BATTICKS o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2006-12-06 published
A devoted mother's tragic decision
By Omar EL AKKAD and Hayley MICK, Page A1
Toronto -- By all accounts, Andrea JOHNSON was the perfect mother right up to the moment she killed herself and her two-year-old son.
Family and Friends described 30-year-old Ms. JOHNSON as an incredibly dedicated mother yesterday, two days after she wrapped her arms around her child, Sulla GENUA, and leaped off an overpass onto the 401.
Daniel JOHNSON described his daughter as "the greatest" mother, totally devoted to Sulla.
"There was a bond between them," Mr. JOHNSON said from his home in Brampton. "You'd never see one without the other."
But those who knew her also spoke of a woman under enormous pressure, and who often suffered bouts of depression. "She'd been very depressed for a while, on and off," Linette BATTICKS, Ms. JOHNSON's mother, said yesterday.
Weeping, she taped a photo of Ms. JOHNSON to the railing on Morningside Avenue bridge where the lives of her daughter and Sulla came to an end. Since Sunday night, a small shrine has grown at the spot.
Amid flower bouquets and a dozen stuffed animals, a child had penned a note attached to a teddy bear that read: "This lady must have believed that there was no future for her and her son. I wish she would have asked for help."
Ms. JOHNSON moved out of a women's shelter in the east end of the city about seven months ago. Against all odds, she succeeded in securing a $700-a-month, one-bedroom apartment on Eglinton Avenue West above a clothing boutique. At the time, K.D. SINGH, the landlord and owner of the boutique, had five potential tenants. Ms. JOHNSON was the only one without a job -- her references were three relatives and a social worker from the women's shelter.
Figuring Ms. JOHNSON needed the apartment more than any of the other applicants, Mr. SINGH picked her. For the next six months, he says, she always paid her rent on the first or second day of the month.
"She was very proud, very self-respecting. She lived within her means," he said. "I see some people, they come [to the clothing store] and they say, 'I want this and I want this.' Not her."
Her neighbours also came to know how proud she was. Whenever any of them offered to help carry Sulla's stroller up the stairs, she politely declined. Mr. SINGH said that every once in a while, "a white man," possibly the boy's father, would come by to pick up Sulla.
Ms. JOHNSON's life revolved around her toddler. Most days, she took him to a nearby park, then a library.
She had a degree in political science from the University of Ottawa, according to an uncle identified only as Harold. But she didn't have a job. Indeed, Mr. SINGH says, she didn't seem like she wanted one. He says he offered once to help her find work, but she said her entire day was spent taking care of Sulla. Besides, she added, if she did get a job, daycare costs would eat up everything she made.
The attention seemed to have paid off -- relatives described Sulla as a very intelligent child, fluent in English and French, like his mother.
"She really took care of that kid," Mr. SINGH said. "Everything was around that kid."
Her father agreed, adding: "Andrea was the greatest. I love her dearly." But asked why she might have committed suicide, Mr. JOHNSON said he had no answers. He said he spoke to his daughter recently she said she felt "okay."
"I'm not sure we'll know why she did what she did. We're just searching for answers right now," he said.
Homicide detectives continue to investigate what they have classified as a murder-suicide. Detective Sergeant Chris BUCK refused to comment on any details. "It's a tragic situation and I'm not going to embellish on the personal lives of anyone involved in it," he said.
Sulla's father and his relatives have kept their feelings private. "We're not going to say anything right now," a male relative said yesterday.
It appears no one foresaw what Ms. JOHNSON planned to do Sunday. Police pleaded with the public for almost a day before any relatives came forward. Ms. JOHNSON was not carrying any identification when she jumped off the Morningside overpass, making it that much more difficult to find relatives.
Mr. SINGH last saw Ms. JOHNSON on Saturday. She had come to tell him she would be a bit late with the rent this month. Maybe next Saturday or Sunday, she told him. He says he didn't mind.
As was the case almost every time he met her, Ms. JOHNSON seemed fine, Mr. SINGH said. She was her usual self, full of confidence. Had he seen any signs she was planning to do what she did the next day, he would have called police, he said.
But having watched her struggle to take care of her son over the past seven months, Mr. SINGH says he knew Ms. JOHNSON's life was by no means easy.
"She had the whole pressure of the world on her, and she never showed it," he said. "She never complained."

