King, Jean 'Daphne'
Daphne passed away peacefully at the Meaford Hospital on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the age of 97.
Born on July 11, 1928, Daphne was raised and lived in Sudbury, Suffolk until she didn’t!
When she and her husband Tom decided that retirement in a village required a move to be with “the Boys” Brian and Paul in Canada, a totally new lifestyle in Meaford, Ontario. Daphne embraced learning to drive, trying curling unsuccessfully as she didn’t like letting go of the rock! Letting go was not her thing, Keep Calm and Carry On was. Her unwavering support of Brian and Paul was unshakable including the vast area of characters they brought into her life. The most important of all, Santiago coming into Paul’s life, and therefore to hers.
When the AIDS’ epidemic hit, action was required, driving into the city to help dying friends: to feed and to nurse. And then, her personal success was in her 30 years of volunteering at the Meaford Nursing Home where she discovered her niche. Daphne will be remembered as a kind, independent, intelligent and generous woman. Sail on Mum!
Daphne was predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas King and by her son Brian King. She was the extremely proud mother of Paul King and his husband Santiago Cardona Vargas. A special thank you to the Sperling, Doherty, Cardona Vargas families and Morag for the joy they gave her.
A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Christ Church Anglican in Meaford at 1 o’clock. A reception will follow in the Galleries at the Meaford Hall.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Outreach would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Funeral Service: Christ Church Anglican in Meaford, ON. Reception to follow in the Galleries at the Meaford Hall.
Make a donation in memory of Jean 'Daphne' King
Donations: Meaford OutreachDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Thursday, February 26, 2026
To all of Daphne’s family;
I have fond memories of your beloved Daphne
Had may chats, hellos and laughs with her
Keep her memories alive
God bless all
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Miss your cheery hellos! My deepest condolences to your family
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Daphne will be remembered and missed as such a cheerful addition to the tenants of Albert place where she was a longtime resident. She always had time to stop and chat when we passed in the halls. Highly respected and loved and her cheerful demeanour will be missed.
Condolences to her family, friends and caregivers.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
I loved feeding you Daphne and your giggles. God bless you, you beautiful soul.
Love,
Franny
Friday, February 27, 2026
I only met Daphne a couple of times, but I knew her character through the extension of her boys Brian and Paul. You did a great job Daphne and I am confident that they have and will always do you proud. May you rest peacefully among the angels.
Friday, February 27, 2026
I will always remember how Daphne and Tom warmly opened up their farmhouse in Meaford, to the rambunctious staff of Paul King Inc.
That’s when I met Paul’s folks, and saw where Paul’s spirit of love and generosity came from.
Over the years I got to see Daphne, who herself was spirited, independent, kind and fun to be around. She loved to be around the “young people” and had a great sense of humour. She loved wholly and without reservation, modelling that for we future mothers. Thank you for that gift Daphne, you will live on because of it.
My life is better having known her and her beautiful family.
Friday, February 27, 2026
Daphne was a dear friend to my Nana. She was beside her all through her days and even the last ones. They took great care of eachother and there was a time when there wasn’t one without the other.
It just seemed like she would always be there… she was steadfast. 97 years is astounding.
Rest peacefully Daph xoxo. Lindsay.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
To our sweet Daphne:
You came into our lives some 30 years ago as a friend and confidante to our mother, Eve McTaggart. Oh what shenanigans you two could get up to! I know there was a point that we weren’t sure where our mother was, but we knew, you would be by her side! You became a travel companion for our mom, which included trips to Prince Edward Island, England, and Texas. If I recall correctly, the two of you “old birds” smuggled some American money across the boarder when you returned to Canada. Mom had sold some property in Texas after dad died and she wanted to deal in cash… So it ended up between the two of you, I think it was a grand total of $26,000 stuffed in your purses along with medications, wipes, and gum. Oh what fun you two had.!
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, over 20 years ago, I remember you said to me, “Kim, you have to know by this age we start preparing for our end.“ I know you were trying to console me. And I appreciated that. And I have never forgot that. So now I know, you were ready to go.
You have had a beautiful life, sweet Daphne, filled with family and friends. You have known great love, and you have had great sorrows and loss. At 97, it was a life well lived, still driving your little red car and living independently. I will always remember your giggle and appreciate the friend you were to my mother and the family member you became to the McTaggarts.
Rest well next to my mother
in God‘s easy chair Daphne. I know you’re there, the both of you, drinking a “cuppa”, sharing some stories and sorting out this “guardian angel” gig.
Love and condolences
Kim and Mike Barton
Monday, March 2, 2026
My deep condolences to Paul and Santiago. I first met Daphne in 1994 when I started to work for her and Tom. Daphne lived and breathed her two boys, most likely lived so long too as she was always on the go, always helping. She had a big heart, many friends and lots of travels. I remember all the Teddy Bears she made to donate to little children all over the world. I also remember her huge love of dolls and her collection. Daphne was a true legend.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Paul and Santi,
I am so, so sorry to hear of Daphne’s passing. The girls and I will miss her sharp wit and her indomitable ways. She had a big heart, and I always enjoyed the gentle intimacy of our chats. A true character, I remember how she was driving her little red car around Meaford right up until the end. She will be sadly missed, and it won’t be the same without her. Sending lots of love to you both.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Daphne and I met when she volunteered at the Meaford Nursing Home. As the Volunteer Coordinator I soon learned that Daphne was always ready to step up with a smile and help! She performed so many roles, always with grace, generosity and when appropriate humour.
Oh boy we had so many good times back then!
I also had the privilege to be a guest at her and Tom’s farm house where the magic took place! What a fabulous occasion!!
After retirement I moved away and didn’t see Daphne for years but I eventually returned to Meaford and just recently I bumped into her twice! She was as bright and feisty as ever; what fond memories that encounter stirred up for me.
Oh my dear Daphne, you set the bar so high on ‘how to live a long and rich life’!
You were truly one of a kind and I will remember you forever. Thank you for being you.
Condolences to Paul and Sandiago.
I am so disappointed that I can’t attend the service tomorrow but please know I am there in spirit.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Daphne was an amazing person! I loved our chats and visits! I appreciated and enjoyed her sense of humour and honesty about life! She was a true inspiration to all that knew her! Our McTaggart clan loved her and we will miss seeing her! Rest easy, my dear friend! You would be proud of the wonderful send off “ the boys” arranged for you today!
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
oh Paul & Santiago, what a treasured mother you had. I had the pleasure of “working” with Daphne for years at the Meaford Nursing Home. We had some very good laughs. I loved the stories she would tell us about Brian & Paul’s fun lives. She was always up for adventure. What a wonderful person to have known. We all need some Daphne in our lives. Rest now sweet Daph. You had a good life. Love you lots.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Paul and Santi, what sad news to hear of Daphne. What an amazing lady. I have so many memories of her smile, wit and just her love and zest for life. She set such an example of a life will lived. I will remember her always. Sending a hug and hope to see you soon.