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RAU: Matilda “Tillie” Virginia Agnes (Denomme) of Zurich, formerly of St. Joseph
Posted By Haskett Funeral Home On April 13, 2025 @ 2:51 PM In Obituary,Zurich | 98 Comments

January 9, 1937 – April 12, 2025
Tillie passed away peacefully at the Exeter Villa on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 88. Loving wife of the late John Henry (Darl) Rau (2016). Cherished mother of Janet and Chris Brown of Grand Bend, Julie and Doug Debus of Zurich, Joyce and Kevin Cole, Janine Pridham and Murray Jardine of Tillsonburg and Darryl and Kim Rau of Zurich. She will be missed dearly by her 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Dear sister of the late Ambrose Denomme, late Benjamin (Lillian) Denomme, late Clemence “Blackie” (Geraldine “Red”) Denomme, the late Lucienne “Lou” (Eldon) Denomme, Joseph (Marlene) Denomme, the late Albert (Marion) Denomme, the late Leo Denomme, George “Kizan” (Annette) Denomme, Peter (Gisèle) Denomme, and Yvonne (Michael) Hartman, late siblings-in-law Antoinette (Bob), Pat (Marie), Andy (Alida), Theresa (Leo) Masse, Madeline (Harold) Denomme, Anthony (Patsy) and Joseph (Donna). Loved by many God children, nieces and nephews. Also pre-deceased by her parents Armand and Juliette Denomme, parents-in-laws John and Matilda Rau and great-great granddaughter Ellanae Earls.
Tillie’s faith and family were of utmost importance to her. She was an organist at St. Peter’s church for many years, at the Bluewater Rest Home and for masses at the Exeter Villa. She will always be remembered for her kind generous heart, funny sense of humor and warm loving smile.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thank you to the staff at Exeter Villa for the care and compassion provided to Tillie during her stay.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, Zurich on Monday, April 14th from 6 – 8 PM.
Tillie’s Funeral Mass will be held the following day at St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, 22 Mary Street, Zurich on Tuesday, April 15th at 11 AM with visitation an hour prior from 9:45 – 10:45 AM. Interment to be held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, St. Joseph.
If you are unable to attend the service in person the family invites you to watch the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@lakehuroncatholicfamilyofp7828/streams
In lieu of flowers, donations to Sisters of Precious Blood, St. Peters Hall Chair Fund, St. Boniface Building Fund or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Janet and Family ,
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Mom and Aunt Anne will miss Tillie as they ate at the same table.
We will be thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish all of your precious memories.
Hugs ! Doug, Sharon and Sarah
To Tillies Family
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time
Sincere Sympathy
RIP Tillie
Don &Alice Masse.
To the Rau family,
I send my deepest condolences during this difficult time. Tillie was a very kind gentle soul. It was a pleasure being one of her many housekeepers. I may have known her for a short time, but she made it feel like I knew her for a lifetime. Thank you Tillie and family for making me feel appreciated every step of the way and making my day better at work. Rest in peace Tillie, you will be missed.
To Tillies Family
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time
Sincere Sympathy
RIP Tillie
Don &Alice Masse.
Janet and family.
I am so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
To the entire Rau Family, we send our deepest condolences. Tillie and her late husband Darl, were a pleasure to have as neighbours. We took good care of each other.
I was so glad that I had such a very nice visit with her a couple of weeks ago. We talked about “running the roads”, enjoying the same Peach Volka Coolers at Christmas and being such good good neighbours. Several times Tillie placed Rick and I on her prayer list which warmed our hearts.
Rest in Peace, Dear Girl. Say hi to Darl for us.
Sandra Shaw and Rick Funston.
To all of Tillie’s family…we send condolences to you all.
To all the Rau’s…our sincere condolences on the passing of Tillie. A lovely Zurich icon who will be always be remembered in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. May all your memories keep your hearts whole and filled with peace.
Sending my condolences to Tillies family. Never easy to see a great mother to leave . Hugs to you all ❤️
Deepest sympathy to all of the family
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have fond memories of both her and your Dad in the many years we were neighbour’s on Hwy 21. May they rest in peace together.
