It is with broken hearts but gratitude for her 88 years of life that Joanne, Bill and Steve announce the passing of our dear mom Winnie at Maitland Manor on April 3, 2024. Born on the family farm in Ashfield Township, the only daughter of Lorne and Beatrice (Stein) Farrish, she grew up with older brothers Jack, George and Don and younger brother, Harold who, along with their wives, all predeceased her. She moved to Goderich to find work in her teens where she met our dad Gord. They celebrated almost 61 years of marriage before he predeceased her in 2015. She was also predeceased by her niece Marie (Farrish) Dignan, great-niece Ashley Farrish and great-nephew Travis Farrish. Besides her three children, she is survived by dear daughters-in-law Janice (Bill) and Judi (Steve), her precious grandchildren Saddie (Tony), Tori (Talmon) and David (Ngân) and her sweet baby great-granddaughter Harlow, along with many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews who will miss her loving presence and delicious contributions to the annual Farrish picnic. Winnie worked as a cashier at A&P for 32 years, starting in the store on West Street and later moving to the store in Suncoast Mall. She loved her customers and co-workers and they loved her back. Thanks to her friend Leone, she continued to meet weekly for coffee with some of her fellow A&P retirees as long as she was able. Winnie was also an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church and a Life Member of the Arthur Circle Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). She helped organize and prepare countless funeral luncheons at Knox and quilted with the Knox Quilters, embroidering a number of quilts for family members to treasure. She was also a prolific knitter, making sweaters, slippers, blankets and baby outfits to gift to family, friends and charities. Winnie and Gord travelled to numerous places across Canada and the U.S, with regular trips to Florida for many years. Winnie and Joanne made three trips to Europe, visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, England and Scotland. To know Winnie was to love her. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She always had a big smile and friendly word for everyone she met. She also had a great sense of humour which sometimes shone through even as she struggled with dementia in her final years. She volunteered for many organizations and performed many acts of kindness over the years. We were so blessed to have her in our lives and will cherish our memories of her forever. At Winnie’s request, cremation has taken place with interment to be held at a later date in Maitland Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church on Thursday, April 25 at 11 a.m. In Winnie’s memory, donations to Knox Presbyterian Church, Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109, Huron Alzheimer Society or charity of your choice may be made through McCallum and Palla Funeral Home.
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).
Judy Jenkins
My memory of Winnie? Her smile and such a pleasant demeanour! My condolences to her family!
Elaine & Mike Wilson
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Monica Johnstone
Your Mom was such a wonderful person. I never saw her with anything but a smile on her face. She touched so many lives
Laurie Wood
Dear Joanne, Bill, Janice, Steve, Judi and Families. Our sincerest condolences go out to you all. What a beautiful kind lady your mom was, she will always be fondly remembered by the Wood families. Heart of gold, her lovely smile, genuinely kind to all of us over the years. Winnie knitted our boys beautiful baby sweaters, still hold on to them today. Her and Joan will be in Heaven having cheerful laughs and long conversations again. Hugs to you all.
Chris and Laurie Wood
Judy Tigert
Dear Joanne, Bill and Steve, my sincere condolences for the loss of your sweet mother.
Winnie was a blessing in this world. She always had a smile, kind words, baked goods and knitted works of art for those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She served others selflessly in her work at A&P, by being a devoted mother and grandmother, by volunteer work at the Legion and Knox Presbyterian Church. Well done good and faithful servant of God. Rest in peace dear Winnie.
Kathy and Joe Dumigan
So sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. She was always such an upbeat person. She could always make you smile. Worked with her almost 25 years at A&P and she was one of the ones that could make working fun. So sorry for your loss but you are so lucky to have picked up her sense of humour.
Allan & Judy Day
To Winnie’s family, we are sorry to hear of your loss, our deepest condolences. Winnie was a pleasure to work with, she was always happy and had a good sense of humour. We will never forget her thoughtfulness when our boys were babies, she knitted the cutest little booties for them.
Dianne Scott
Joanne, Bill & Steve
Deepest sympathy to all of you and your families on the loss of your dear Mom!! Winnie was such a special person.I am so sorry for your loss.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear family – you are close in my heart with sadness and sympathy.
On her journey the past years – Your loving care for her – was an example of her love for you.
Winnie was special to all – all who knew her – all who worked with her –
Her caring and thoughtfulness – and always her spirit – will always be remembered .
RIP dear friend – you are one of the best –
Love Sis
Suzanne Farrish
Joanne, Steve, Bill and families,
So very sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. She was the loveliest of ladies and the kindest woman! So wonderful that when someone passes, and all you can remember is their goodness and kindness! Our thoughts are with you all.