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BATTICUORE o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-02-09 published
WHY, Muriel Mary
On February 7, 2006 at 88 years of age. Loving mother of Anthony, Jeremy and Barbara, Sally and Pat BATTICUORE, Carolyn and Paul McMAHON. Dear grandmother of Geoffrey, Jennifer, Kelsey, Kristen and great grand_son Jason. Muriel will be greatly missed by Joan and husband Ray LECUYER and her surviving family in England. Cremation arrangements entrusted to the Cremation Society of Windsor and Essex County (519- 969-3276)

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BATTICUORE o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-09-28 published
BATTICUORE, Angela M.
At Victoria Hospital, London on Tuesday, September 26th, 2006, Angela M. BATTICUORE of London in her 55th year. Beloved daughter of Mrs. Rosa BATTICUORE of London and the late Antonio BATTICUORE. Dear sister of Nick BATTICUORE and Pat BATTICUORE and his wife Sally all of London. Dear niece of Ralph and Nicki BATTAGLINI, Flaminio and Nella LAVACCA and Imperia VENDRAMIN all of London. The family will receive Friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, September 30th, 2006 at 11: 00 a.m. Entombment in Holy Family Mausoluem, Saint Peter's Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 21 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4V2. On line condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca

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BATTISTA o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-03-17 published
JENSEN, Haakon " Hogen"
After a short but courageous battle with cancer at The Carpenter Hospice, Burlington on Thursday March 16, 2006, Hogen JENSEN, of Burlington, age 69 years. Beloved husband of Gail (née SMITH) JENSEN. Much loved father of Randy and his wife Dawn, Lori JENSEN- BATTISTA, and Brad JENSEN, all of Burlington. Cherished grandfather of Amanda JENSEN and Jesse BATTISTA. Dear brother of Gloria RODNEY and her husband Jim of Grimsby and Lyall JENSEN and his wife Diane of London. Hogen is also lovingly remembered by his in-laws, nieces, nephews and Friends. Special thanks to all the care givers for kind and compassionate care. Private Cremation. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Smith's Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of Queen Elizabeth Way) Burlington (905-632-3333) on Monday March 20, 2006 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. If desired, expressions of sympathy to The Carpenter Hospice, Burlington would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com

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BATTISTA o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2006-05-06 published
BATTISTA, Pietro " Peter"
Passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side, at home on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the age of 65. He had a happy 42 year marriage to his loving wife Maria. A wonderful 'Pa' to Danny (Paola). A loving grandfather (nonno 'Peeto') to Gregory and Robert. Sadly missed by sisters Bambina (Domenico), Giovannina (Antonio), brother Mario (Margherita), sister-in-law Concetta. Predeceased by brother Pasquale. Peter's quiet presence will be sadly missed. Family and Friends will be received at the Bernardo Funeral Home, 2960 Dufferin St. (two lights south of Lawrence Ave.) on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, May 8 at 9: 30 a.m. in St. Charles Church (Dufferin St. and Lawrence Ave. E.). Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery (Bayview Ave. - off Langstaff Rd.) Donations to Camp Oochigeas, 60 St. Clair Ave. East, Suite 201, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1N5 will be appreciated.

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BATTISTON o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2006-01-25 published
GURIZZAN, Vilma Marina (née BATTISTON)
Peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2006 at the Humber River Regional Hospital - Church Site. Vilma GURIZZAN will now rejoin her beloved husband Mario who passed away on November 17, 2005. Loving mother of Eileen and her husband Joe ERNER and Lerry and his wife Miranda. Dear grandmother of Tanja, Michael, Tiffany, Matthew, Sandra, Tamara and Marc. Dear sister of Luciano, Egidia CECELLI, Sergio, Giovanni and Orfeo. Vilma will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her many relatives and Friends. Family and Friends may visit at the Demarco Funeral Home "Keele Chapel", 3725 Keele St. (between Sheppard and Finch Aves.) 416-636-7027, on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Fidelis Catholic Church (33 Connie St.) with entombment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Casa Verde Health Centre for all of their help and support.

