June Sonia Nancy (Semeniuk formerly Smith) McMillen

McMILLEN, June Sonia Nancy (neé Semeniuk, and for many years June Smith)

“It’s been a slice!”

June died peacefully with her family by her side at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in her seventy-seventh year.  After surviving breast cancer three times before, June was diagnosed with a new case of cancer in May 2019, and the disease progressed swiftly.  She bore the illness with her usual tranquility, often expressing her faith that she was moving on to a wonderful new phase of existence. June goes to her rest with all the love of her family and the many friends who delighted in her infectious, joyful zest for life.  After 40 years of marriage to Gerald “Jerry” Smith June was widowed in 2007.  She found new love later in life, marrying Lawrence “Larry” McMillen in August of 2018.  She is survived by her adored husband Larry (“Scotty,” to June), daughters Laura Smith and Cher Smith (Ben), brother-in-law Ken (Cathie) and step-children and step-grandkids who live in Toronto but are otherwise perfectly nice folks.  A life-long lover of nature, gardening, and kayaking June loved animals and shared her enjoyment of the outdoors with Larry and her fantastic dog “Foxy”.  June was a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund, The International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Friends of Killarney Park.

She devoted herself to supporting the life and health of others in many small and large ways. She was so proud to have been welcomed into the Grace United family and to have been able to work on all the valuable Ministries of which she was a part.  June worked for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and volunteered with Parish Nursing and Girl Guides of Canada.  June’s time in the world left it a better, happier place.  June’s greatest gift was her capacity for connection and caring toward others – from a complete stranger to the closest of friends. At the end of her life on earth she saw that love come back to her and was amazed and elevated by the beautiful network of friends and family that surrounded her.

We would like to thank Dr. Neera Jeyabalan, Dr. Jonathan Mallory, the Palliative Care team and the MAID team for their unfailing kindness and care of June and her family. There will be a FUN-eral to Celebrate June’s Life held at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough, on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 2:30 PM. Reverend Lyle Horn officiating.   Reception to follow in the Highland Park Reception Centre.  In memory of June, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Peterborough Riverview Park and Zoo or Grace United Church, would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com  . June’s message to you:

“I’m so glad you’ve all been there in my life.

Whether it was for a short time or a long time, it was the best of times.

As you know I’ve always loved colour and have lived a colourful life.

I want you all to wear bright colours, NO RED (with the exception of clown noses).

Now is the time to drag out those 1970’s tacky Hawaiian shirts and show up at my FUN-eral!” – Love, June