Jim, Sue and Helen Farrish
Maureen McCauley
Joanne, so sorry to hear about your Mom. I do remember her great smile and twinkly eyes. And how close you were to her. A major loss for you and your entire family.
Shelly & Dave Keys
Joanne,Bill, Steve & Families
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Remembering Winnie with always having a smile and friendly greeting.
Shelly
Jennifer Lyons
Condolences to the Walters family. Winnie was a lovely person. I hope happy memories can bring some comfort during this difficult time.
Bev Whetstone
I can not tell you how much your Mom meant to me. She was so much fun and had a heart of gold, Working with her for so many years was such a joy. RIP Winnie, Your work on earth is done.
Cathy Murdock
My sincere condolences, your mother was a special person.
Susan GLOUSHER
To Winnie’s Family
Winnie was such a nice person. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Susan and David
Brooklyn Harman
I’m so very sorry for your loss Joanne and family. It was a blessing to take care of your beloved mother. She had a smile on her face, and some fierce, but you could see a heart of gold. Thank you for the stories you always told, I felt like I knew her for a life time.
Shelly Keys
Joanne, Bill ,Steve and Families
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Will always remember Winnie with her friendly greeting and smile. Our sincere condolences to you all
Wayne and Gwen Doak
I worked with Winnie at AP for awhile. She always had a smile on her face. Remember seeing her and Gord at the Legion sitting at the BS table. So sorry for your loss.
Debbie Delyea
She was a great person and I missed her when A@P closed,my condolences to the family at this time.
Cathy Mackenzie
Joanne,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mom. I remember her with a smile as she always greeted me with a smile. Such a great sense of humour! Through our elementary school days I recall her kind and loving ways, fantastic baked goods and patience with us as I am sure we may have “tested” her. Hugs❤️❤️
Jon Ginn
Mickey and I were sorry to learn of Winnie’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts. RIP Winnie
Terry (Theresa) Dick
Joanne and Family – Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You were a very dedicated daughter and did everything you could for her. You will have many memories of her.
Pat Livingston
My sincere sympathy to Winnie’s family. She was a beautiful and gracious lady.
Loraine Shaw
I did not personally know Winnie only through my sister, Leone. She was a beautiful woman, loved by all Who knew her. Sending my fondest condolences to her family
Sharon Brown
What a lovely person your Mom was!! She always greeted me with a smile and a warm welcome whether it was at the A+P years ago or at Knox. She was a server for our church and volunteered always. Such a happy and cheerful person. She will be missed. Sharon Brown
Colleen McGregor
Joanne, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will miss visiting with you at Maitland Manor when I go to see my mom Leona at the end of the hall. Your mom was lucky to have you. You took such good care of her.
Mark and Jim Riley
We were saddened to hear of Winnie’s passing. She will be remembered for her welcoming smile and love for her family and community. Our sympathy to Joanne, Bill, Steve and your extended family.
Betty Baltessen
I just want to give my condolences to the family for their loss of a women who had always a lovely smile to everyone
Mary-Jo Farrish
I am so sorry to hear this Joanne, Bill, Steve and families. I came to know Aunt Winnie so long ago when I was in the Farrish family. She was always so kind and loving and oh so funny and such a character. Such a great knitter, I still have sweaters she knitted for my children. Years later even though I was no longer part of the family we still kept in touch with a letter at Christmas every year. It was always a pleasure shopping at A&P when Aunt Winnie was working. She will be missed by so, so many. May she rest in peace.
Debbie and Marlowe Austin
If we all lived and loved like Winnie the world would be a better place. She was the sweetest!
So sorry for your family’s huge loss.
Al and Janet Dekker
Winnie was a lovely lady. She always had a smile wherever you met her. She often spoke of our mutual neighbors on the 10th of Ashfield. I am sure she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Our sympathy to you all.
Shirley erb
To all of Winnies Family Winnie was a great lady I remember her coming to the Legion She had a helping hand no matter were My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Brenda Cane Blackwell
Dear Winnie, and my Mom, Betty (Thompson Saxton) were life-long friends. I am sorry Joanne, and family that you have lost this central person in your lives. I have many memories of Winnie and family growing up together on Cambridge Street in Goderich. Winnie made these great pancake suppers, for Joanne and I after ‘Brownies’. In this kind of April weather there were always a group of girls skipping outside the front door – Monica, Marie F, some of us Thompson, Smith and Gauley girls. It was a hive of energy and activity. In other recollections, I can hear Gord slumbering on our couch, on Cameron Street at maybe 1 am, while Winnie, Louise, and others were in the kitchen, ‘fixing lunch’, after a Pav dance, with Dad’s hi-fi playing “Please Release Me”. Such poignant double ironies of the sweetest kind. Wonderous Winnie, you were a fountain of selfless giving to all of us, for many years. May your next journey be as loving and joyful as you have shown us all, here. With Love, Brenda (nee Thompson).
