Whelan Funeral Home Ltd.

01/05/2026

Change and Starting Over

Grieving changes some people in profound ways, and sometimes the grief journey can give birth to a new life.

Following the loss of someone close, sometimes those who grieve no longer find joy in certain activities they used to do. Things once loved include participating in activities that were once shared with the beloved; doing those things without them can be challenging because strong emotions surface and little or no joy is experienced. This is especially noticeable in the early part of the grief journey. In the early part of grief, the attachment that the griever has to the deceased will make it challenging to think of life and engaging in life again without their beloved. As the griever begins to process the loss and accept the finality of the loss they will begin to find periods of reprieve, which will provide the space for them to engage in life again.

Some suggestions to introduce small changes in one’s life are:
• Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and emotions. This can help you detect when even the smallest of shifts are happening.
• Get outside. Spending time in nature is another way to create a shift. Studies have shown that even viewing pictures of nature can be a helpful tool to shift away from negative thoughts.
• Park judgement and timelines at the door and be self-compassionate. Accepting that grief brings emotional ups and downs will help you understand that you need to show compassion to yourself when you’re having a down day.

The thing to remember when grieving is that emotions are always changing and shifting. This is the natural evolution of grief and learning to accept change. Viewing ups and downs that happen as natural shifts can help us better understand what we are experiencing. By opening our minds, we become better able to forge ahead into a new chapter of our life. This acceptance helps to make the grief journey easier and more manageable.

When the griever experiences changes that are positive it can help to foster healing and growth. In this fresh experience, the griever will be open to new beginnings and accept their new reality more readily. The ability to experience something new in a positive way can provide the griever with a sense of hope that there is a life possible without their beloved.

Margaret Lorrie Beaton, MA, C. Hyp
Bereavement Counsellor

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

We wish you a New Year filled with promises of a brighter tomorrow and moments that bring joy to your heart. May 2026 hold good health and much happiness for you and those you cherish.

12/31/2025

WILSON-EADES, Claire “Betty” Elizabeth
March 14, 1925 – December 22, 2025

Claire “Betty” Elizabeth Wilson-Eades passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in Ottawa. It is said that life is about collecting stories and Betty collected a lot of them in a long life that reflected both professional accomplishment and personal dedication. Born on March 14, 1925, she grew up and spent most of her life in Ottawa, attending Glebe Collegiate and later graduating from McGill University in 1945.

Always forthright in nature and not afraid to challenge (then) societal norms, Betty’s life had more than a few “firsts”. In 1949, she became the first female Chartered Accountant in Ottawa and, in 1970, became the first female partner at Welch & Co., setting an example for future generations of women in the profession.

Outside of her career, Betty had diverse and varied interests. When raising her young family, she was an active volunteer in a number of organizations, often in the role of treasurer. She loved playing bridge and dedicated herself to researching and preserving family history. Winters were for skiing, both downhill and cross-country. Interwoven throughout her life was a love for classical music, books and the arts.

Betty is survived by her sister, Shirley Millson and her children: Margaret “Peggy” Wilson, Donald Wilson (Mary), and Anne Wilson (Michael Power). Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Clarke Wilson, Connor Wilson, Christina LaChance (Jesse), Jim Botting (Tiffany), David Bissonnette, and Andrée Bissonnette (Brien Chamney), as well as her great-grandchildren: Caledon, Wilson, Edwin, and Chelsea. She also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews from the Graves family: Susan, Philip (Laura), Richard (Elise), and Jenifer (John Gorman).

She was predeceased by her parents Atholl and Jean McNabb; her husbands, James Dunlop Wilson and George Eades; her sister Constance Graves; brothers-in-law, Frederic Graves and Maurice Millson, and her son-in-law, James Coulter.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff at the Colonel By Retirement Residence for the care provided, and kindness shown, to Betty during her time there.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home,
tel. 613-233-1488.
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

A private celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026. Condolences may be expressed to the family by writing them at: rememberingbetty2025@gmail.com

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings

Our team at Whelan Funeral Home wish you all a pleasurable holiday season! May you share memorable times together as you celebrate family traditions. We hope you are able to be with those who are near and dear to you and that you experience the Christmas spirit, its joys and happiness.

"Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind."
-Valentine Davies, 'Miracle on 34th Street'

