Cassie Victoria Stafford Obituary
Cassie Victoria (née Coleman), of St. Thomas, formerly of Shedden, entered into her eternal rest at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Sunday, April 8, 2018, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Eric Futcher Stafford (1980). Loved mother of Louise (Bruno) of Midland, Lyal (Jeanette) of Kitchener, and Catherine of Vancouver. She was proud of her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Velma Bell of Massachusetts and sister-in-law of Maureen Coleman of Pickering. Also lovingly remembered by a number of nieces and nephews. Predeceased by infant daughter, Nancy Marie (1953); parents, John and Olive Coleman (née Diemel); and siblings, Viola, Marie, Orville, and Lloyd. Born at Stratford, ON, Cassie moved with her family to Barrie and Pickering. A graduate of London College of Bible and Missions, now Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, she worked as secretary-treasurer of the Canadian branch of the former Ceylon and India General Mission, Toronto. Following her marriage, she and her husband raised their family at the Stafford homestead at Shedden. At the former Shedden Baptist Church, Cassie taught Sunday School and conducted children’s programs. With the support of several rural churches, she organized and led large vacation bible schools. She also taught religious education in local rural public schools. Later, she worked at the U.W.O Library and the St. Thomas YWCA. Upon early retirement, she pursued her interest in travel, gardening, calligraphy, writing poetry, and was involved in the Christian Women’s Club, the St. Thomas Right to Life Association, and the former Women’s Art Association. The funeral service will be held at Eastwood Fellowship Baptist Church, 400 Wellington St., St. Thomas on Friday, April 13th at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Private interment will be made in Shedden Cemetery. Memorial donations to The Gideons or St. Thomas & District Right to Life will be gratefully acknowledged. The family expresses special thanks to the nursing staff of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Continuing Care Unit C for their patient, understanding, compassionate and respectful care. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).