In Memoriam: Eleanor Sauro

April 22, 1943 - August 2, 2022

We are sad to announce the passing of Eleanor. A Celebration of her life will be held at SouthWest next Wednesday, August 10th at 11am, with visitation beginning at 10am.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Thériault Funeral Home in Verdun. Here is the obituary:

Sauro, Eleanor (Chorlton)

She peacefully passed at her daughter's home with her daughters by her side on August 2, 2022, at the age of seventy-nine years old.

Cherished and loving mother of Andrea (Sven), Vanessa (Richie) and Melissa (Darren).

Very special Nana to Erika (Graham), Cassandra, Connor, Morgan, Justin and Ben and great grandson Logan.

Also survived by brother Ronald and sister Barbara (pre-deceased Bruce).

She will be missed by all who loved her.

Visitation to be held at Southwest United Church on Wednesday, August 10 at 10:00 AM, with service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

A special thank to Dr. Terret-Hans and the CLSC Vaudreuil palliative care team.

This picture of Eleanor was taken at the SouthWest Holly Tea in November 2019.

Violet Grant States, Jan. 7, 1923 - Jan. 4, 2022

A Verduner born and raised, Violet Grant States was a trailblazer who led a life of service despite the racism of the time. Violet studied piano as a child and hoped to become a music teacher, winning admittance to McGill's Macdonald College.

Her path was blocked by the college dean who asserted that parents would not allow their children to study under a woman of colour. She withdrew from the college but soon won a scholarship to the Conservatoire de musique. She graduated and began teaching music!

In 1940, she attended a recital on Mount Royal by the Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Ethel Stark. Young Violet was determined to join the orchestra. Curveball, the MWSO already had a pianist. So Violet took up the clarinet.

She joined the orchestra in 1943 at the age of 20. The MWSO was the first professional Canadian ensemble to play Carnegie Hall and Violet Grant had the distinction of being the first woman of colour to perform in a Canadian symphony. She remained a member until 1965.

That experience was transformative for Violet, giving her confidence to pursue her educational goals. She earned degrees in Arts and Education at a by then more enlightened McGill University in 1968, becoming a public school educator.

Which brings us back to Verdun. Violet taught music in English schools for many years. Remarkably, she also helped Verdun Elementary kids open their first bank accounts, imparting early lessons on saving and money management to hundreds of children.

Though she attended Union United Church, was married there to Roy States in 1958 and played organ and led the church choir for several years, Violet became a Bahá'i in 1961 and remained an active member of that faith community.

Violet Grant States was named a Grande Verdunoise and a Bâtisseuse de la Cité in 2017, in recognition of her life's work. though she was by then too frail to take part in the event. She died at the beginning of 2022, just a few days shy of her 99th birthday.

She was by all accounts an exceptional woman, one not discouraged by those who said "No." She touched thousands, whether by teaching music, leading choir, helping kids save their pennies or by being the lone Black role model in a classroom or orchestra seat.

I hope that one day Montreal honours her by naming a street after this Grande Verdunoise and Bâtisseuse de le Cité, Violet Grant States.

-      Mary Lamey

Epilogue:
In the fall of 2019, a digital exhibit celebrating the historic Montreal Women’s Symphony Orchestra was installed in a public space at Place des Arts. Mrs. States, in a wheelchair, was able to visit and see the projected images of herself and the other orchestra members while hearing some of the pieces they played back in the 40s.

The story of the orchestra is told in a 2015 book titled From Kitchen to Carnegie Hall, by Maria Noriega Rashwal.

In Memoriam: Barbara (Howes) Smith

July 16, 1932 - January 13, 2022

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Barbara (Howes) Smith at the Verdun General Hospital. Pre-deceased by her husband Donald and her grandson Brendan, she leaves to mourn her son Derek, daughter-in-law Joanne, dear friend Shirley Beaulieu and many others. Most recently, Barbara lived at the Centre d’Hébergement de Lasalle. Prior to that she was at the Cavalier Lasalle where she attended outreach services. She was a member of Verdun United Church and then of SouthWest.

Pastor Beryl will do a private funeral at Rideau Gardens in Dollard on January 27th at 10:30 a.m. It may be possible to watch remotely. If a video link is made available we will share it with you. No obituary is available at this time. Our prayers are with the family.

In Memoriam: Shirley McGowan

July 13, 1945 - November 19, 2021

Mother. Grandmother. Friend. Knitter. Avon Lady. Busy Bee.

We lost one of the good ones last week.

Whether you were a “Church” person or “Mission” person, everybody at SouthWest knew Shirley McGowan. Whatever we had going on, Shirley was there, never drawing attention to herself but always helping get things done. She was an old-school church volunteer, ready to roll up her sleeves and wash some dishes, knit a pair of mittens, sort through donations, sell some tickets and even, when called upon, dress up as an elf.

