LYNN: Catherine “Irene” Paterson (Thom) of Lucan, formerly of McGillivray Township
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On July 7, 2025 @ 4:12 PM In Lucan,Obituary | 59 Comments
Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at AgeCare, Parkhill on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late Gerald Lynn (2019) for 55 years. Cherished mother of Catherine (Lovie) and Jim Hardie, Cheryl and John Cook, Bonnie and Richard Vandenberk, and Gerry and Vicki Lynn. Loving grandma of Matthew and Laura, Michael and Marissa, Emily and Kris; Brad and Danielle, Jenna and Dillon, Steven and Katie; Amanda and David, Philip, Luke and Mikaela; Jeremy, Joe, Samuel, and Reanna. Step-grandmother to Jenene, Blair, and Jennifer and Brett. Great-grandmother to Giada, Alexis, James, Aiden, Theo, Charlotte, Emersyn, Eva, Montgomery, River, and Storm, Step-great-grandmother Leyton, Taylor, Owen, and Hudson. Dear sister-in-law of Ralph and Gwen Lynn, Pauline and Ron Haynes, Don Lankin, June and Hubert Arts, Pat Thom, and Joan Cunningham. Irene will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and the Chalmers family. Predeceased by her cherished son-in-law Jim Lovie (2010), sister Ivy (Leon) Rousseau, brothers Sandy (Margaret) Thom, and Frank Thom, siblings-in-law Norene (Thomas) Brock, Clarice (Harry) Hern, Dorothy Lankin, and Joseph Cunningham and her parents Alexander and Catherine (Paterson) Thom.
Irene was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada in her younger years, where she embraced life as a full-time mum and dedicated farmer’s wife. A passionate believer in the power of education, Irene understood its ability to shape lives and communities. Her dedication began early when she founded the Home and School Association of McGillivray Central School, proudly serving as its first president. A space where parents and teachers could work together to enrich the learning environment for every child. Irene’s advocacy didn’t stop there; she was later elected as a school board trustee for McGillivray Township and went on to serve multiple terms as chairman of the Middlesex County Board of Education. Her leadership, vision, and tireless commitment left a lasting impact on the community. Above all, Irene will be remembered for her life of service, her deep love for her family and friends, and the faith that guided her every step.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Whynot and the entire staff at AgeCare Parkhill. Words cannot express how thankful we are for the daily compassionate care you delivered to mom for the past 5 years and especially her last days. It was obvious to us that you are sharing in our loss.
Visitation will be held at Haskett funeral home 223 Main Street, Lucan on Thursday, July 10th from 4 – 7 PM.
Irene’s funeral service will be held at Community Bible Church, (Highway 7) 24294 Adelaide Street North, Lucan the following day on Friday, July 11th at 11 AM, with visitation starting an hour prior at 10 AM. Interment at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you watch the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.communitybible.ca/livestream/.
Donations to Children’s Health Foundation (Children’s Hospital – LHSC), Alzheimer Society of Canada, Jessica’s House Hospice or a charity of your choice in Irene’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “LYNN: Catherine “Irene” Paterson (Thom) of Lucan, formerly of McGillivray Township”
Sympathy to all Irene’s family. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Catherine and Jim. So sorry to read your Mom passed away. 95 is marked as many birthday’s.
Our sincere sympathy to the both of you. Bob & Bernice Boogemans
Sending our condolences to all at this sad time
Our deepest sympathy to all of Irene’s family. We sure enjoyed her and your dad at Park View Place. Keep all the good memories close, it will help you through the tough times ahead.
From my days in Gerry and Vicki’s sunrise greenhouse to the days spent with your family outside of that Irene was always part of that, my deepest condolences to you all! Irene always made everyone family an she instilled that in her children. Thinking of you all and sending my biggest hugs.
Sending my sincerest condolences to Irene’s family. She was a lovely woman and you can treasure all of the laughter that was shared. She will be missed.
We send you our deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole family. Your mom was a great lady and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her…
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families at this sad time.
Deepest condolences to the entire Lynn family on the loss of your dear Mom and Grandma. Beyond all of her accomplishments and contributions, she was also a mom that could handle a herd of grade 7 &8 McGillivray kids running through her house to get their bathing suits on heading straight for the pool, while never skipping a beat of whatever else she had on her plate at that moment.
May good memories be with you in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Julie and Earl Bullock
Our deepest sympathies to Irene’s family. She was such a wonderful caring person who shared her dedication to family and education.
Our deepest sympathy at this time. Alzheimer disease is horrid. Share your memories, stories and times that you had together.
We have lost another valuable lady of our community.
I remember our fun ladies’ lunches together on Fridays and he euchre games at St. James .
Sincere condolences to all of the extended Lynn family.
Dear Lynn Family…Sending sympathy on the loss of your dear Mom. Don , Heather and Family
Catherine,Cheryl, Bonnie and Gerry and families
Very sorry to hear of Aunt Irene’s passing, lovely woman, a lot of great memories of a long life well lived.
Paul and Judi Lankin
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Irene. She was a good person.
May all your tears be happy memories. Condolences to the Lynn families.
Deepest sympathy to family and friends of Irene.
Lynn Family sorry for your loss of Irene she was wonderful neighbour and worked tirelessly for our education system
Condolences to all the family, sorry to hear of Irene’s passing
To Gerry, Vicki & family and the extended Lynn families
Sending our condolences to everyone in the loss of your dear Mother and grandmother.
