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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
STINCHCOMBE, Madeline Alvina (née WHITE) - known by her friends and family as Mamie, born in London April 6, 1926, passed peacefully at McGarrell Place in London Ontario, July27th, 2024 in her 99th year.
Mamie was always ready to have fun – she enjoyed singing, dancing and playing cards with her family and friends throughout the years. In her early years, Mamie was a WREN (Women's Royal English Navy) When she was discharged, she met her husband John, at a dance for veterans and they soon married. Although retired from the navy, she continued to march with her fellow veterans annually. One of the favourite highlights of her life was meeting Queen Elizabeth following one of those marches.
Mamie touched many lives along the way with her sense of fun. She loved to sing, dance, and was known to surprise many a friend by showing up in costume. Mamie was kind and would help anyone who needed her – offering her sewing skills, chauffeuring friends and providing a temporary roof to a friend in need. She will be missed by many.
Mamie was the beloved wife of the late John William Stinchcombe, was the mother of Paul (Sorina), Jim, Linda Whitney (the late David Whitney), Dianne Wills (the late Greg Wills), the late John, Lucinda Becker (Bob), Tere and the late Glenn. Fun-loving grandmother of the late Marty, Matt, Melissa, Rebecca, Andrew, Sandi, Jeff, Alison, Jamie, Sarah, Sean, Alex, Luke, JD, Olivia, Marisa, and great grandmother of 11. Lovingly remembered by a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Madeline may be mailed to Extendicare McGarrell Place Long Term Care Home, 355 McGarrell Dr, London, Ontario N6G 0B1. (John T. Donohue Funeral Home)
Remembering Mamie - Submitted by Roger Litwiller, Naval Historian
I would like to introduce you to someone who made an impact on my life - Mamie Stinchcombe, WRCNS. In grade 9 I had “a job” working lunch in the kitchen at my high school, Forest Heights Collegiate in Kitchener, ON. We would help serve during the lunch rush, in return for all we could eat, fora growing teenager this was a sweet gig.
Mamie was one of the cooks & when she found out I was a Sea Cadet she told me she was in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service during the war. From that moment on Mamie became one of my biggest supporters and a true mentor. She had the kindness of an angel balance by the fierceness of a lion combined with the respect and loyalty of a sailor.
Every Monday she would ask about my activities with RCSCC WARSPITE over the weekend and Wednesdays should would want to know about our Tuesday training night. When I was offered a bunk in HMCS OTTAWA for a three month CARIBOPS in 1981 she was adamant that I MUST go, even though I had concerns that I could lose my grade 12 year. She said, you can come back and finish high school next year, this opportunity only comes once.
Mamie was also the bartender at the KW Naval Association and we would talk over many Naval events after I aged out and went on to join the CIC, always wanting to know how I was.
Today I was sharing my friendship with the current Secretary of KW Naval Association, she too knew Mamie and brought me over to the memorial they have for her in the association. This Wren had made an impact on many people.
I never had the chance to truly express to Mamie how much of an impact she had on me and the person I am today. Sadly she passed a few years ago at 101 years.
Thank you Mamie, for your kindness, your mentorship and the influence you provided to this young sailor.
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