023
Mark, Lisa, David and your families.
I am saddened to learn of your Mom's passing. My family (Terry) were next door farm neighbours to the Huffman's and as Mark, Lisa & David may remember I looked after you three on your Mom & Dad's bowling night. I have many great memories of those times. May all the wonderful memories you have with your Mom bring you comfort at this time. Wish I was closer to visit with you.
Ginny Terry Schedewitz
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Linda Terry posted a condolence
Monday, June 12, 2023
Mark, Lisa, and David,
I was extremely fortunate to have had your Mom as a teacher at Raglan school from grade 1 through grade 7. She was the main motivation behind my own teaching career. After she and Jack married, she became a wonderful neighbour to the Terry family .I didn't see her often, but when I did we always had a wonderful conversation. Cherish your memories. I'm sure you have many great ones.
Linda Terry
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Bettyann Langan posted a condolence
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Thinking of you during this difficult time . She was a kind and beautiful lady. A wonderful neighbour when we lived across the road. Her and Pat always enjoyed the fact that they were both leap year babies. Hold tight to all your wonderful memories.
Bettyann Langan
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Tony & Gail Rumble posted a condolence
Friday, June 9, 2023
Mark & Alice, Lisa & Chuck, David & Laura and families, the world has loss a very pleasant, beautiful Lady. We are fortunate to have many good thoughts of your Mom especially at the kitchen table. We are so glad that Mom and her were such good friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Tony & Gail
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Roy & Wendy Dusten posted a condolence
Friday, June 9, 2023
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all the family at this time. May you find comfort in your memories in the coming days.
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Myra (Foulis) Pettit posted a condolence
Friday, June 9, 2023
To Mark, Lisa, David, and families.
I'm so sorry to learn of Mildred's passing. She was a lovely lady with the most radiant smile. She will be remember always. May you find comfort in your many wonderful memories, and may God grant you peace.
Sincerely,
Myra (Foulis) & Don Pettit and Shayna Taylor
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carl&julie russell posted a condolence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Mark and Alice and Lisa and Chuck thinking of you at this time
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Mike and Barb Ferren posted a condolence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
So very sorry on the loss of Mildred. Our sympathies and prayers are with her family and friends.
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Carole and Dave Hreceniuk posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Mark, Lisa and David. I am so saddened to here of your moms passing. What a great and full life she lived. I so enjoyed our visits and laughs. I will miss her. All my love to you and your families.
Carole and Dave Hreceniuk
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Peggy russchen posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
May she rest in peace.
I hope the family finds joy in sharing stories and memories of this wonderful woman.
Peggy Russchen
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Nancy Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
To all of Mildred's family,
Sending my deepest condolences. She was a lovely lady and neighbour of years gone by. She will be missed.
Nancy Burk/Brown.
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Blake and Cindy Bosselaar donated to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the Stirling and Huffman families.
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Brenda Rumble posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Remembering a very sweet and kind lady who lived a beautiful life.
She and Edith certainly shared many laughs, cups of coffee, and gossip, at each other’s homes, in the early ages of their lives.
Those who have shown us love, brought us joy and made us laugh, have given us the lasting gifts to a beautiful life and blessed our memories forever. Cherish those precious memories.
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John Burtch posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Our deepest Condolences to all the famiy,
Sincerely,
John $ Liz Burtch - St. Catharine’s Ont.
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Fred & Kaye Lee posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Mark, Lisa, David and families we are so sad for your loss. Mildred was always such a pleasure to visit with and we regret that is has been so long since we last saw her. May all your fond memories help you through this sad time. Fred & Kaye
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Noeline Burk posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Mark, Lisa and David and families. I have many fond memories of Mildred. She was a lovely lady.
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Wendy Holmes posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
David , Laura and family I am so sorry for your loss. Mildred was such a sweet lady and I will miss her very much . She always enjoyed coming for crafts and we always had fun .
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The family of Mildred Huffman uploaded a photo
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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