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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2016-06-02, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016. Obituaries MILDRED JEAN (CHRISTIE) SPARLING 1926-2016 Born in Culross Township, Ontario. Loving wife. Devoted mother. Trusted friend. Early in the morning on May 26, 2016, Mildred "Pat" Sparling passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home in Blyth, Ontario. She was 89 years old. Mildred grew up on the family farm near Teeswater. Her young life was filled with rural pleasures: open spaces, cattle and chickens, watching thunderstorms from the veranda, and walking to school. Like most children on her line, she was unaware of the destruction the Great Depression brought. In the tradition of rural life, if someone needed help, neighbours pitched in. It was this uncomplicated sense of responsibility and caring for others that would define Mildred's outlook on her community for a lifetime. She loved her parents, two brothers and sister. Family, friends, faith and simple homemade fun were central to everything. From highland dancing to high school basketball, Mildred enjoyed life. Mildred had her heart set on becoming a high school English teacher, but the realities of the time did not allow her to pursue a higher education. Little did she know that her journey would take her to the village of Blyth, where she would work at the Bank of Commerce and meet her future husband, Grant Sparling. In 1959, Grant and Mildred were married and, in unique fashion, rode in a fire truck for their wedding procession. This day marked the beginning of a beautiful 56 -year relationship. Four children — Jim, Jayne, Steven and David — filled their home with love. Grant was building a business and Mildred was the strong woman beside her strong man. Together, they supported each other in the challenges and joys of raising family and running a growing business. Along the way, Mildred was active at Blyth United Church, Clinton Public Hospital and her beloved Bridge Club. She and Grant were proud supporters of the Blyth Festival from day one. Still a country girl at heart, Mildred enjoyed the flowers in her garden, tea at any time, and visits on the veranda. She was a thoughtful note writer, a voracious reader, and was always ready to discuss current events. Grant and Mildred enjoyed many adventures together travelling from coast to coast. Quietly faithful, Mildred found comfort in scripture and her favourite was Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-9: (1) "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." Mildred quoted it often and it's how she lived her life: grounded in faith and clear in her understanding that life is a short beautiful gift. Perhaps it's why she lived every moment of every day of her 89 years quietly helping those around her in need. She was clear in a letter to her family, written on February 16, 2016, and opened after her passing. She concluded the letter with, "Love me, but let me go. To everything there is a season and my winter is nearly over. Love one another. Be good to each other. Love you forever, Mom." Mildred is predeceased by her husband, Grant. She is survived by her children: Jim of Auburn, Washington; Jayne, Steven (Laurie) and David (Annie) of Blyth; seven grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Shouldice of Owen Sound. Visitation was held at Blyth United Church on Monday, May 30, followed by a funeral service at the church on Tuesday, May 31. REX McCLORY Rex McClory of RR 1, Wroxeter passed away suddenly on Monday, May 16, 2016 at his residence. Born in Kokomo, Indiana on Jan. 13, 1958, Rex was 58 years old. Rex was the beloved father of Mandi Korporaal and Brian, Fordwich; Dean McClory and Christine, Ingersoll and stepfather to Lisa Boylan and Todd, Ailsa Craig. He was the loving grandfather of Ryan, Ashley, Brittni, Tamarra, Jordon, Josh and Emily and the dear brother of Dave and Joanne McClory, Point Clark and Will and Sharon McClory, Listowel. Rex was predeceased by his parents Ray and Leota McClory, his brother Ron and his half brother Fritz. Friends were received by the family prior to the funeral service on May 24 at the Schimanski Family Funeral Home, Brussels. Pastor Don Forrest officiated. Pallbearers were Murray Fischer, Bruce Fischer, Ken Pennington, Kyle McClory, Craig McClory and Todd Moylan. Burial took place in Brussels Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Huron - Perth Chapter or the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation - Outpatient Mental Health Services would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www. schimanskifamilyfuneral home.com GRACE MAY (NEE McCLINCHEY) McCALL Grace May (nee McClinchey) McCall of Lambeth, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2016 with her family by her side. She was in her 63rd year. Grace was the loving partner and An impressive visit Huron -Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Ontario Environmental Commissioner Dianne Saxe, centre, toured a number of locations throughout the riding last week and Saxe came away impressed with the environmental stewardship being demonstrated. Here, the group visits Murray and Wilma Scott's environmental project at their home farm in East Wawanosh. (Photo submitted) best friend of Terry Peters for many happy years. She was the beloved best friend and loving sister of George McClinchey (Nova), Mississauga; best friend, loving sister and confidant to Mary Bell (Bryan - deceased), Blyth and the cherished loving sister of Ruth Fiebelkorn (Harvey - deceased), Winnipeg and Helen Noble (Don), Belgrave. Aunt Grace will be lovingly remembered by nieces Terry Fenton and family, Cambridge; Leanne Datema (Wilfred) and family, Clinton and nephews Dean Bell (Jody) and family, Burlington and David Bell and family, Blyth. Grace will be loved and fondly thought of by Terry's family: mother Alma Peters, brothers Glenn Peters (Rita) and family, London and Kenneth Peters (Gloria) and family, Ingersoll. She was predeceased by her special mother Bernice McClinchey (2012), father John (1965), husband David (1998), nephew Devon Bell in infancy and dear nephew Todd Fiebelkorn (2013). Grace and Terry had wonderful loyal support from many longtime friends, and for their kindness, we will be forever grateful. Grace formerly worked for Northern Telecom and later for Zurich/ING. Grace spent many happy hours in her flower gardens and enjoyed the hummingbirds and other visitors to her yard. Grace's motto was, Live each day! Thank you to the wonderful nurses and doctors of LHSC Cancer Centre, Dr. J. Younus, Dr. M. Nelham, Dr. E. Yu, Dr. K. Hamilton and the palliative team, Dr. C. Hann of the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario and the VON nurses. Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North on Thursday, June 2 from 7 - 9 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday, June 3 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Clinton Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Grace are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or Wellspring London Cancer Support Centre, for those who are improving their lives while living with cancer. For information and online condolences, please visit: www.westviewfuneralchapel.com Stay Connected The Citizen wherever you are in the world with an Electronic Subscription • Easy access • Read on your phone, tablet or computer • Perfect for travellers, students or snowbirds • Timely reading (no waiting for mail delivery) s3600 per year Go to our website and pay by Pay Pal or come into the office and pay by cheque or cash The Citizen 413 Queen St., Blyth 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-523-4792 519-887-9114 www.northhuron.on.ca