Donna Fisher
So sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing, I worked with her for many years at A&P, it was a real pleasure to work with her, our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. Don&Donna
Frank & lowisa Hagan
Joanne and family, so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a beautiful lady, always so sweet and kind. She will be missed and she will always be in your hearts!
Cathy McEwen
So sorry for your loss. Winnie was always a shining light and so very present for luncheons and suppers at Knox with a beautiful smile and kind words.
Linda (Little) MacDonald
Joanne, Bill, Steve and families: I have known Winnie all my life, her and her family were neighbours of our family in Ashfield and a friend of two of my sisters . She was a lovely lady, kind caring person and always spoke when she saw you, and always had a friendly smile. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. I know you will have many wonderful memories which you will cherish. May Winnie Rest In Peace.
John and Linda (Little) MacDonald
Joan Tigert
I was blessed to have known Winnie for almost 50 years. I met her when I was a teen and was fortunate to become “almost related” when my sister married her son, Bill. Winnie was always warm and welcoming to me as a teen and, later, she was equally kind and generous to my own children. There was always a friendly chat between us and she frequently had little gifts for the children. Winnie was a thoughtful, kind and generous person with a terrific sense of humour. My heart goes out to Joanne, Bill & Janice, Steve & Judi, and their families.
Joyce Kuran
I am so sorry for your loss, Joanne and family. I remember Winnie very well from my many years in Goderich. She was a lovely, sweet woman. With sincere sympathy at this sorrowful time.
Joyce Kuran
Kelly Mallough
Just wanted to say sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
MaryEllen (Glazier) Boel
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mom.
Winnie has earned her wings while here on earth. Always with a big smile and a kind word to say whenever she saw one of us.
Mom and dad enjoyed their time together in Florida for many winters with your mom and dad along with a couple of Winnie’s brothers.
May you all be at peace knowing your mom lived a full long life.
Vicki Beattie(Lobb)
Joanne, Steve, Bill & Families
My condolences on losing such a wonderful woman. Always had a smile and a chat.
Hugs, Vicki Lobb (Beattie)
Wayne Wilson
So sorry for your loss. Winnie was such a nice lady. R.I.P.
Stephanie Haskell
Winnie was a warm, kind and gentle soul with the ability to slip in a witty slice of humour and a wink at any given time. She was always gracious and polite. Like everyone who knew her, I loved her. It was difficult to see dementia taking hold of her mind and body. Now she is at peace and leaves behind her legacy–her beautiful qualities that she has passed down to her children, grandchildren, great-grand daughter and all who loved and were inspired by her. ❤️
Nancy White
My sincere sympathy to all of Winnie’s family… I worked with Winnie for many years at A&P and am also one of the coffee girls!! And she had been sadly missed at coffee for the last few years!! Rest in Peace dear Winnie!!!
Lori Hildebrand
Joanne, Bill, Steve and families. So sorry to hear about your Mom. I will always have fond memories of Winnie. Lori & Doug
Becky Dave and Joan Crawford McIvor
Winnie always had a smile . She was a great volunteer at the church and at the legion . She was an upbeat person in general. I’m offering our condolences to all her family and friends . May you hold the memories you made close and May Winnie rest in peace.
George and Brenda Vanderburgh
Our condolences to the Walters family. Winnie was just a lovely lady. Always met you with a beautiful smile and a kind word.
Janet (Farrish) Versolatto
So sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the entire Family. Remember fondly her visits to my Mom and Dads.
Ron Sowerby
Sincerest condolences to Joanne, Bill and Steve and all your Families. Your Mom Winnie was such a nice lady. Many fond memories over the years.
Judy and Paul Kelly
Dear Joanne, Bill, Steve and family
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Her obituary says it all. She was such a joy to be around the many years I worked along side of her. Win always had kind words for everyone. As you said her humour was something else. She would say something out of the blue that left you in stitches. You will all miss her dearly but I am sure you will have such great memories you can hold close to your heart to help get you thru this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Win❤️
Miriam & Donald Beldock
Met Winnie in Knox Presbyterian Church and I got engaged in some church women’s activities ! She was so kind & supportive when I was new in the church ! She introduced me to her family & she’s the loving & kind person I met in Knox ! We exchanged cards in many occasions with fondest words to keep and remember! Thank you Win for being so loving ! May our Creator lead you to eternal life with peace & comfort ! Love , ❤️