With profound sadness, the family of Arlene Timmins announce her unexpected passing on October 14, 2022.
Arlene was born in Windsor, Ontario, the first born child of Fred and Marjorie Hayward. Next came her beloved siblings, Elaine and Fred, and the family eventually made their way to London. Arlene excelled at school and by the age of 16 was enrolled in Teacher’s College. Her career path changed course when she met and eventually married Tom Timmins in 1959. Four children followed in rapid succession.
In the mid-1970s, Arlene set out on a new path which included attending King’s College and earning her Bachelor of Social Work. After graduating, she held various leadership roles in groundbreaking organizations including Womanpower, Women Immigrants of London and Phoenix Housing Co-operative (Second Stage Housing).
In the early 1990s Arlene met her partner, Roberta Stemp, and moved to Bayfield where they built an incredible life filled with friendship, advocacy, and community. Arlene volunteered her time to several organizations in her community including the Bayfield Public Library, Home 4 Good Bayfield and Huron Hospice. Despite being long retired, Arlene continued to provide counselling services to a number of clients.
Arlene was happiest in her kitchen, always eager to try new recipes. She loved all things kitchenware and flatware. It is fitting that her last evening earth side was spent preparing food and enjoying the company of some of her dearest friends. She loved birding trips with her friends, books, a good G & T, an evening with tea and Jeopardy and family gatherings with her kids and grandkids.
An incredible conversationalist, a loyal and dedicated friend to many, and a giver of love and her time. She left the world a better place.
Left to honour her incredible life are her partner, Roberta Stemp, her children Brian Timmins (Ana Maria Piddo), Mike Timmins (Michelle Lundy), Peter Timmins (Kathryn Turner), and Elaine Swan (Rick Swan) and her sister Elaine Fort (Kay Andrzejak), Fred Hayward (deceased). Loved sister in law of Doug Stemp (Judy predeceased) and Laurie Glazier (John). Arlene is the adored Grandma of Andrew Clark (Bizz Varty), Aidan Timmins, Dylan Timmins (Rosemary Hummel), Tommy Timmins, Rick Swan, Mark Swan, Sadie Galsworthy (predeceased), Isaac Timmins and James Timmins. Proud GG of Keanu Varty Clark and Loki Varty Clark.
A celebration of Life will be held on Thursday November 24, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Bayfield Town Hall, 11 The Square, Bayfield, Ontario
For those wishing to do so, donations made in Arlene’s memory to Huron Hospice or Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines ([email protected]) would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Shared by Andrew Clark
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Marion Gerull
Heartfelt condolences to Roberta and all the friends and family who loved Arlene. I very much enjoyed my rare visits to Bayfield when I had the opportunity to spend some time with Arlene and her community of friends, especially the last visit in her backyard having coffee and tea on the back deck. I too will miss her.
Zac Schraeder
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family, especially Roberta who was a profoundly positive influence in my life. Much love.
Joanne Sherin
To Roberta and Arlene’s Family, my heartfelt condolences. I was informed today of Arlene’s sudden passing and have spent some time reflecting on our many points of intersection since the late 70s. She was a role model and mentor to me, and for other young women beginning their careers in developing and supporting safety and wellbeing for women in the London community. Arlene was a gentle, wise, and committed leader. My last contact with her was evidence of her desire to continue learning and honing her skills as a therapist….within the clinical internship program at Family Service London, in her mid-sixties. She brought her feminist values and grass roots experience with her….influencing colleagues and interns. I thank Arlene for these contributions in addition to the countless other gifts she gave to so many…a lasting legacy. She will be greatly missed.
Thank you for your presence in my life Arlene. You made a difference. With gratitude Joanne Sherin
Brenda Hall
Deepest condolences to Roberta and the families. For many years we have enjoyed Women’s Week at Betty’s cottage. The friendly competition to be in the top three to get our name on the trophy. Wine tastings, bridge and euchre games and sharing food and recipes. Hours spent discussing good book to read and sharing stories of family and friends. All of this I will certainly miss. I have so many wonderful memories of our shared time together. It has been such a privilege being your friend.
Selena Hazlitt
My condolences to Arlene’s family and friends.
Years ago, I met Arlene while she was volunteering for the elder abuse prevention committee. She quickly became someone I looked forward to meeting with and learning from. Arlene was a brilliant woman with a commitment to community and care of its citizens. She knew how to love, mentor and educate with great effect.
Arlene also popped into my life through our mutual friends, Colleen and Michele. I love hearing about the meals Michele & Arlene would create for picnics and gatherings of friends. Those memories will continue to be shared. If there is an after-life, I suspect Colleen and Arlene are sipping G&Ts while deep in conversation and sharing some laughs.
Jeff and Maureen Sabin
Dear Roberta and family, we send our sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful & beloved Arlene. She truly was the best of the best & will be missed by all that had the privilege to know her. 💖
Susanna Reid
Dear Roberta and family, I am so sad to hear this news. It is hard to believe it is true. Grieve well. Susanna
Julie Lee
Roberta and all of Arlene’s family; Jacquie and I wish you peace and comfort. We also want to acknowledge Arlene’s profoundly positive gifts to our world. We were so blessed to have her and so sad to have to let her go. xoxoxo
Karla Hogan
Dear Roberta and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing.
My deepest condolences to all of you.
You’ll have many beautiful memories to help sustain you through this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Arlene.
Sally Walker
I send my deepest sympathy to all of Arlene’s family and friends. I had the privilege to know her years ago in Goderich as we often attended the same meetings. I was always impressed by the intelligent, practical and caring contributions that she invariably made. Her sincerity, kindness and wonderful smile were always evident. She has left a lasting legacy.
