Epsom & Utica news

by Faye Ashton

This week, our community is extremely sad to share the passing of several special neighbours.

Shirley Anderson Chilton came to live on our road with her parents and family from Islington back in 1945. Shirley married Vic Chilton and raised their five children in this area. Shirley passed away on Thursday, April 17th. Shirley’s daughter Donna has been battling diabetes for some time and sadly died on Wednesday, April 23rd. To Shirley’s remaining children and Donna’s family, we offer our sincerest sympathy.

Yesterday, we learned of Diane Nottingham's passing. She had bravely battled a health condition for years. We were so proud of her, as she had a beautiful voice in our Epsom/Utica choir and other special choral groups in the area. Our community sends our deepest sympathy to husband Ralph, son Jeff, and Jeff’s family.

This morning, we were deeply saddened to hear Carl Evans had succumbed to cancer. Carl leaves behind his wife, Christa, and young daughters, his parents, Neil and Rose Evans, and siblings Anna and Greg and their families. Carl was a passionate farmer and a wonderful Epsom/Utica Canadian Foodgrains Bank worker. His young life will be so greatly missed.

Sometimes, community news doesn’t fall into your lap, which is the case this week. I know everyone was busy celebrating Easter festivities with family and friends, and I hope Easter blessings will continue in the weeks ahead.

Our community has sympathy for Nancy and Lloyd Morden, Jennifer, Mike and the Family with the passing of Nancy’s mother, Ruth Hooker and the Hooker family too.

It was interesting listening to 60 Minutes on Sunday evening as it interviewed an American veterinarian about bird flu and the mega challenge of eradicating it from birds, cattle, and humans. The American government is doing away with the health compartment, which would allow doctors and researchers to continue fighting against this.

This is also a major concern for us in Canada because of the bird migration.

It also did a section on the migration of the beautiful butterfly, how it winters in Mexico in mass in a very particular area and now has started its journey North to Canada and Ontario. I become very excited when I see the first butterfly, on the Zinnias in August and to think of the journey they just took to get here. These butterflies don’t return to Mexica but a new flock find their way back to Mexico in the fall.