Like a few others we still have around, the McGowans were a Verdun United family from way back. They brought that pitching-in-and-helping spirit with them when they came to SouthWest. Shirley and her mother Isabella were active in the UCW, and then in the core group of ladies that took on meals and event preparation at the Mission. They were dubbed the Busy Bees, or just BB’s.

Shirley cared about the kids, not just her own grandkids but all the kids. That’s why she worked so tirelessly at the Mission: she wanted all the kids to have enough to eat, she wanted all the kids to have a present at Christmas. And she didn’t just sit around wanting it, she got busy and helped make it happen.

I know it was hard for Shirley these last couple of years not being able to join with her church community, to sing hymns, to share coffee and cookies. Such simple pleasures that maybe before the pandemic we took for granted, but no more. I mailed her the Friday newsletter every week hoping that by that small gesture she would know we still considered her part of our family. A couple of times I delivered it by hand and we would stand on her porch and have a chat. I know she liked seeing pictures of SouthWest people, most recently when we posed in our orange shirts at the end of September.

Shirley was a truly generous soul. We will miss her very much.

We will celebrate Shirley’s life this Saturday, November 27th. Visitation begins at 1pm, service at 3p.m. at SouthWest United Church.

This picture was taken (by Rev. David, I believe) at the final UCW Montreal Presbyterial held at SouthWest in 2016. Look at the impish expressions on these three (Phyllis Luther, Shirley, and Lil Jones). Wouldn’t you love to know what they’re talking about?

Shirley (center) proudly wearing her BB’s T-shirt. She loved singing hymns.

Shirley McGowan, far right, with a bunch of other good sports at one of our Children’s Christmas parties at the Mission.

SouthWest Service for October 31, 2021

Here is our All Saints service.

In Memoriam: Norman Butt

January 30, 1924 - September 21, 2021

We are sorry to announce that Norman Butt passed away last week at the age of 97. Norman officially joined the SouthWest congregation in 2010 following the closing of First Presbyterian. Predeceased by his wife Lily (Franks) who passed away in 2009. Rev. David led a celebration of her life at SouthWest. In recent years, Norman lived at the Ste. Anne’s Veterans’ hospital. Douglas Hastie would get news of him occasionally through Norman’s niece Susan Franks. According to Susan, a funeral is being planned for later in October on the West Island. There has not been a death notice in the paper yet, but when and if one appears, we will share it here. According to Doug, “Norman was a passionate Montreal Canadiens fan and was a very good friend of Scotty Bowman.”
A candle was lit in Norman’s memory at SouthWest on September 26th. We hold his loved ones in prayer.

Read the obituary in the Gazette here.

Norman chatting with Doug Hastie in 2009.

In Memoriam: Jan Barr

1921-2021

Some of you will remember the Barrs as an active Crawford Park family back in the 50s and 60s. The SouthWest community extends condolences to the family on the loss of matriarch Jan, just shy of her 100th birthday. Predeceased by her husband Charles Barr, Jan was mother to David, Joanne (a United Church Minister), Joyce and Judith.

Here is the obituary as it appeared in The Georgia Straight:

The passing of Idora Janette "Jan" Barr of Fredericton, NB, wife of the late Charles Barr, occurred on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Pavillon Neill Hall- Shannex, Fredericton, NB. Born on September 24, 1921, in Springfield, NB she was the elder daughter of the late Richard and Edna (Parkhill) Foster.

Growing up, Jan moved many times, throughout the Maritime provinces. While serving in the army, she met her future husband, Charles. They married and settled in Montreal, Quebec for 34 years. Following Jan's retirement, they moved to Ottawa, Ontario and later, Sussex, New Brunswick, where they spent 30 happy years. Jan's wanderlust did not stop there. She and Charles travelled across Canada, spent many winters in Florida and toured many of the United States. Jan also journeyed to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, and across Europe and Great Britain with family and friends.

Jan loved their cottage on Grand Lake and would often be found planning and enjoying Toga parties, Cabbage Patch Doll birthday parties, family reunions, summer Christmas activities and all manner of creative events - bringing people together for fun and laughter.

She was a firm believer in the power of education and promoted it at every opportunity. She was proud to be a graduate of the Provincial Normal School, Fredericton, NB and received her Teacher's License in 1942. Jan loved teaching and would often reminisce about her students, colleagues, and memorable occasions during those years. She taught for many years with the Montreal School Board, specifically in Bronx Park Elementary and LaSalle High Schools. In 1970, she received her BA from Sir George Williams University, Montreal, Quebec.

