Obituary of Gena Dukeshire

Gena M Dukeshire (nee Brydon)

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Gena Dukeshire of London, on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the age of 96.

Cherished mother of Donnafaye Milton, Cathy Hooper and Janet Blackmon and Debbie Dukeshire (deceased); grandmother (Nana) to Jay, Jennifer, and Monica Milton, to Andrew Hooper, to Jason Ayling (deceased), Stephanie Ayling Catchpole and Amanda Blackmon. Great Nana to a long list of offspring, including Vera and Emily Milton Dubois; Katelynn, Maddi, Bree, Braeden, and Teddy Catchpole; Jaxon and Paige Blackmon. Gena was pre-deceased by husband Malcolm Garfield.

Gena’s compassion and kindness manifested in her Christian works and care of young people with Down Syndrome. Gena and husband Garnie liberated 5 developmentally disabled teenagers from Southwest Regional Centre (Cedar Springs), joining with sister Deb to form a new family in the 1970’s.

An accomplished pianist, Gena could play in any key you like and sing a harmony part too. Born July 24/26 in Pugwash N.S. In the tradition of our relatives in Nova Scotia, our family has many joyous memories of gathering around the piano to sing and ‘act the fool’.

Gratitude and respect to the compassionate staff of McGarrell Place LTC, especially Barbara on Kingsmill Court, for your benevolent care and support of Mum’s goal to remain independent.

Graveside with interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Thursday morning, January 19th at 10:30am.   A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who loved her.