Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program

CHIDWICK, Ann Dickson – Peacefully, surrounded by her family, Ann Dickson Chidwick died of old age after a long and full life. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Field Chidwick (2007). She is survived by her children Mark (Heather), Paula (Kevin), Lynn (Terry), and Valary (Dan); her grandchildren Robert, Amanda, Gaby, Phillip, Hanna, Andrew, Ijeoma, Owen, Maeve, Will, and Evan; and her great-grandchildren Veer and Sadie. She was also “Auntie Ann” to many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly as she loved them.

Ann’s life was one of adventure, courage, and deep faith. With Paul at her side, she lived abroad, raised four children in Nairobi in the 1960s, and later made homes in England and back in Canada, gathering wisdom, stories, and many friendships along the way. In Ontario, she brought this rich experience to St. Mary’s parish in Windsor, where she helped establish family life education and marriage preparation programs for the Diocese of Huron.

A gifted storyteller, Ann was the published author of nine books tracing her own family’s history and giving voice to the historical stories of Sorrento and Blind Bay, BC. She approached storytelling, as she did life, with curiosity, respect, and a desire to understand. A devoted Anglican throughout her life, Ann most recently worshipped at The Church of the Apostles in Guelph, where she started “Living Better on Less,” a program rooted in her conviction that living simply and in harmony with the environment and with one another truly matters.

Ann’s family and friends will remember her unshakable joy for life and her instinct to seize every moment. Everything, in her eyes, was interesting and possible. She never stopped asking questions, and she never pretended to have all the answers, always learning, adapting, and growing. The Shuswap Lake was her favourite place on earth, where she spent countless happy hours with her grandchildren—at tea times, swimming, and playing—laying down lifelong memories. To her grandchildren, “Noni” was the embodiment of wonder and elegance, the grandmother who thought nothing of exploring boar trails in rural Portugal with a gleeful grandchild in tow.

Above all, Ann will be remembered for her abiding love and respect for people. She welcomed everyone into her home, and at any moment she might arrive with an unexpected guest—or several—knowing they would be received into the warmth of a shared meal and conversation. From raising worms on her kitchen counter as part of her commitment to the earth, to launching community projects that brought neighbours together, Ann quietly modelled a generous, inclusive humanity. She was, to all who knew her, an inspiration: gracious, fearless, endlessly interested, and deeply kind.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00am at The Church of the Apostles, 86 Glasgow St. N., Guelph.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to The Church of the Apostles-Living Better on Less would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Ann D. Chidwick in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

KERR, Wm. James (Jim) – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William James Kerr (known as Jim to his family and Jake to his friends), who died peacefully on April 21, 2026, at the age of 73 after a brief battle with cancer.

Jim was born on August 21, 1952, in Guelph, ON.  Jim was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, known for his kindness, gentleness, and mischievousness – seen through the twinkle in his blue eyes. Jim was deeply committed to his wife Diane (Dupuis) Kerr who shared a life with him for 35 years.  He was a lifelong resident of the Puslinch, ON area, but spent a number of years in Calgary, Alberta working with cattle, and taking opportunities to camp in the mountains.  He loved his garden and had plans for his tomato plants this spring.  Jim was a truck driver at heart and loved to go for a drive to see the countryside.  He also loved to spend time outdoors, hunting, pruning trees, and puttering in his shop.  Jim leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane Kerr, his son- and daughter-in-law Marc and Kim Dupuis, his siblings Bea (John) Henderson, Kathie (Larry) Davidson, Janette (Graham) Wood, and John (Gail) Kerr, and his nieces and nephews – Amanda (Andrew) Atkinson, Talitha (Tim) Metcalfe, Tara (Kevin)Tawse, James (Robin) Wood, Chris (Mallory) Henderson, John (Trish) Kerr, and Jenny Davidson.  He will also be deeply missed by his best friend Bill Allen as well as many great-nieces and nephews, including Josie – who he referred to as his “little princess.”  Jim is predeceased by his parents William (Bill) and Mary Kerr. 

At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and a small gathering will be held by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hospice Wellington, in honour of Jim’s memory. 

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the community. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Wm. James (Jim) Kerr in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Edgerton, Sylvia Ellen – Peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 20, 2026, with family by her side at Guelph General Hospital.

Beloved wife and best friend of Roy Edgerton (2020). Loved mother of Tom (Vickie) and Don (Paula); loving grandmother of Matthew (Jessica), Blake, Courtney (Chase), and great grandmother to Ava, Ali, Aria, and Brayson. Predeceased by her siblings Bill, Ed, and Rose.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff on the 7th floor for the wonderful care of our loved one during this very difficult time.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, details to be announced.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Palliative Care, Hospice Wellington, or your local hospice facility would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Sylvia E. Edgerton in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Lee Morris, born April 13, 1956, in Sept-Îles, Quebec, to Robert and Ann Morris (both predeceased), passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on April 20, 2026, at the age of 70.

