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Celebrating a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Willa Mae Curts, age 94, who passed into eternal life to be with the Lord on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in London, Ontario. After 13 years without her beloved Winston, she is now reunited with him in heaven.
Born on March 21, 1931, in Thedford, Ontario, Willa was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas David Borthwick and Margaret Elizabeth (Steeper) Borthwick. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 57 years, Lawrence "Winston" Curts (2012), with whom she built a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and love.
Willa is lovingly remembered by her children Dan Curts (Andrea) of London and Dianne Martin (Doug) of Saskatchewan, and will be deeply missed by her siblings Hazel Trickett (Gerry), Evelyn Courtney (Pete), and Burt Borthwick (Mary). She was predeceased by her sister Anna Yuke (Earl) and brother Raymond Borthwick (Aerial).
Her greatest joy came from her role as grandmother to Danielle Norris (Peter), Kayleigh Sinasac (Scott), David Curts (Jayde), Kyle Martin, and Michelle Martin, and especially as great-grandmother to her twelve cherished great-grandchildren: Joshua, Ethan, Matthew, Sloane, Everild, Lilliana, Rosalie, Grace, Olivia, Thomas, Halle, and Caroline. These precious little ones brought immeasurable happiness to her final years, and the mutual adoration between Willa and her great-grandchildren was a blessing to witness. Her grandchildren could always count on her loving presence at their celebrations – every birthday, graduation, Christmas, Easter, and special moment was made brighter by her attendance. Her home always featured a well-stocked candy drawer, and her purse was never without Smarties for the little ones – small gestures that spoke volumes about her love.
An avid reader with a passion for the theatre, Willa enjoyed bus trips with friends and ladies' lunches. She was a devoted member of Bethel Church, where she and Winston worshipped together for many years, and Wings of Faith. Her faith remained strong through her years of widowhood, sustaining her until she was called home.
Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Willa and Winston built a loving home that welcomed all, with Willa providing steadfast support during Winston's 43-year career as a transport driver. After his passing, she continued to embody the same steadfast dedication that defined their life together.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Dr. Cassandra Lin-Pepe and Dr. Daniel Pepe and to the dedicated PSWs who became like family, especially Sonya, Mayo, Amber, and Tanya-Marie.
Willa's quiet strength and unwavering love touched all who knew her. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who lived a life of faith, family, and purpose. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Lambton Right To Life cheques only at the funeral home please).
A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation held one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A livestream of Willa’s service will be available on the Smith Funeral Home website. Interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery.