ETHEL MAY HARRON (nee HUME)

February 18, 2026

Ethel May Harron (nee Hume), formerly of Kincardine, died peacefully, at Woodstock General Hospital, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the age of 96. Survived by her four children and their spouses, Marlene (Frank) Thompson, Bruce (Judy), Brian (Christine Hansvick) and Rod (Chris). Cherished grandmother (Nanny) of nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her beloved husband, George (2021); her parents, William Hume and Minnie (Hanbidge) Hume; infant daughter, Shirley May; sister, Marion Cook; and brothers, Roy and Harold. Ethel was born in Guelph, the youngest of four children, and grew up on the family farm in Puslinch Township, near the Village of Arkell. She met George when he was teaching at the Arkell school. They married and lived in Guelph, Milverton, Langton, Tillsonburg, and Woodstock while he pursued his teaching career. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Kincardine and lived there for 30 years, travelling (Australia and the Canary Islands) and spending 16 winters in Florida. In 2013, they returned to Woodstock to live in a retirement home. Ethel was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting, church activities, and square-dancing. Her willingness to try new things was evident throughout her lifetime. In her 40s, she learned to swim and joined the 100-mile walking club at the Woodstock “Y,” and enrolled in art classes. She began to play tennis and continued art classes in Florida. Her paintings adorn many rooms within each of her children’s homes. It was in Kincardine that she started knitting “Izzy” dolls, eventually making at least 1,000 of them. She created the outfits that she and George wore square-dancing, and enjoyed quilting at Knox Presbyterian Church in both Woodstock and Kincardine. She also served as an ambassador, welcoming new residents to Cedarview in Woodstock. Kincardine was the place her children and grandchildren would congregate on long summer weekends. Ethel would fill the refrigerator with salads she had prepared ahead of time so she could spend more time with family and playing games. She was still winning at cribbage in the last weeks of her life, even though her eyesight had failed. The family thanks Dr. Binh Vu and the nursing staff at Woodstock Hospital for their exceptional care of Mom and the support given to her family. A funeral and celebration of life for Ethel will be held in Kincardine at a later date. Details will be announced when available. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Knox Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, or Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, in place of flowers, would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.