Lee was a loving and devoted mother to Genevieve (Tim) and Kate (Rob). She was a proud and caring grandmother to Scarlett, Morgan, and Jordan (Shawn), who brought her immense joy. Sister to Paul (Monica), Marc (Kate), Michele, Grant (Laura) and Reid (Peggy). 

For over 25 years, Lee worked as an Educational Assistant with the Wellington Catholic School Board. She had a deep love for children and made a lasting impact on the many students she supported throughout her career. Her patience, kindness, and dedication were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lee will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the love she gave so freely to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to sincerely thank the hospice staff for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. Their kindness brought comfort not only to Lee, but to our entire family during a very difficult time.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1 – 3 pm at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Lee A. Morris in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Pamela Bickerstaff in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

SANSOM, Geoffrey Lloyd – We are all saddened to share that our dear Geoffrey Lloyd Sansom passed away on April 17, 2026. Geoff was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1943 but quickly decided that the UK was better suited for someone of his wit and temperament. His British boarding school experiences meant that he could talk with anyone and he formed close friends around the globe. As a Beloit College student in Wisconsin during the 1960s, he made meaningful life-long friendships and graduated in Political Science.

Geoff believed in speaking truth to power; civil rights on his college campuses, student rights with school administrators, and anyone comfortable with injustice. His anti-war stance to avoid and oppose the Vietnam draft brought him to Canada. Here he became a high school teacher, spending most of his career at Acton High School instructing English, history, drama, and creative writing. Students often called him one of their favourite teachers. He was actively involved with supervising the Yearbook, directing school plays, and leading Reach for the Top. No matter his students’ scholarly enthusiasm, he enjoyed working with all of them. Some of the school administrators, not so much. His knowledge and use of language in service of his wit was unparalleled. To quote from his retirement self-authored blurb, “One might refer to this drama as an attempt at theatre of the absurd… ‘The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” is much better fare”.

Geoff happily took early retirement from teaching and embarked on his second career as a Psychotherapist. Drawing from his Adlerian background and his ability to listen deeply, he supported and encouraged his clients as he did for so many on his life journey. He wrote fiction and poetry in his spare time, as well as freely shared wisdom and advice to friends and family. The cottage on Lake Huron was a particularly happy place for him, as he would enjoy drinks on the deck, sunsets, family visits, and drives in the country, all while dispensing vibrant thoughts about the state of the world and humanity.

The true love of his life was his wife, Val. Theirs is an epic love story, as they supported each other through all of life’s ups and downs, travelling together literally around the world. There are not enough words nor poetry to describe their deep bond. Together, they formed a family who sat by Geoff’s bedside in his final days and reminisced about this wonderful man who touched so many lives in so many positive and meaningful ways. Geoff was a dedicated father who was always there to support his children and grandchildren, whether that was midnight rescue runs, parenting advice, or anything else that was needed.

Geoff is survived by his wife, Valerie Walters, and children Kris (Steve), Kim (Stewart), Lisa (James), and Henry. He was a loving grandfather to Adrien, Noah, Alex, and Fenno. Geoff is predeceased by his parents Harry and Gwyneth Sansom, as well as his brother, John, and sister, Leslie.

Please join us to celebrate Geoff’s life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Guelph Country Club, 133 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph, ON N1E 7H9. Visitation from 1-4pm, with a service and sharing of memories at 2pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sunnyside Foundation.

Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph and Sunnyside Home in Kitchener where the team looked after him with such heartfelt consideration in his final months.

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on

Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long

We’re both of us beneath our love, we’re both of us above

Dance me to the end of love

Leonard Cohen

A tree will be planted in memory of Geoffrey L. Sansom in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest. 

Claire Margaret Murphy

It is with great sadness that the family of Claire Margaret Murphy announce her peaceful passing with her loving husband Lawrence Murphy by her side on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 at the Guelph General Hospital in her 87th year. Claire, also affectionately known as Peewee, was the navigator of many trips traveled throughout Canada and the United States making many friends along the way. She was a fierce competitor at the Murphy Olympics and loved bowling and bingo.

Claire will remain in the hearts of her family, Larry Murphy (Sarah), Shelley Price (Jack) grandchildren Dana Farr (Ryan), Cameron Price, Mitchell Murphy (Jenna), Steven Price (Sara), Hunter and Jake Neamtu and great granddaughters, Ensley and Shayla Murphy. 

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Guelph General Hospital 6W for their compassionate care given to Claire in the final days of her life.

A memorial mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church  (175 Emma St., Guelph) on Friday, April, 24, 2026 at 11 am with a reception to follow in the parish hall. A private family interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, Guelph, Community Support Services (Alzheimer’s Day Program) would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A tree will be planted in memory of Claire M. Murphy in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.