ILA BARNES-THUEN (published on January 27, 2009)
| ILA BARNES-THUEN (nee TUFTS) Peacefully, at Chateau Gardens, Parkhill, on Friday, January 23, 2009, Ila, in her 91st year, passed from the loving arms of her family into the loving arms of Jesus. Predeceased by her first husband George (1988) and her second husband Ray (1991). She was a devoted mother and anchor to her family. She will be deeply missed by her children, Corinne Latta (Gerry), Lorne Barnes (Jan), and Sherri Morrison (Kirby). She will be reunited with her sons, Wayne (2001), Harry (2003) and her grandsons, Kevin (2002), and Shane (1979). Much loved Gramma to Lianne, Trevor, Jeff, Sharlene, Garrett, Ashley, Dylan, Cassidy, and Lita. Beloved Great-Gramma to Lauren, Caylin, Keira, Paige, Ethan, Bella, Justice, Jordynn, and Tyler. Survived by her sister Norma Provo (Clifford), White Rock, BC; brother-in-law Harold Barnes (Eileen), London, and sister-in-law Bess (Charlie) Hodgins, Parkhill, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother Harry (1944) and sister Wilma (1990). Ila was born in Hamiota, MB, and began a career of being a successful business woman by owning and operating her own coffee shop at the age of 24. In 1942, Ila and her mother came to St. Mary's, ON to visit a relative. She met George on a blind date arranged by his sister, love blossomed and they were married three months later. They raised five children and were married for 46 years until George passed away with Alzheimers. Even while raising a family of five, Ila was the unfailing business woman. She started out with Stanley Home Products, went onto many successful years with Tupperware, where she met and became life long friends with many of her peers. Well into her sixties, she decided to have a career change and became a successful Real Estate Agent. On retirement, Ila still led an active life and at age 80, learned to play bridge and having a gift for music, bought a Yamaha organ and taught herself to play it. Two years after George's death, Ila went to a hometown reunion in 1990. While there, she re-met her high school sweetheart, Ray Thuen. They had not seen each other in 52 years. They decided that enough time had passed and they got married and lived a very short but, happy life in Regina, SK until Ray passed away with cancer. Ila moved back to London, ON, after Ray's death where she still remained active until a fall in her apartment forced a decision to move to Chateau Gardens Nursing Home, Parkhill. In her new home, the phenomenal care she received from this wonderful group of care-givers, allowed her family and friends to share many more years with her. Visitation will be held at FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1997 Dundas St. E. (at Wavell) on Thursday, January 29, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, followed by a reception. Those wishing to make a donation in Ila's memory to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex. |
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