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BATTLER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-02-06 published
KIPPER, Winnifred▼ (BATTLER)
Peacefully, at South Huron Hospital, Exeter, on Saturday, February 4, 2006 Winnifred (BATTLER) KIPPER of Hensall, formerly of Zurich in her 88th year. Loved wife of the late Francis Lenard KIPPER (1990.) Dear mother of Donna GREB and her husband Glen of R.R.#3, Zurich and grandmother of Daniel GREB of Exeter. Predeceased by her son Larry (2003) and brother Orlando BATTLER. The▼ complete funeral service will be conducted on Monday, February 6, 2006 at 2 p.m. in the J.M. McBeath Funeral Home, 49 Goshen St. N., Zurich. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Reverend Alex McGILLVERY officiating. Interment Emmanuel United Cemetery, Zurich. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Living South Huron Auxiliary. Condolences may be forwarded through www.jmmcbeathfuneralhome.com A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Winnie KIPPER.

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BATTLER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-02-07 published
KIPPER, Winnifred▲ (BATTLER)
Peacefully, at South Huron Hospital, Exeter, on Saturday, February 4, 2006 Winnifred (BATTLER) KIPPER of Hensall, formerly of Zurich in her 88th year. Loved wife of the late Francis Lenard KIPPER (1990.) Dear mother of Donna GREB and her husband Glen of R.R.#3, Zurich and grandmother of Daniel GREB of Exeter. Predeceased by her son Larry (2003) and brother Orlando BATTLER. The▲ complete funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 2 p.m. in the J.M. McBeath Funeral Home, 49 Goshen St. N., Zurich. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Reverend Alex McGILLVERY officiating. Interment Emmanuel United Cemetery, Zurich. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Living South Huron Auxiliary. Condolences may be forwarded through www.jmmcbeathfuneralhome.com A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Winnie KIPPER.

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BATTRAM o@ca.on.brant.brantford.the_expositor 2006-04-01 published
BATTRAM, Bertha Anne
Peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 31, 2006. Bertha Anne BATTRAM of Woodstock and formerly of Brantford in her 90th year beloved wife of the late Ken BATTRAM (1982;) dear mother of Gary (Susan) of Woodstock, Brian (Deanna) of Quesnel, British Columbia loved grandmother of Wendy (Jeff), Rick, Lisa, and great-grandmother of Olivia; dear aunt of Bill (Wendy) CHEEVERS; predeceased by one brother and three sisters. Bertha was a member of Sydenham Street United Church, Brantford. She will be greatly missed by the quilting and bridge Friends in Brantford and Scotland. Friends will be received at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross Street, Brantford, Monday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service in the chapel on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment Scotland Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society appreciated. www.dennistoll.ca

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BATTYE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2006-12-30 published
PAUL, E. Malcolm " MAC" (August 5, 1919-December 26, 2006)
Mac, beloved husband of the late Thelma (BATTYE,) passed away peacefully at Sunset Manor in Collingwood. He will be sadly missed by his sister Marg ATTRIDGE of Calgary, daughters Sharie (Duncan) HAWKINS of Collingwood and Laurie (Stephen) FISHLEIGH of Calgary and son-in-law Peter LEGGETT of Mt. Tremblant. Mac was predeceased by daughter Wendy. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Jodi (Dave) GRANT, Mary-Lynn LEGGETT (Bert CHARTRAND,) Robin LEGGETT (Dani CHENIER/CHENÉ), Lesley HAWKINS (John TRAFANANKO), and Adam FISHLEIGH. MAC was blessed with six great-grandchildren Jake and Sam CHARTRAND, Lia and Georgia LEGGETT, and Nicole and Alison GRANT. MAC will be sadly missed by special friend Hazel Currie of Namur. Mac had a successful career at Leach Textiles in Montreal. He was an avid curler at Lachine Curling Club, an avid golfer at Summerlea G. and C.C. and he loved to fish. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd at 11: 00 a.m. at Lakeshore Cardinal Funeral Home, 560 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval Québec. 514-631-1511. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Friends may leave on-line condolences for the family by visiting www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com

