Winnagene Hatch (née Seaton)
June 8, 2015
Josepha Winnagene Anne Hatch passed peacefully at her home in the presence of her family on Monday, June 8th, 2015, in her 85th year. Beloved wife of Donald A. Hatch for 59 years. Loving mother of Alison Cunningham, of London, and Graham Hatch (Karen), of Port Moody, B.C. Proud grandmother of Hilary Cunningham, of London, Christopher and Kayleigh Hatch, of Vancouver, B.C., and great-grandmother of Maeve Romanchik, of London. Also survived by: her sisters Roberta Wenn (Paul), of London, and Marianne Whiteside (the late Dr. William), of Elmhurst, Illinois; her 7 nieces and nephews; and her aunt Una Taves, of New Hamburg. Winnagene was a music educator, church music director and widely published composer of choral and handbell music. Serving in churches in Norwich, ON., suburban Montreal, Tsawwassen, B.C., as well as several local churches, her music touched many. Most recently, Winnagene served 20 years at Lambeth United Church and 18 years directing the Bells of Mount Zion Community Handbells. She was a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music and a long-time member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Monday, June 15th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. David McKane officiating. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Winnagene are asked to consider the RCCO, The Grand Theatre or your charity of choice.
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I met Winnagene several times but only on the telephone during the time I was President of the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers. She was warm, personable and engaged as we spoke of compositions for the upcoming festivals and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. My deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends.
Don and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May happy memories be of comfort to you all.
My sympathy to the family. I am so sorry that I did not have a chance to conncect with "Winn" before I left London. She was such a 'quiet support' to me during my time in London as a church musician. What a wonderful legacy is her music. One of my favourite pieces is her version of "Christ is our Cornerstone" - I knew it before I knew her and I am so thankful that I had the chance to work with her. Peace to her family.
Dear Family and Friends, Greetings and Salutations! I am saddened to learn of Winnagene’s passing. When she became the Handbell Director at Mount Zion Church she was a bit like Elijah the prophet. Winnagene came with a whirlwind of enthusiasm and a tidal wave of new ideas. She was a welcomed, celebrated, and “surprising” director. An excellent leader, she very quickly had the choir engaged in what seemed to be a plethora of performances large and small. Winnagene was not only a fine musician, but even more, she was a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. May God give you peace to soothe you, grace to hold you, and love to comfort you.” Thinking of you at this time with sadness and thanks. Warmly, (Rev.) David Van Patter
Dear Don, Please accept our sincere condolences. Walter and Lorrie.
Deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of a great lady whom l have known ,sung and learnt much from during her time as music director at Byron and Lambeth United churchs and Byron community choir.We shared many a laugh.A loss to the musical world but a great legacy left behind. presence missed,memory blessed but influence remains.
Jackie and Goldie Emerson express our heartfelt condolences to Don and Alison and to the other members of Winnagene Hatch's family. We will remember Winn as a sensitive, intelligent person, who was a very accomplishes musician. She always greeted us in her home with warmth and kindness.
My first introduction to Winnagene's music was with her beautiful choral setting of William Blake's "The Lamb". Beautiful harmonies and a simple setting fit the text wonderfully. I'll have to check out her handbell compositions next.
On behalf of Handbell Guilds of Canada, I extend our deepest sympathies to Winnagene's family. We were so pleased to have her handbell composition "Winter Meditation" selected as the Canadian massed ringing piece in Jeju, South Korea last summer at the 16th International Handbell Symposium. It was a privilege to perform her lovely piece and we are grateful for her wonderful musical gifts. Our thoughts are with her family.
Dear Don and family so sorry to hear of your loss.Our prayers are with you as you go through this most difficult time.Silence has come to her beautiful music but the many great memories live on forever.
My sincere condolences to Don, Alison, Hilary, and the other family members. I’m very sorry for your loss. I have good memories of Winn’s warm smile and her beautiful music emanating from the living room on my visits to Don in recent years. I’m sure you will always cherish your memories of her as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Winnagene was a wonderful mentor and friend at Mt. Zion handbells and the many Handbell Festivals we attended. I loved playing her music, especially the beautiful piece she composed for the International Handbell Symposium last year. She will be missed by so many.
My deepest sympathies to you. I enjoyed working with Winnagene at Lambeth United. We laughed, gossiped about the latest celebrity antics. Am so glad I was able to have lunch and coffee with Winnagene was time to time after she left here and that I saw you at Foodland a few weeks ago and was able to visit for a short time. Will miss her.
My sincerest sympathy to Don & family. I recall many times passing the patio door to do vintage radio business & stopping to listen to a piano being played. Live beautiful music. Thank you for these wonderful memories. God Be With You.
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On behalf of the members of the London branch of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Hatch family during this time of loss and grief.
~ (Dr.) Wayne Carroll