Obituary of Irene Todgham

TODGHAM, IRENE M.: Irene M. Todgham passed away at Copper Terrace Nursing Home, Chatham, on November 5, 2011 at the age of 87. Born in Walkerville, Ontario, Irene was the daughter of the late James and Gladys (Catlin) Martin and the beloved wife of 63 years of Herb Todgham, Chatham. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Phyllis Scott, and by her elder son, Jim. She will be greatly missed by her brother Bob Martin (Marion) of Windsor, her other children, Jill Holmes (Dan Smith), Judy (Frank) Gerber, John Todgham (Yvonne), her daughter-in-law Cleone Todgham as well as by her eight grandchildren, Jeremy Todgham, Jana Stevens, Brad and Chris Holmes, Greg and Colin Gerber and Samantha and Sara Todgham, together with great-grandson Ryan Todgham. Irene attended Walkerville Collegiate and then obtained the degree of Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto. Following 3 years of teaching at Walkerville Collegiate, she and Herb moved to Chatham where she soon began a long involvement as a volunteer in community activities. At the Chatham YMCA she was a volunteer swimming instructor for over 20 years and was the first lady to be Chair of its Board of Directors, while at Chatham Public General Hospital she was President of the Flora Campbell Auxiliary and then of the Junior Hospital League. Friends will be received at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham on Tuesday, November 8, from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Parry officiating. Cremation to follow. Interment Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations in memory of Irene to the Chatham YMCA or the CKHA Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com, McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham, Ontario 519-351-2040