Noreen Eleanor English
January 12, 1924 - February 25, 2023
In her 100th year, while continuing to enjoy the continuity of living in her comfortable home with her wits about her, Noreen Eleanor English (née Finney) passed peacefully at University Hospital in London on Saturday, February 25th, 2023. Born January 12, 1924, she was the youngest and last surviving member of the well-known Finney family of North London. Predeceased by her father Charles Finney and her mother Madeleine Finney (née Shannon), as well as her five sisters Cecile Gaw, Catherine Quick, Eileen Finney, Elizabeth (Bette) Davidson, and Geraldine Finney. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years John Bailie English in 2003. Most loving and devoted mother of Dr. John C. English (Linda) of Vancouver, British Columbia; Ann Shannon Smith (Shawn) of London, Ontario and Margaret Eleanor English (Rolly) of Toronto, Ontario. Adored and loved by her grandchildren Abigail Smith, Jacob (Jake) Smith and Lucas (Luke) Smith. Also cherished by her niece Madeline (Gerry) McKeon.
Noreen was a registered nurse, with most of her nursing career spent at St. Joseph’s Hospital, London Ontario and for many years was the Night Supervisor of the entire hospital. She pursued many other interests during her daytime hours. She and her husband bred and showed their beloved champion Irish Setters Mike, Laddy, Sparky and Squire for many years. Her proudest moment was when she handled and placed her own dog at the Westminster Kennel Club. She actively participated in the work of the May Court Club of London as a puppeteer for eight years, progressing to its Executive Board as Acting President 1977-1979. Another proud moment was when she presided over the elegant 50th Anniversary May Court Ball in 1979. Noreen was a renowned needlewoman. She learned to card and spin fleece for knitting and created magnificent sweaters for her family. She enjoyed the design and execution of crewel-work patterns of the Jacobean period and created many treasured family heirlooms. Upon retirement she returned to her love of figure skating until age dictated that she hang up her “blades”. In the latter part of her life, she embraced the joy and artistry of watercolour painting, where she rendered many of her favourite subjects from nature. She loved spending time in her beautiful garden. Noreen and her beloved husband John were avid Western Mustangs football fans, and could be seen cheering from their seats near the 50 yard line. She braved the worst football weather with nary a complaint. She was a wonderful conversationalist, always up on the latest news, insightful, witty and charming. Sometimes hilariously funny, and frequently sage and wise. We will miss her terribly.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.
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My deepest sympathies to Noreen’s family. Over the years that I worked with Noreen at St Joseph’s she spoke often and lovingly and sometimes with much humour of her children and grandchildren. She was also dedicated nurse and a stalwart of the night shift for many years! Indeed a life well lived. Sandra Letton
“Through my wife Madeleine, Noreen's niece, I came to know Noreen quite well. Indeed, we would attend Mustang football games together; something she had done for over 60 years. It was a pleasure to be with her; she had a fund of reminiscences from an eventful life, a good sense of humour, and an appreciation of the people she encountered. Her life was well lived; I will miss her.”
Noreen, I hope you are hanging out with the archangels as I write this. Such a fun and accomplished aunt you were. My memories include your speeding to mass at the last minute, borrowing and then lending mom DuMauriers, fine dining chez les English ( especially our recent gazpacho luncheon). In fact, our family decided to move to Orchard Park after visiting your family on Middlewoods. I really could go on, but perhaps the best/ zaniest memory I will keep of you is seeing your photograph displayed on the wall at Joe Kool’s one evening. The caption read “Queen Elizabeth presents George McCabe with his award.” I can hear you laughing over that. Noreen, I know our family will miss the force that was you, always promoting the best we could be. Using one’s intelligence was so important to you. I so admired your ability to continue to learn and adapt throughout your very long life. With deep affection, Cissy
I have had the privilege of knowing Noreen and her extended family for many years. She was definitely a woman of character. I am so happy that she was able to live her very full life in her own home, in her own way, and I am so impressed with the way that her family allowed that to happen, without impeding her innate dignity. With love and respect, Dyanne Wheatley
So sorry for your loss - thinking of all of you. Lynn formerly San Jose, CA - now, Dorchester, ON
Services for Noreen Eleanor English
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
March 8, 2023 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass will be held at:
Holy Family Parish
777 Valetta Street,
London, Ontario
March 9, 2023 10:00 am
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Ann, Abby and family, my deepest condolences on your loss of Noreen. I got to know Noreen through the girls figure skating. She was a faithful figure skating grandmother, always at the rink watching the girls practice and compete, encouraging and cheering them on. She had a wonderful sense of humour. It was a pleasure to have known Noreen. Leesa Round
~ Leesa Round