Ernest James Archibald Woolridge

May 3, 1931 to October 22, 2021

Obituary

In the early morning on October 22, 2021, Ernest James Archibald Woolridge, aged 90, passed peacefully away at the Health Science Complex.

Ern was born in St. John’s on May 3, 1931, the youngest child of Ernest and Tilly (Matilda Hillier) Woolridge. During his childhood, Ern faced serious illnesses including pneumonia, pleurisy, and tetanus. As well, when he was only 9 years old, Ern’s father died tragically. Subsequently his mother remarried but sadly Ern’s stepfather died when Ern was only 14 years old. Times were tough and Ern stepped up, leaving school to get a job with the post office as a messenger in order to contribute to the family’s financial needs. These events shaped the man Ern became. He developed a stubborn determination that allowed him to overcome every obstacle.

Ern understood the value of hard work and took pride in the success he achieved even though he had to leave school before he could graduate. Ern’s career with Canadian National Telegraph (CNT) spanned 47 years; he retired from the position of communication technician.

In 1955, Ern married Margaret Ruth Gillingham. When Ern was not at work, the two were together. They were married for 54 years. They had three children: Lois, Jim and David. As well, they had 6 grandchildren whom they loved deeply. Since Margaret’s passing, Ern became a great-grandfather. Margaret and Ern loved spending time at their summer cottage in Mahers. After Ern’s retirement they began to travel. While they enjoyed a trip to England, their favourite destination was the warmer climes of Florida where they owned a house trailer. During the last years of her life, Margaret had dementia. Ern faithfully cared for her.

After Margaret’s death, Ern was fortunate enough to meet a close companion, Mary Crocker. They enjoyed a 9-year friendship before her passing.

Independence was of paramount importance to Ern. He vowed he would live out his days in his own home and he was able to do so. Family loyalty was also a strong value to Ern; happily family were with him during his final days.

Ernest was predeceased by Margaret (Gillingham) Woolridge, wife; Ernest Woolridge (father); Matilda (Hillier) Woolridge (mother); Helen Massiello, sister, (Joseph); Vera Legendre, sister; Don Woolridge, brother. Leaving to mourn: Lois Hammond, daughter, (Chris); Jim, son, (Kay); David, son, (Deborah); grandchildren Brian, Scott, Jane, James, Kathleen, and Adam; great-grandchildren Logan and Ruby; Shirley Woolridge, sister-in-law; also Linda Woolridge and many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador or a charity of one’s choice.

Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, 24th October from 2-5 p.m. Please respect social distancing and follow all COVID 19 public health protocols. Funeral service will take place on Monday, 25th October, at 10:00 a.m., from The Carnell Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at General Protestant Cemetery. 

Schedule

Visitations

2-5 P.M. on October 24, 2021

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral

10:00am, Monday October 25th

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


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Lois, Jim, Dave and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Love,
Tina,Wayne,Adam, Natasha and Makhaila

Zelma and I are so sorry of your father passing. Our prayers and thoughts are you and the family.

To all of Ern’s family. Deepest sympathy sent to you on your loss. So sorry I didn’t know of his passing until after the funeral. Margaret brought me to St.John’s from Old Perlican on my first trip. Max and I also spent some visiting with them in Florida many years later. So sorry for your loss Max and Phyllis (Goobie) Beckett.

So sad to hear of Mr. Woolridge’s passing. I will miss him on my Friday route. My condolences to the family.

Dear Lois and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and all your family.
Denise and Gary

My deepest condolences to all the family on your loss. I got to know Mr Woolridge as a guest at ourCafe. He was always very pleasant had a smile for everyone.

Hi Lois and Family,
Sorry to hear about Ern, I had the pleasure of delivering Meals on Wheels to him for a number of years. He was always so pleasant and often out in the yard gathering branches. He will be truly missed.
Take Care,
Pauline Jensen

Lois and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear the sad news of your Father’s passing. He always greeted us with a smile whenever we had the opportunity to see him.
It was certainly a pleasure to serve him.
Wishing you peace and strength at this hard time.
Angelique & Katie
Canadian Red Cross

Lois and Family. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your Father. Ern was a wonderful man and perfect companion for my mother.: He was a Godsend who supported her and befriended her despite his own challenges. He was a kind, gentle and thoughtful man who my Mother and I thought the world of. I hope you find comfort and peace knowing he had brought such happiness to the lives of many. I pray for God’s blessing on Ern and all of your family. .
Sincerely – Regan Crocker

Lois, Jim, David and Families: Linda and I have nothing but warm memories of your father. We offer our deepest sympathies and wish that we could be with you during this difficult time.

To all of Ern’s family ….. I met Mr. Woolridge at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl where he was a regular guest at our Cafe on Wednesdays. He was such a sweet, gentle soul , truly a gentleman in every sense of the word .. He loved to come , even when he wasn’t feeling the best and showed his appreciation for eqch and every meal we served . He was one of our long-time friends who attended almost from the beginning of this ministry to the community . We .wondered about him on days that he didn’t show up ! With thanks to Lois , he was able to attend the last couple of years we were hosting the meals . I offer you my sincere condolences .

To the Woolridge family, thinking of you in the loss of your dad. and offering warm thoughts on behalf of my Dawe family of Manuels. Our parents, Eric and Abbie ,!shared many years of friendship with our Dads having been good CNT buddies. We have many happy memories of good times shared visiting our home as they did yours. May your countless memories also bring you smiles as your remember his life well lived. He will be remembered fondly

Lois, Jim, David and families so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Uncle Ern will always be remembered fondly. Thinking of you all.

Lois, Jim and David. We were sadden to hear of your fathers passing and send our deepest condolences. We always referred to him as Uncle Ern and your mother Auntie Margaret although there was no relation. You are all in our thoughts.

Eleanor, Barry, Joy Ann Hoyles & Brenda Monks

Lois, Jim, David and families. We are saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Uncle Ern. He will surely be missed. We wish to send our sincere condolences to his family members and friends.

We are sorry to hear of Erns passing. Condolences to the family.

Wes and Marion Osmond

Lois, I am so sorry to learn or your father’s passing. I remember him well, when we hung around together in our younger days. He was always very pleasant and accommodating to us youngsters. Take care.