To the Rau Family
Our deepest sympathies to the Rau family. Tilly and Darl were such fun people when I worked in the bank… Darl would bring us fresh apples off his trees… we remember their sense of humour.
Dear Julie, Doug and all the Rau families,
Our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere condolences to Tillie’s family ❤️
To my beautiful cousins and your families I send big hugs at this difficult time. Your Mom always made me feel so special. She had prayers and masses said for me during what she knew were difficult times in my life. She also had such an amazing sense of humour and let me tease her too, especially about Mike, who she showed so much love to. May she be reunited with your Dad and may you find peace in your beautiful memories.
To All Of Tillie’s Family
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. Your Mom was a very special lady and we had many laughs when we would meet each other.
May the Angels look down on each and everyone of you and give you the strength to get through the next few days and the days ahead. Many hugs to you all.❤️
Tillies Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with
all of you at this very sad time
To Tillie’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am going to miss seeing her every Monday morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jodi
Janet Chris and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all the family during this time, we are sending our deepest sympathy and condolences, god bless.
To the family of Tillie, sorry for the loss of your mother. She will be up there with Darl.
Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine, Darryl and families
Words cannot express the sadness I feel of a loss so great. I will miss her smile, her hugs and our many chats . Tillie was a beautiful soul and I’ll remember her kindness always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with all
Sorry to hear of your loss to all the family members aunt tillie and uncle darl will be united again what great memories they shared with all of us
Our heartfelt condolences to Tillie’s family. Alex and I will surely miss her and our visits to her. We are privileged to have met her and got to know her in the past couple of years. Tillie, may you rest in eternal peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
To Janet and Chris… so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing . Sincere condolences to the rest of your family..
Thinking of you all at this time.
Dear Jeff and your extended family,
Our condolences on the loss of your dear grandma. A pillar of the Z-rock nation. To have heard you mention her over the decades, with such love and good humour, said a lot about her respected place in your family.
Sincerely,
Carmen and David Jones
Dear Janet & Chris and your famille…and the whole famille,
Thinking of you during this sad time, knowing that the many beautiful memories you have will surround you and give you some peace. Hugs my friend.
Paula laPorte
Wes and Jaclyn, Janet and Chris, heartfelt condolences on Tillie’s passing. She was a fun loving lady. She had a zest for life. She was happy, and determined. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to all the Rau family at the loss of your mother. May all the memories you created bring you comfort
Joyce, and family. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, kind and loving woman. Love and prayers today and days ahead at this difficult time.
Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janiene Daryl and families. So sorry for the loss of your dear Mom Tillie. I have admired her since I was a little girl. She is now with her Darl. Thinking of you all.
RIP my special friend. You truly were a pearl.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorri
To Daryl, Kim and children – we are so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of Tillie. Tillie was a beautiful lady, keep all your fun loving memories close to your ♥
Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine and Darryl and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be missed.
Mike and Beatie Rau
To Tillie’s family
May the many good memories help bring peace and comfort
My condolences to all family and friends of Tillie. Hugs Darryl & Kim
My Deepest Sympathy Janet, Julie, Joyce, Jannie, Darryl and Families.
May she rest easy in the arms of the angels, and join the family that will welcome her home.
My condolences to your family.
I remember a great neighbor with fondness when we moved from SUDBURY in 1970
There is so much I can say but I’m not good with words. They have always remained very special in my heart. I go back in time every time I drive by the farm.
Rest in peace Tillie.
Janet, Chris and families
Sending our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. Cherish your memories…Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences go out to Tillie’s family; our thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout this very trying time.
Francis Denomme & Bonnie Vinet
Rau Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Tillie’s passing. I always loved visiting with her, and practicing a bit of French. She will be missed. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Dear Joyce, Roxanne, Hannah and Jackson
Sending you hugs and condolences at such a difficult time.