Rosemary Corriveau Landriault
My sincere sympathy to you and your family Roberta … and to Arlene’s family. She was a lovely woman and always exuded enthusiasm for life.
Sincerely, Rosemary
Dianne and Nigel Bellchamber Bellchamber
Dear Roberta
We are so sorry for your loss. Arlene was a sweetheart
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Roberta and family – you are in our special thoughts – with sadness and sympathy.
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don
Patricia Martin
Arlene shared her talents with so many. She loved life and will be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy for Arlene’s passing.
MaryEllen Boel
Roberta and Arlene’s family
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Arlene’s passing.
A beautiful soul gone too soon.
Our sincere condolences.
Dan and MaryEllen
Monica Mason
Arlene was someone so special – no matter what or whom she was dealing with, she was accepting, supportive, helpful and had a wonderful sense of humor. I have known her in several capacities and in every one she excelled way over what one might have expected. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was a foodie (as I am) so we always had things to share.
I will miss her very much not only as a fellow Hospice volunteer, a kind and gentle, non-judgmental advisor and as a friend. She will be sorely missed by me and many others.
Wishing you a peaceful rest, Arlene
Monica Mason
Marlene Neufeld
I have so enjoyed my interactions with Arleen over the years, whether it’s being introduced to a new G and T, chatting about her love for birding, her experiences at Hospice where she volunteered, and harp retreats. I am gad that we got to connect in Essex county this past May, and in Grand Manan this summer. Thinking of you Roberta, and condolences to the rest of the family. Bob adds his heartfelt condolences as well.
Lucia Schatteleyn
I will always remember Arlene for her caring and honesty. She helped me through some difficult times. And never to forget the most wonderful meals she shared seemingly with so much ease.
I will miss you so my friend but am forever thankful to have known you.
Lucia
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Our thoughts and prayers are with Roberta and the entire family during this very sad time.
MJ Westbrook
My deepest condolences to Roberta and Arlene’s family. Arlene was an amazing woman and we enjoyed many remarkable moments in our shared work and our endeavours to plant seeds for change. Rest dear Arlene, rest.
Donna and Gary Martin
Dear Roberta:
So very sorry to hear about Arlene. She was such an amazing, wonderful woman. I met her a few times and was impressed with her empathy and wit. She really showed her compassion when she officiated at Judy’s funeral. She will be missed by so many. Our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Donna and Gary
Cathy Hamilton
Dear Elaine – I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to your lovely Mom. My sincere condolences to your family.
Cathy Hamilton
Sharon Baltzer
My sincere sympathy to Roberta and Arlene’s entire family.
Arlene has only been in my life for eight months. She became my grief councillor after my husbands passing in January.
She gave her time and compassion with all sincerity. She would laugh with me and also cry with me. I was to have a visit from her on Monday.
Since I’ve known her I have told many what a wonderful lady she was.
I will miss her a great deal and always will be thankful for the time I had with her. RIP💕
Jason Bellchamber
My condolences go out to the family. I always found that Arlene and Roberta shared such a very strong bond and we’re inseparable. Im sorry for your loss.
Kat Dobson
My sincere condolences to Arlene’s family and friends. May she Rest In Peace. ❤️
Mary Hansen
Arlene was a beautiful soul , so sad to hear of her passing !
A wonderful testimonial of who she was … she will be very much missed!
Send condolences to all!
Mary Hansen , Adam and Jakob Webb
Jamie Thomas
My sincere thoughts to her family at this time.
Arlene was pillar of strength and dedicated so much of herself to our community.
She will always be remembered for thoughtfulness and kindness, we will miss her. 💔
Deb and Ky Elliott / Waddell
We are so saddened to hear of Arlene’s passing. Roberta and family, we send our sincere condolences.
We experienced Arlene as generous, thoughtful, fun loving and socially involved and conscious.
She will be missed.
Love Deb and Ky
Kate Wiggins
So deeply sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing . She was such a kind yet ferocious soul. Though are paths haven’t crossed much of late I will always remember our wonderful chats and her kindness. She was a light and will remain so. My sincere condolences to her wonderful family both birthed and chosen. She will be deeply missed.
Pam and Chris Bowers
So sad to hear about Arlene’s passing. She was a very kind hearted person who always had wonderful things to say. We remember that she always brought a smile with her to everyone she met. Our thoughts are with you.
Judy Renner
Roberta, my heart breaks for you. Sending hugs your way!
Elaine Swan
I love you so, Mama 💔
Arlene Parker
I will miss Arlene’s wonderful love of puns. She was very generous and giving.
Mary Jane McArthur
I knew Arlene mostly from a distance but it never felt like there was ANY distance. A kind, generous, bright and full of life soul.
I feel blessed to have been touched by her love of life.
Karen Lehnen
My sincere condolences to Roberta & family. Arlene was admired & will be remembered for her kindness & wisdom. I appreciated meeting & knowing Arlene through her Hospice volunteering.
Johanna Steegstra
Arlene was a lovely lady that I came to know through living in Bayfield and through Huron Hospice.
My sincere condolences to Roberta and Arlene’s family
Johanna Steegstra
Barbara Collishaw
So sorry for your loss, Andrew. She must have crossed paths with my Mum a few times! Sounds like a terrific lady.
Cindy Griffiths
Elaine, I had the pleasure of meeting your mom during our time at WW. She indeed was a lovely lady. I know how close you were to her. Please accept our sincere sympathies to you and your entire family. Thinking of you, Cindy and Bill
JOHN SWALES
I am deeply troubled by the death of Arlene. She was a kind, spectacular support person, friend, and neighbour. She will be missed and she made the world more tolerable.
John and Zack Swales
Andrew Clark
I love you Grandma. We wouldn’t be here without you.