Obituary of Edyth Frances McInnis

McINNIS: Edythe Frances (Callaghan) Peacefully, on Thursday, November 24, 2005, a long time resident of Mt. Carmel, Ont., more recently of Chateau Gardens, Parkhill, passed away at Chateau Gardens, at the age of 88. Predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, John "Jack" Feeney McInnis (June, 2005). Left to cherish her memory are daughter, Ann and her husband Clive Tonge, Strathroy and son Paul and his wife Shelley McInnis of Mt. Carmel, sisters-in-law; Margaret Callahan, Sarnia and Beatrice Callahan, Teeswater. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends will lovingly remember her. Predeceased by parents, Thomas J. and Ann Jane “Jennie” (Comiskey) Callaghan, brothers; Terrance (1913), Joseph C. “Tim” (1995), John C. “Jack” (1992) and sisters; Marjorie Vallieres (1983), Helen McTaggart (2004), Mary (1922). Edythe was born in Watford, Ont. December 21, 1916, where she grew up. She attended Watford Public School, Watford High School and Progressive Business School, London. After graduating, she worked in London at the Bureau of Credits and then the Mobilization Office as assistant to the registrar. After the war, she worked for Simpson’s Department store, in the credit department, until she married and started raising her family. Jack & Ede then moved to Grand Bend, they owned & operated the Imperial Hotel for many years. No matter the job, whether it was helping her father, Tom, drive cattle, to being a mother she always gave the task at hand her full attention. As a child she loved listening to her father tell tales of when he was growing up in Adelaide Twp., as an adult she loved to relate tales of her life growing up in Watford. Her family was first and foremost to her and in later years she was interested in genealogy. She was always proud of her Irish background. Over the years the “g” has been dropped from Callaghan, her maiden name, her comment was “I came into the world with the “g” and I’ll go out with it!” She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. Ede & Jack liked to travel; when the children were younger they would go to Florida for holidays. When the children were older, they would pack up the car & go to Louisville on the first weekend of May to attend The Kentucky Derby (always a favorite trip) During retirement years Jack & Ede liked to head south to Panama City Beach, in their ’68 Thunderbird for a few months to get away from the cold. Her laugh, her smile, her sense of adventure, are a few of the things we loved about her. She will be missed. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Whynot, the staff at Strathroy Hospital (1st floor south), Drs. Wilson & Taylor, Grand Bend and everyone at Chateau Gardens for their care and compassion. Resting at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, with visitation Monday, November 28, 2005 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Carmel at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Ray Lawhead Celebrant. Interment Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to the Ivey Eye Institute would be appreciated.