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BATY o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-06-18 published
SMITH, Carl James
Passed away peacefully at his home in Woodstock on June 16, 2006, in his 44th year. Beloved son of Doris BACKX (Frank) and the late Wilfred SMITH (1974.) Loved brother of Wayne SMITH (Vicky) of Belmont and Flora SMITH of Hamilton. Dear uncle of Adam STEWARD/STEWART/STUART (Daniela) and their daughter Gabriela, Angela BATY, Amber SMITH (Darrel,) and Andrew SMITH. Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1997 Dundas St. East (519-451-2410) on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11: 00 a.m. in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. On-line condolences at www.longworthfunerlhome.com

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BATY o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-09-14 published
LAIDLAW, Norma E. (CARRUTHERS)
At Columbia Forest Long Term Care Facility, Waterloo on Wednesday, September 13, 2006, Norma E. (CARRUTHERS) LAIDLAW formerly of London, in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late William "Bill" LAIDLAW. Dear mother of Margaret COLEMAN of Waterloo and Robert LAIDLAW and his wife Frances of Perth. Predeceased by her infant daughter Catherine LAIDLAW, her dear friend Bert BATY and her brothers Edwin, Donald and Glen CARRUTHERS. Dear sister of Audrey ACHESON and Murray CARRUTHERS (Doris) both of Strathroy. Dear sister-in-law of Bessie CARRUTHERS of Lakefield, Irene CARRUTHERS of Melbourne and Mary LAIDLAW of London. Also loved by her grandchildren Amy and her husband Scott PERO, Erin and her husband Jim SCHRIEL and Joshua LAIDLAW and her great-grandchildren Ella and Tess PERO. Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, September 16th at 1: 30 p.m. Interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation, Children's Hospital Auxiliary, 747 Baseline Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6 or the Canadian Mental Health Association, 648 Huron Street, London, Ontario N5Y 4J8. On line condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca

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BATZOLD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2006-10-18 published
JEFFREY, J. Alexander " Alex"
Peacefully at Victoria Campus, London Health Sciences Centre with his family at his side, on Tuesday, October 17, 2006. J. Alexander (Alex) JEFFREY, age 83 years, of Saint Marys and formerly of London Twp. Beloved husband of Kathryn ((KathyTaylor)) JEFFREY and predeceased by his first wife Wilma H. (Giles) JEFFREY (1996.) Loving father of Dwain and Cathy, Gail and Bob HETHERINGTON, Nancy and Mark WARNICK, Judi and Kirk RANKIN, Brian and Janice, Perry and Susan ZIEGLER, Susan and Tracey EAGLESON, Donald and Michelle, David and Julie, Laurel and Dave BATZOLD, Michael and Nancy, Greg and Tracy, Brad and Bonnie. Proud grandfather of 42 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Bill and Lyda, Ken and Reta (deceased 2006,) Liz and Gray MONTGOMERY, Isabel and Max TYE, Bob and Donna, Hugh and Audrey, Oren and Marie ROBINSON, Keith and Ann. Predeceased by his parents William JEFFREY and the former Kathleen THISTLE and brother and sisters Peggy, Donald and Evelyn. Resting at the L.A. Ball Funeral Chapel, 7 Water St. N., Saint Marys on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Bryanston United Church (22925 Highbury Ave.) on Friday, October 20, 2006 at 1: 30 p.m. with Mr. Peter CARBERRY officiating. Interment will be in Saint Marys Cemetery. In his memory donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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