Jan was a member of the United Church of Canada and the United Church Women's organization. She was a veteran of WWII, having served as a Sergeant with the Canadian Women's Army Corps. She was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 20, Red Hat Society, 2 Sussex Art Clubs and the Sussex and Area Senior Centre. Her love of art extended beyond her own painting, to an enjoyment of art museums, art making throughout history and emerging artists and makers. Jan volunteered with numerous organizations over the years and would immerse herself in organizing and participating in fundraising events.

Jan loved people and was always interested in their stories. She had a very inquisitive mind and lived life to its fullness.

Jan is survived by her son, David Barr (Ann); daughters, Joanne Barr (Ross Gammon), Joyce Young (Ray) and Judith Scott (John); grandchildren, Gwen, Shannon, Christopher, Renée, Evan, James, Geoffrey, Patrick, and Julia; sister, Faye Farnworth; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 2-4 pm. Masks will be required. A Private Family Graveside Service will take place in the Red Bank Cemetery, Chipman, NB.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or to a favourite charity. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

Published on September 7, 2021

In Memoriam: Denis Pantridge

1933 – 2021

Denis Brownlie Pantridge of Verdun, Quebec passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2021. He was born to parents Brownlie and Beatrice Pantridge on July 11th 1933 in Winnipeg Manitoba. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 60 years, Helen, his children Steven (Josée) Dean (Renée) Wayne (Kelly), Kim and his loving grand-children, Chloé, Chad, Ryan, Taylor, Shane, Léa, Noah, Jarod, Dylan, Emma and Tyler. Reunited with his sisters and brother: Irene, Dorothy, Patricia and Brian.

Denis was a dedicated father, committed husband and ever present grand-father. He served his country in the Royal Canadian Navy in the 1950s and retired from Allstream after 33 years of service, taking up golf and enjoying Tuesday morning outings with his fishing buddies on the links.

Visitation will take place on Saturday August 28th from 11:00-12:30pm, at the SouthWest United Church located at 1445 Clemenceau in Crawford Park (Verdun).

There will also be a service held at 13:00. In accordance with provincial Covid-19 guidelines, there is a limited number of guests who may attend the service. To respect these guidelines, the family would kindly ask that only those contacted attend the service.

In lieu of flowers the family would sincerely appreciate donations be made in memory of Denis Pantridge to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Résidences funéraires Laurent Thériault .

In Memoriam: Patricia Rickert (Pantridge)

1931-2021

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Rickert on July 18th. Pat was an active member of our church and council in the early years of SouthWest United, following the amalgamation of Verdun United and Crawford Park churches. She and Larry moved to Burlington, Ontario, a decade or so ago. We hold the family in prayer.

Here is the obituary that appears on the funeral home’s website:

Passed away peacefully at Deer Park Villa, Grimsby on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the age of 90 after living gracefully with Alzheimer’s for many years. Predeceased by her devoted husband Lawrence (2014). Loving mother of Karyn (Dean) Maddeaux and Brent (Marsha). Cherished grandmother (Nanny) to Graham, Emily and Cody. Survived by her brother Denis (Helen), predeceased by her siblings Irene, Dorothy, and Brian.

Pat was well known for her sense of humour, wit and was a very talented artist. She and her husband Larry were also wonderful dancers. The family would like to thank all the caring and dedicated staff at Deer Park Villa in Grimsby for their care and kindness to Pat and our family.

Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Tuesday, July 27 from 12 p.m. where a Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 1 p.m. In accordance with provincial regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend the services. At this time due to the limit, the family would please ask that only those contacted by the family attend the service at 1 PM. Open visitation for those not attending the service will be from 12 PM to 12:30 PM and is also subject to a limited number of visitors. If you are having difficulty with the online RSVP, please call the Funeral Home between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All visitors are asked to wear a face mask.

In lieu of flowers the family would sincerely appreciate donations made in memory of Pat to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Pat’s favourite colour was purple and she loved the poem When I am an Old Woman, l shall wear Purple. For those attending the service, it is optional but should you wish to wear some form of purple, Pat would love that.

In Memoriam: Catherine Cater

1936-2020

It has recently come to our attention that Catherine passed away in 2020. Unfortunately we have no details about how she died.

Catherine’s roots in the church go all the way back to Chalmers United’s Sunday School. Vernon Turner knew her from those days, and from when Catherine and her husband Ross lived on Egan Avenue and went to Verdun United. Vernon recalls that Catherine’s father worked at the Verdun greenhouses when they were located next to the fire station on Lasalle Boulevard around Willibrord.

After Verdun United amalgamated with Crawford Park, Catherine still liked to attend events and services at SouthWest Mission, where she always had a smile for everyone. In later years she lived in Ville Emard.

Ross Cater passed away in 2008 and Rev. David celebrated his life at Wilson’s Funeral Home. Catherine has been buried with him in Mount Royal Cemetery. We extend condolences to all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

An obituary can be found here.