Margery “Nonnie” Butson

On the beautiful morning of September 16, as the sun rose with its warm embrace, Nonnie Butson, in her 93rd year, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by the love of her life, Dr. Frank Butson (2016). Loving and adored mother to Julie and Tony Gubbels, and proud Grammy to Jordan (Dave), Taylor, & Mackenzie (Ben), who were her greatest pride and joy. Cherished sister to Audrey Lamont (2016) and Judy Vertz. Fondly remembered as “Aunt Nonnie” to her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Kay and Clifford Ford of Tilbury.

Nonnie’s passion for educating young minds led her to pursue a long and fulfilling career in teaching. She began as a primary school teacher in Tilbury and Chatham and, following her move to London, attained a position as a Consultant on the London Board of Education, with a focus on Kindergarten through Grade 6. Her devotion to teaching extended throughout the summer, as she instructed numerous teacher education courses. While working for the board, she also completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at UWO, which was an accomplishment she was incredibly proud of. Nonnie recently celebrated 55 years as a highly regarded member of Delta Kappa Gamma, serving on numerous committees alongside lifelong friends.

Although Nonnie and Frank met later in life, they made up for lost time and packed a lot into their 37 years together. They shared a very active social life where they entertained friends over dinner parties and hosted cribbage nights. They spent years travelling the world together, yet always returned to their favourite place, Barbados. They enjoyed winters skiing and summers spent between Sunningdale Golf & Country Club and their backyard pool, where they hosted many pool parties and made many memories with their granddaughters. Over the years, Nonnie & Frank shared their love for travel with their family, enjoying annual vacations together. Nonnie enjoyed a final family trip in December 2020 to travel back to Barbados one last time.

Nonnie loved laughter, good company, and found joy in the simple pleasures of ice cream, amaretto, and Blue Jays baseball. A highlight for her was travelling to Toronto for her 90th birthday to watch a home game, where she was gifted a game ball. She always looked forward to Sunday night dinners at Julie & Tony’s, and relished in the chaos of her grandpups, even sharing her dinner with them under the table. Nonnie valued family time above all else and never wanted to miss an event, moment, or occasion. This fear of missing out, in combination with her sheer determination and stubborn nature, was a driving force for facing her numerous health issues over the years and to continue showing up for life’s biggest milestones. Nonnie will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength of spirit and gentle heart.

Special thanks to Melissa, Raquel, and Pamela for their loving companionship and care, and for bringing comfort, laughter and kindness to Nonnie over her final years.

Family and friends are invited to wear bright, cheerful colours or floral prints reflecting the beauty, warmth, and joy she brought to all of our lives.

Visitation will take place at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service conducted at Westview Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m with visitation one hour prior. Inurnment to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Nonnie are encouraged to consider the Jays Care Foundation at  https://www.jayscaredonate.com/campaign/654168/donate.If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Margery Butson Fund in support of the Faculty of Education at Western University, attention Annual Giving, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 260, London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University) or by calling 519-661-4200 or online at https://www.westernconnect.ca/site/SPageNavigator/donation/giveTribute.html?designee=9322.