Sincerely, Liz and Bill
We send our condolences to all of Tillie’s children and their families. She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Having Tillie and Darl as neighbours growing up gave me a great sense of the wonderful people they were. Your mom was so devoted to the church making sure she was there every morning to play the organ. When my dad passed your mom would offer to get my mother groceries or pick up anything she needed from town when she went once a week. A kind and caring neighbour she was!! A lady who loved to dress well and always looked great!!! Our deepest condolences to each of you …may she rest in God’s loving arms.
Jerry & Rose
Janet,.So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
So sorry to hear of Aunt Tillie’s passing. Please accept our condolences.
Randy & Carol Denomme
Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine, Darryl and families
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers.
Rilee, Hailee, Wes, Janet, Chris and all the Rau and Brown families.
We were saddened to hear of Tillie’s passing. Always hard to lose a parent or grandparent. Thinking of you at this sad time and sending healing hugs to everyone, and especially our girls.
Dear Janet, Julie, Joyce,Janine and Darryl and Families
May you move through this difficult time with comfort and peace in your hearts.
Memories of Aunt Tillie are of kindness and her very essence brings a smile. There was only one Aunt Tillie! . Fondest memories . My condolences.
To all of Tillie’s family. Our deepest sympathy in your loss. A bright light has gone out in everyone’s lives and she will be truly missed.
Sincerely
Don & Charlene
Our condolences to Kevin and Joyce and your entire family. A Mothers love is forever in our hearts. Hugs to you all.
Dear Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine and Darryl and Families
May you move through this difficult time with comfort and peace.
I remember Aunt Tillie’s kindness and her essence makes me smile and will continue to. There was only one Aunt Tillie.
Fondest memories.
To my dear cousins
I’m so sorry for your loss
It’s a difficult time I understand so well
How many wonderful memories you and your mother gave me growing up in her presence
The gatherings, the singing, the joy and laughter
On behalf of my dear mother Bonnie she adored her so very much!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sincerely
Tracy (Tindall) and family
Janet and Chris and family, so sorry to see the news of your mom’s passing. Hugs to you all.
To all of Tillie’s family.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Tillie. We were neighbours for many years in Zurich & often seemed to be at the mailbox at the same time. Always time for a visit. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad & most difficult time. 🙏🏻
Sincerely
Pauline Miller
Our sincere condolences to Tillie’s family. She was a lovely lady and very compassionate.
George and Elaine Ducharme
Deepest sympathy to all of the family. I can still hear Tillie playing the organ.
Thoughts and Prayers, Carrie (Sweeney) Van Osch
Daryl and Kim,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. May your fondest memories put a smile on your face on sad days. Sending hugs at this sad time.
Deepest sympathy to the Rau family. Keeping all of you
in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Our deepest sympathy to Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine , Darryl and families.Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Sincere condolences to the entire Rau family. I have many memories of Tillie. She will be remembered for her kindness, her faith and her dedication to the music ministry. RIP Tillie❤️
Kim and family, our sincerest condolences. May your wonderful memories bring much comfort over the coming days and months ahead.
Christie and Scott MacGregor
Dear Chris and Janet and all the family, My deepest sympathy and prayers Marlene Moore
Condolences to the family of Tillie Rau . Sorry for your loss.
Janet and family I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother and grandmother she was a table person with my dad (Roy)when he was at the villa
Deepest sympathy to the Rau family. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You and your family
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Tillie. I will miss our time together making music and her beautiful harmonies. We had the best visits.
Our deepest sympathies to all of Tillie’s Family on the loss of your Mom…she was a kind and Faith filled lady, and will be greatly missed! Hugs to all!
To all of Tillie’s Family.
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.
Condolences to the Rau families.
Our deepest sympathies to the Rau families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and this difficult time.
Dear Julie and Doug plus all of the family my sincere condolences.
Janet…..Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing
Judy Palsa
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Our deepest condolences to Aunt Tillie’s family. She was a breath of fresh air every time I saw her. She amazed us with her French language skills and she enjoyed playing the piano for every one. May God bless each family member with all the wonderful memories she left behind.
