Yvonne “Vonnie” Salisbury Archibald (née Mortimer), Ph.D., BA

Peacefully in her home surrounded by her family, on Monday August 11, 2025, in her 92nd year. Daughter of the late Christopher and Barbara Mortimer. Beloved wife of the late T. Ross Archibald. Much loved mother of Nicole (John Straatman) and Jenny (Jeff Hayward). Caring grandmother of Scott (Isabel), Brynne, Evan, Claire, Matt (Kelsey) and Joel (Madi).  Sister of Julian Mortimer (Wendy) and the late Hazel Goodfield (Howard) of England.

Vonnie was born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England, and attended school in Shipton Moyne and Tetbury. She obtained her BA at the University of Bristol and her Ph.D. in psychology at University College, London, England at the age of 24.

With a view to teaching, her next move was to the University of Sydney in Australia, where she taught Psychology from 1959 to 1965. In 1965, she went on sabbatical to the University of Chicago to teach and conduct research. There, she met her future husband, Ross Archibald, who was working on his MA and Ph.D. in accounting. They were married on May 14, 1966, in Shipton Moyne, England.  Together, they came to Canada, back to Ross’s alma mater, where he taught at the Western Business School (now Ivey). Vonnie worked at Victoria Hospital (now LHSC) and in private practice as an adult neuropsychologist for 35 years.

Vonnie’s second career was golf, which she started playing at the age of 65, and continued to play until a year ago.  She was also an ardent tennis player from the age of 10.  In retirement Vonnie had a very busy social life.  She was a member of Sunningdale Golf and Country Club where she also played both Pepper and Mahjong and bowled with her golf friends in the off season.  She belonged to the Garden Club of London for many years.  Vonnie also enjoyed her neighbourhood book club and line dancing lessons.  In order to maintain this active lifestyle, Vonnie walked most days and worked with a personal trainer until March of this year.

Vonnie was a role model and inspiration to many of her friends, family and professional colleagues.  She graced many lives with her calm and steadfast presence and her deep courage throughout her repeated health challenges.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals at London Health Sciences Centre where she received treatment over many years for various cancers.  We would especially like to thank Dr. Yoo, Dr. Izawa, Dr. Lam, Dr. Mutsaers & Dr. Younus.   We would like to thank Dr Kanwar, as well as the staff at Medical Priorities for their thoughtfulness and compassion in caring for Vonnie in her final months.

Vonnie has been cremated, and a private family interment will take place later this month. There will be a celebration of life at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club in London, Ontario on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from noon to 3 pm. Online condolences may be left on the tribute tab.

Those wishing to donate in memory of Vonnie are asked to consider London Health Sciences Foundation: https://lhsf.donordrive.com/events/613/donate.  Select an amount to donate, then in the drop-down menu, select “What would you like your donation to support?” click on “Other” and in the box below, type in “Lymphoma Research” or “Head & Neck Cancer Research”.