Obituary of Mildred Purdon

Mildred Eva Purdon (Jacklin) of Goderich and formerly of Wingham passed away peacefully in her 95th year at the Goderich Alexandra Marine & General Hospital on Monday May 13th, 2024.

Devoted wife of Archie Purdon of 68 years.  Loving mother of Kathy & John Scheeringa of Elmira, Lorie & Kevin Falconer of Blyth and Kendra Purdon & Bruce Cluney of Aurora. Cherished grandma of Megan Scheeringa, Devan & Nicole Scheeringa, Jacklin Falconer & Ken McDonald, Orie Falconer, Corine Falconer & Brendan Regier, and Lauren, Rachel and Kaitlin Cluney. Great-grandma of Miles McDonald, Madison Scheeringa and Blaire Scheeringa.  Sister of Maxine Jacklin. Predeceased by her parents Webster & Eva (McCreery) Jacklin, sister Nora Kaufman, sister & bother-in-law to Doreen & Gordon Rintoul, Muriel & Lloyd Moffatt and Marjorie & Tom Roth, nephews Dick Curran, Gary Rintoul, Leroy Rintoul, Brian Rintoul and parents-in-law Robert & Hazel (Anderson) Purdon.

After completing high school in Wroxeter, Mildred worked at Vance Pharmacy in Wingham.  Mildred and Archie met at a dance at the Royal T in Wingham and married in 1952 at the Wroxeter Manse.  Mildred and Archie worked together side by side while running a dairy farm south of Whitechurch, Ontario. In 2000 Mildred and Archie retired to Wingham and moved to their dream home that she decorated with pride.  Mildred was a very community oriented person who was always keen to stay involved and contribute locally. She was the leader of the Whitechurch 4-H Club and involved in the Lucknow Agricultural Society for many years.  As a couple Mildred and Archie were known to glide across many dance floors.  They were leaders in the Huron Bruce Square Dance Club and/or Round Danced for 35+ years. Mildred also volunteered at the Wingham and District Hospital and at the Wingham Day Center.  Mildred was a quietly reflective spiritual person with a deep personal faith. She was a current member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Wingham and up to this past week, listened to the service every Sunday.  Mildred was a devoted member of the Whitchurch Presbyterian Church, a COC (Children of Church) leader and member of the Ladies Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church.  Mildred had a very curious mind and she loved to travel with Archie both locally and abroad to share new experiences, research family ties and further learn about local history . They regularly went to  local destinations or events many involving local musicians and pipe bands.  They also made several trips across Canada, drove to the Yukon, traveled to the US and UK.  As a naturally detailed, creative and resourceful person, Mildred was a skilled seamstress, folk art painter, flower arranger, gardener, cook and an amazing baker. Her eagerness to learn continued into her later years as she embraced new digital technology.    

Mildred's primary love and focus was her family and close personal friendships.  Mildred was a loving wife and mother who worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure her family’s needs were met. It was common that she hand sewed matching outfits for her three daughters and she always took a keen interest in ensuring the family was appropriately dressed. She was known to host large family gatherings for the Jacklin & Purdon clans.  She enjoyed and valued her relationships with her sons-in-law. She never wanted to miss anything her grandchildren were involved in and loved to hear about their latest accomplishments. Look at any milestone pictures of her grandchildren and you will see Mildred smiling with pride in each picture. Her great grandchildren enjoyed her sharp clear mind always asking them about their personal interests. As we shared our final Mother's Day with Mildred this past week, her family was by her side, proud of her strong, resilient character, high morals & clear guidance.  Mildred will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends for the deep personal connections and love that she shared with them over many years.

Visitation will be held at McBurney Funeral Home on Wednesday May 15th, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m.  A private funeral service will be held at McBurney Funeral Home on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 with Reverend Carel Grundlingh officiating. Final resting place, Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Wingham or Huron Hospice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.