Mildred Eva Purdon (Jacklin) 

Mildred Eva Purdon (Jacklin) of Goderich, and formerly of Wingham, passed away peacefully in her 95th year at the Goderich Alexandra Marine and General Hospital on Monday, May 13, 2024.

 

The devoted wife of Archie Purdon for 68 years, Mildred was the loving mother of Kathy and John Scheeringa of Elmira, Lorie and Kevin Falconer of Blyth and Kendra Purdon and Bruce Cluney of Aurora. She was the cherished grandma of Megan Scheeringa, Devan and Nicole Scheeringa, Jacklin Falconer and Ken McDonald, Orie Falconer, Corine Falconer and Brendan Regier, and Lauren, Rachel and Kaitlin Cluney, and the great-grandma of Miles McDonald, Madison Scheeringa and Blaire Scheeringa. She was the sister of Maxine Jacklin. 

 

Mildred was predeceased by her parents Webster and Eva (McCreery) Jacklin, sister Nora Kaufman, sister and brother-in-law Doreen and Gordon Rintoul, Muriel and Lloyd Moffatt and Marjorie and Tom Roth, nephews Dick Curran, Gary Rintoul, Leroy Rintoul, Brian Rintoul and parents-in-law Robert and Hazel (Anderson) Purdon.

 

After completing high school in Wroxeter, Mildred worked at Vance Pharmacy in Wingham. Mildred and Archie met at a dance at the Royal T in Wingham and married in 1952 at the Wroxeter Manse. 

 

Mildred and Archie worked together, side-by-side, while running a dairy farm south of Whitechurch. In 2000, Mildred and Archie retired to Wingham and moved to their dream home that Mildred decorated with pride. 

 

Mildred was a very community-oriented person who was always keen to stay involved and contribute locally. She was the leader of the Whitechurch 4-H Club and was involved in the Lucknow Agricultural Society for many years. 

 

As a couple, Mildred and Archie were known to glide across many dance floors. They were leaders in the Huron Bruce Square Dance Club and round danced for more than 35 years. Mildred also volunteered at the Wingham and District Hospital and at the Wingham Day Centre. 

 

Mildred was a quietly reflective and spiritual person with a deep personal faith. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Wingham, and, up to this past week, listened to the service every Sunday. Mildred was a devoted member of the Whitechurch Presbyterian Church, a COC (Children of Church) leader and member of the Ladies Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church. 

 

Mildred had a very curious mind and she loved to travel with Archie, both locally and abroad, to share new experiences, research family ties and further learn about local history. They regularly went to local destinations or events, many of which involved local musicians and pipe bands. They also made several trips across Canada, to the Yukon, and the U.S. and U.K. 

 

As a naturally detailed, creative and resourceful person, Mildred was a skilled seamstress, folk art painter, flower arranger, gardener, cook and an amazing baker. Her eagerness to learn continued into her later years as she embraced new digital technology.  

 

Mildred’s primary love and focus was her family and close personal friendships. Mildred was a loving wife and mother who worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure her family’s needs were met. It was common that she hand sewed matching outfits for her three daughters and she always took a keen interest in ensuring the family was appropriately dressed. 

 

She was known to host large family gatherings for the Jacklin and Purdon clans. She enjoyed and valued her relationships with her sons-in-law. She never wanted to miss anything her grandchildren were involved in and loved to hear about their latest accomplishments. Look at any milestone pictures of her grandchildren and you will see Mildred smiling with pride in each picture. 

 

Her great-grandchildren enjoyed her sharp clear mind always asking them about their personal interests. 

 

As we shared our final Mother’s Day with Mildred this past week, her family was by her side, proud of her strong, resilient character, high morals and clear guidance. 

 

Mildred will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends for the deep personal connections and love that she shared with them over many years.

 

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 15. A private funeral service was held at McBurney Funeral Home on Thursday, May 16 with Carel Grundlingh officiating. Final resting place: Wingham Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Wingham, or Huron Hospice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.