Knowing that she excelled and shared her talents and love with others in so many ways will bring you comfort and peace in a life well lived.
God bless “Irene” and RIP.
Extending my sincere condolences to all of the Lynn family
Sincere sympathy to all the family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Rest in peace great aunt Irene. Condolences to all the family. Thoughts with you all. Love Andrea and family x
To all of Irene’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, we offer our sincere condolences.
Julie and Ferlin Sovereign
What a great lady—-She was so proud of you, her family. I have many memories of her, many at school where she was an integral part of all things McGillivray. I can still see Irene and Mrs. Blaauboer wheeling around the cart distributing fluoride each week. Memories, ah the memories.
My sincere condolences to all Irene’s family. Cherish all your wonderful memories!
Catherine and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
No words can truly ease the grief, but I want you to know that you’re not alone.
In this difficult time, I hope you find comfort in the love of those around you and in the cherished memories you hold.
With heartfelt sympathy and caring thoughts,
Thinking of you
Tracy Harrison
Catherine, Jim & family
Our condolences on the loss of your mom. She sounded like an amazing woman who raised an amazing daughter.. 💞
Barry & Melonie Miller
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I got to know Irene through my time at McGillvray.
She did a lot for the community. You have my condolences.
Catherine , Jim and family. So sorry to hear of your Moms passing! May she RIP.
Take care and cherish all your memories!
Condolences to the entire Family 🫶
Irene sure has a wonderful wonderful Family with very big hearts 🥰 A beautiful angel will surround them.
RIP Irene 😇
Our deepest condolences to all the family
My Condolences to the Lynn Family
Sending our sincere condolences to all the family. Thinking of you during this sad time.
Irene & Family
Please accept my deepest condolences to the whole family for their loss of their dear mother. We are never ready for them to leave us.
Bonnie,Richard,
Catherine,Jim & families
Sending you hugs & prayers at this difficult time for you all
Cherish your memories 💗
Janet & John Bilcke
Fond memories of Irene who was so very good at looking after people especially in their hour of need. She will always be remembered fondly. Our most sincere condolences to the extended Lynn family
Our sincere condolences to all the extended Lynn family on the sad loss of Irene, she was a rock of strength for the family and all those she helped in their hour of need. God Bless her !
Catherine, Cheryl, Bonnie, Gerry and Families
My Deepest sympathy to you all, I have many nice memories of your Mom, going back to when I was her hairdresser for many years. She was a dressy, classy lady who had a lovely long life. May she now rest in peace.
To her grandchildren, I send my sympathy to you all. I’m sure she loved all the greats as well.
My sincere sympathy to you all.
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the Lynn family.
Don and Ruth Ann Cunningham
My condolences to all of Irene’s family. She was a great lady and so proud of her children! Treasure all your loving memories.
Our sincere sympathy to each of Irene’s Family. May your memories of the active life she led bring you comfort through this difficult time.
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Sending our condolences to you Catherine and all your family. It is always hard losing a Mom no matter the age. Take time to share all those special memories in the day’s ahead.
So sorry to hear of your moms passing, your heart is broken now, her life was full of love and lots of friends she is at peace now. Dom and I send love to you and all your family. Love Dom & Laurie Franze
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with your family during this sad time.
Sorry for your loss
The entire Lynn Family
Sending our sincere condolences with the passing of your dear Mother Irene.
She was such a kind loving person and she loved all of you very much.
We will miss her warm smile and her laughter. She always wanted to look her very best.
The Gerbers (Sue and Eric)
Our sincere condolences to the Lynn family. Irene was the true definition of the family matriarch. She was an amazing woman, from her endless hours of work at McGillivray School and the Board of Education, to the many shenanigans of her children (there were many), her witty Scottish accent, especially when she was mad, to her elegant style and grace. I could go on and on with my childhood memories of her, but above all the kindness Irene had for Carol and I when we were young will be forever in my mind. She lived a long life full of endless love for her family. Cherish your many memories of a wonderful woman. Rest in peace Irene.
Janet (Gilmour) O’Brien
To each of Irene’s family and extended family
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. May the good memories bring peace and comfort.
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, she was a very special lady.
Our condolences on the loss of your mother. Thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. May all your many memories give you peace and comfort. Winnie Robicheau
Lynn Family. Phyllis and I are so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very hard time.
Paul & Phyllis Bradley
Tonight, seeing your mom at the funeral home, was exactly how I remember her, beautiful, timeless, she is dressed for success when she gets up to heaven and all of her loved ones will be waiting at the gate to welcome her in♥️
Go in peace, Irene, go knowing you left a great mark here on your kids and grandkids, your sense of family and of hard work and devotion to anyone who needed you. Your life here on earth is complete now. God speed ♥️
Cheryl, John and the Lynn family,
We would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of your much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Thinking of you today as you say goodbye, for now, and reflect on a life well lived.
In sympathy,
Gerald & Brenda Lenders
To the Lynn Family, sending my condolences on the passing of Irene, hold on to all your beautiful memories
My condolences to all the family . Cherish all the memories. Thinking of you at this difficult time .
To all of the Lynn Famiy,
Please accept sincere condolences on behalf of the Dykemans whom your parents welcomed when we moved down the road from your farm.
My younger brother was warmly welcomed by your mom to spend time in your home, he enjoyed her & your families hospitality.
Dalton also knew your mom well from school & appreciated what a fine lady she was.
Peace be with you.
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My condolences to you all. Losing a Mom is so very hard . Cherish all the great memories
May she rest in Peace