Christine “Chris” Guilfoyle
July 26, 1930 - March 4, 2025
Christine “Chris” Guilfoyle
July 26, 1930 — March 4, 2025
“If I should die, think only this of me: that there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England…” (Rupert Brooke)
The family of Chris Guilfoyle (née Lawton) is sad to announce her passing with family by her side at Victoria Hospital, LHSC, in London, Ontario on March 4th, 2025.
Chris is predeceased by her husband Bill Guilfoyle (2011), her parents Charles and Edna Lawton, and her siblings Charles Lawton, Eric Lawton, and Joan Gennery.
Chris leaves behind her children Vicky (Mike) Ramsay, Bill Jr. (Barb) Guilfoyle, and Tracey (Will) Church. Chris was a loving Nana to Allison (Pat), Patrick (Mallory), Clare (Guglielmo), and Liam (Paola) as well as Gigi to Violet, Hazel, and Zaya. With good grace, when Bill Jr. married Barb, Chris also became a step-Nana to Craig (Jaime) and daughter Paris, and to Dan (Jen) and children Brooke and Brody. Chris will also be missed by her nieces Patti and Alex, and nephew Mark.
Chris also leaves behind beloved sister-in-law and friend Helen (Doug) Pearson and lifelong friend Marie Billick.
Chris was born in Leek, Staffordshire, England where she related many stories about growing up during WWII. Chris was a proud graduate from the nursing program at Manchester Royal Infirmary and enjoyed many years in her nursing career in England before moving with two friends (Mick and Rita) to Sarnia, Ontario where her brother Eric and his family resided.
It was in Sarnia that Chris met and married realtor Bill Guilfoyle. Chris took some time off to raise her family (and nursing the neighbourhood kids) and went back to work when her youngest started high school. Instead of nursing, Chris became a Probation and Parole Officer and worked for the Ministry of Corrections until her retirement. Needless to say, all of Tracey’s dates were well vetted before they walked into the house!
In 1970, Chris and Bill discovered Bayfield where they rented and then bought a cottage and spent many happy summers with friends, sailing, playing cards, and enjoying the beautiful sunsets in Pioneer Park.
Chris enjoyed hiking as a youth, and throughout her lifetime also enjoyed cooking, singing, reading, traveling, the arts, golfing, bowling, and most of all, spending time with her friends and family.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support over the past two years when Chris’s health was in decline. Additional thanks also go to her friends at Sandy Lane in Sarnia, and to the very patient staff at her long-term care home in London, Earls Court Village.
Chris has requested that her remains go to the medical school at Western University to continue her love and respect for research and the medical profession.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in memory donations be made to the Pioneer Park Association, Bayfield, Ontario (pioneerpark.ca), or to a charity of your choice.
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Vicky, Bill, Tracey and families. I was pleased that I was able to reconnect with your mother after many years when she attended concerts and dinners at Camlachie United Church. It had been a long time since you three and I had been at Cathcart School at the same time. That was not the main topic of conversation. That was reserved for telling me about her three children and their families and how proud she was of each of them. It was evident that you had brought her great joy. I was fortunate to have been connected to your family in the past and to have had some chats with your mother in recent years. Best wishes to each of you.
Love and warm thoughts to all of Chris’s family. She was a bright light in this world.
I knew and liked Chris. She was a joy to know. My parents, Bill and Mackey Gammage felt the same way about Chris. On behalf of me and my mother and father, I extend our condolences to Chris’ family.
So sorry to hear this. Condolences to all of you. Chris was always kind to me and I loved that you knew exactly what she thought, even if you didn’t agree. I am sure she kept her spunk and quick wit until the end.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the Guilfoyle Family at this sad time, not only was Chris a longtime Bayfield friend but also our Sandy Lane neighbour. It was always nice to run into Chris in the building and hear about the latest happenings in the village and updates on all the kids, I can tell you she was very proud of you all. I hope all your wonderful memories of time spent together watching the beautiful Bayfield sunsets will warm your hearts. Ruthann & Bruce Aberhart
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My mother lived in the same apt . building . I loved it when I got to see Christine she was such a nice lady . Would also see her at where I worked also . She always new who I was . I’m very sorry for your loss 🙏
~ Lori Baron