To: Dear Janet (Chris), Julie (Doug), Joyce (Kevin), Janine (Murray), Darryl (Kim) &
Families . . .
❤️ “A mother’s Love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on- like a Legacy of Love that will forever be with you. May that Love surround you now and bring you peace. “ ❤️
There are no words to ease the pain of losing a loved one no matter the age. We offer our sincerest condolences to all of you during this immensely sad time with the passing of your mom, Tillie. 💔 May the wonderful memories you made together as a family help you through this difficult time. 🙏🏻 Her memory will forever live on, in the stories, laughter & love you shared as a family & may they heal your hearts & brings smiles through your tears. She is now reunited with the love of her life Darl & may they both Rest in Peace in God’s Loving Arms! 🙏🏻
❤️ “Don’t cry because I’m gone; Smile brightly because I lived.” ❤️
Sending prayers of healing, may your family find strength & peace in each other now – you are surrounded by the love of family & friends to help you through the difficult days of mourning & grief that lay ahead. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
💞 Sincerely, Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family💞
Dear Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine & Darryl and families
Thinking of all of you as your put your dear Mom to rest.. She was a very special Aunt and i have fond memories growing up and always hanging out with Janet at their place. Love & Hugs.
Rest in Peace Aunt Tillie.. 🙏❤️🙏
Paul & Marylou Gunning
Janet, Chris and Rau family
Our sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. Tillie will always be remembered as a loving faith filled mother and wife. May she rest in peace.
Pam and Tony DeJong
My heartfelt condolences to Doug and Julie and all of Tillie’s family and friends.
Thank you Tillie for all the prayers !
My Prayers are with you all. Tillie offered many a mass for her children and grandchildren at the Precious Blood Sisters and I always remembered her fondly.
We are so sorry to hear of Tillie’s passing. She was such a nice lady. Our sincere sympathies to you all at this time of loss.
So sorry to hear of Tilly’s passing. There are so many great memories from years ago when we both worked at Rau Chicken dinners. She was a special lady.
To Darryl and Kim and the entire Rau family. We are saddened to hear of Tillie’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time.
My condolences to all of Tillie’s family. She was a grand lady.
To the Rau family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Rau family
Janet, Julie, Joyce, Janine & Daryll & families
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I sure loved my visits w her. She was such a sweet lady✝️
To all of Tillie’s Family
Our deepest condolences at this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember your Mom playing the organ at church along with you girls. So sorry for your loss.
Janet, Chris and family
Sorry for the loss of your mother Janet. Condolences to you and your family.
Take care
To Darl and Tillie’s Girls and Families
I am so sorry to just be reading of your Mom’s death,
I first met your parents when your dad worked with my father Maurice Mac Donald ,quite along time ago now ,you were just young girls .
Your Mother was always one classy lady ,and your Dad lots of fun .
I send my deepest sympathy to all you girls and your families at this sad time .Seen her a couple of times when l was at Raders ,and they lived next door .I have very fond memories of both your parents,sending big hugs to you all .Im so sorry
Deepest condolences to your family. Tillie was a very caring roommate my mother Kay Grubb for the past year at the Exeter Villa. She will be missed by her and when my family comes in for visits, from Susan, Glenn, Michael and I (Andy). Always a pleasant conversation.
Dear Darryl and Family,
We are very sorry to learn about the passing of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Thomas & Vreni Beeler with family
To the Rau family
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time ,may you have many wonderful memories
to share and give you comfort.
Jeff and Bernadette (Masse) Lockhart
To the Rau family
Thinking of you during this difficult time .
May she rest in peace.
Sincerely
Catherine Masse
sending the most sincere sympathy of the loss of dear Tillie ! I know you will miss her so very much, she was such an icon !! so sorry for your loss Janet, Julie, Joyce , Janine and Darryl !! sending hugs,
Our deepest sympathies to the Rau families
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So Sorry to the Family on Your Loss!
She was a Wonderful Woman and will be Missed Dearly!
My Thoughts and Prayers are with You at Your Time of Sorrow!