Obituary of Millie Blackwell

Mildred Matilda “Millie” Blackwell (née Rettinger) of Ilderton and formerly of Teeswater, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at University Hospital, London on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 at age 88. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Blackwell (1999). Dear mother of John Blackwell (Marcia) of London, Sue McKay (Bob) of London, Ed (Lynn Betts) Blackwell of Huntsville, Sandra DeReuiter of Listowel, Ben Blackwell (Teresa) of Wingham, Jim Blackwell (Kathryn) of Orangeville, Doug Blackwell (Nancy) of Ilderton, Tom Blackwell (Jan) of London and Carol Sweeney (Ed) of Quebec City. Missed by 31 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by her sister Kathy Schmidt of Kitchener, sisters-in-law Jeannie Rettinger of Kitchener, Irene Rettinger of Mildmay, Bev MacDonald (Hugh) of Teeswater, brother-in-law Bob Huber of Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Alf and Rita (née Dietrich) Rettinger, sister Marj Huber, brothers Fritz, Herb (Yvonne), Dave and Jim Rettinger and in-laws, Allan Schmidt, Harry Blackwell (Jean), Ilene Dunlop (Cam) and Betty Voisin (Mac). Millie will be remembered for the many things that she accomplished in her life. She was a loving mother of 9 children. She treasured those busy days of raising her kids in Teeswater with limited resources in a way that her children felt they were not lacking in anything, especially love. She was highly involved in many community organizations and groups in Teeswater over the years and made many good friends through this involvement. She will be remembered for her many loves including: growing and arranging flowers; decorating her home especially for Christmas; her hospitality and cooking for large groups of family, relatives, friends, and generally anyone who showed up on her door step; listening to music and of course dancing to it; Bingo; cards (she was competitive); shopping with her friends; getting “all dolled up”, and last but not least, her Lord Jesus Christ. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a family service will be held at the Culross-Teeswater Cemetery. A gathering to share memories and honour Millie’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to University Hospital, London, Vintage Green Apartments Inc., Ilderton or the Teeswater Horticultural Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and can be arranged online or by contacting the funeral home.