12/24/2025

De SOUZA, Herman Francis
10-10-1948 to 17-12-2025

Herman was a larger-than-life presence who filled the world with laughter, community, and joy. He passed away peacefully with Sunita, Katherine and Janet at his bedside after a year-long struggle with vascular dementia.
Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda to Amy Pinto De Souza and Damascene De Souza, where he graduated from Makerere University with a degree in Fine arts. With the political turmoil at the time in Uganda, which led to Idi Amin’s decree that all Ugandan Asians must leave the country, Herman emigrated to the US and then to Canada, where he settled in London, Ontario as a refugee in February 1972.
Herman led an extraordinary life marked by a passion for family & friends, building community, ensuring inclusiveness & justice in all life situations, and leading a life filled with joy and laughter. Everyone that met Herman carries a special memory of how he influenced their lives; he is mourned by his loving family which came to include most everyone he met.
He is dearly missed and deeply mourned by his daughter, Sunita, who was Herman’s pride and joy; Katherine Pestieau, his partner; and Janet Mann, his longtime companion and friend. Herman is also survived by his younger brother Bertram in Youngstown, Ohio; younger sister Annabelle in Hertfordshire, UK; his nephew and godson Thomas Halliday (Gemma de Clascà) and children Jeppy & Teddy; niece Grace Roper (Michael) and children Fletcher & Darcy; and niece Amy Halliday and son Henry. His passing has deeply affected his many friends, especially his longtime dance partner (and Godmother to Sunita), Mary Frances Bell.
Herman was often described as a Renaissance Man. He provided services to immigrants (especially refugees), educational experiences in cross cultural communication & community development, and guidance for developing cooperatives. He helped countless people develop building and renovation skills. For over 30 years, Herman offered innovative ballroom dancing classes at various venues in Ottawa.
Herman’s family wish to extend their sincere thanks to the devoted PSWs who provided him with excellent personal care, and to Hospital and Ontario Health at Home staff for their support and care.
Thank you, Herman, for being in our lives. We miss you.
A funeral, followed by a reception, will be held on Saturday, January 3, noon, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 174 Wilbrod Street.
In Herman’s memory, donations to the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488

https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

12/23/2025

ANDRÉ, Therese

Peacefully in Nova Scotia on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the age of 93 years. Theresa (neè Lalonde) beloved wife of the late Gerard W. Andre. Cherished mother of Denis (Debbie), Lilliane, Carl (Lianne). Predeceased by sons David & Robert 'Bob'. Fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Michel, Gabriel, Daniel, Tevye and Madison. She is survived by her sister Agathe Lafleur. Predeceased by sister Lucille McKinley, and brothers Robert, Ubald, Leo and Edmond Lalonde.

Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Sunday, December 28 at The Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper St. (between Bay & Lyon) from 2 to 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Patrick’s Basilica on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 1:30 PM. Interment to follow at the Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

12/19/2025

12/14/2025

Light a Candle in Memory of a Beloved Child Today!

The second Sunday of December is designated Worldwide Candle Lighting Day. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world participate in this observance, each lighting a candle in memory of a child, someone taken from them too soon.

Established by Compassionate Friends in 1997, this 24-hour vigil starts at 7 p.m. in local time zones, with residents lighting their candle to begin the ceremony. As the world rotates and nighttime begins across different global time zones, a symbolic ray of light and hope is created.

Many organizations, such as hospitals, schools and funeral homes, participate in this healing ritual. The lighting of a candle serves many purposes. It pays tribute to the life of a loved one, it provides light and hope during the darkest of days, and it symbolizes the continuation of the deceased in spirit.

In 2019, a virtual Worldwide Candle Lighting Memorial Wall was added to this observance, allowing family members to share messages honouring their child, grandchild, sibling or friend.

To learn more about participating in a candle lighting event, please visit:
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/wcl/.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

12/13/2025

HALPIN, Jeannette Cecile
Peacefully on December 7, 2025 in her 94th year.

Visitation
Whelan Funeral Home
515 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J1 (between Bay & Lyon)
Date /Time: Friday, December 19, 2025
2 pm - 4 pm & 6 pm - 8 pm
parking behind Whelan's and free (2 hr) parking on Cooper St.
Metered parking elsewhere in the area with a parkade (hourly rate) at 400 Cooper St.

Funeral Mass
A Mass of Christian burial will take place in downtown Ottawa at:
Notre Dame Cathedral 385 Sussex Dr., (between St. Patrick and Guigues), across from the National Gallery.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 20, 2025. 11:00am
Free parking in the church lot behind the Cathedral on the North side (Guigues St side) at the blue markings.
A light lunch will be served in the church hall after the funeral mass with a private interment to follow for immediate family only.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

12/13/2025

LAROCQUE, Earl Joseph Noel

Earl passed away surrounded by immense love, leaving his family with a profound and heartfelt loss. To all who knew him, he was the heart of every room—an incredible father, a devoted grandpa, and a steady, gentle presence whose kindness and quiet strength shaped the lives of everyone he touched.

Earl was the beloved father of Tammy (Frank Bedard), the light of his life. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Noah and Téa, who brought him endless joy and whom he deeply adored. He leaves behind his cherished sisters, Susan and Sharon (Bunyard), who will forever hold his memory close.

He was predeceased by his brother Michael (Pauline), his father Duncan, and his mother Dorothy (née Feltham), with whom he is now reunited. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Micah (Renee), Leah, Sarah (Brandon), Matthew, and Sean.

Earl’s family will remember him not only for the love he gave, but for the way he gave it—steadily, selflessly, and with a quiet, profound strength that guided and uplifted those around him. His laughter, wisdom, and the warmth of his presence will be missed more than words can express.

The family is deeply grateful to the ICU unit at The Ottawa Hospital for their compassionate, supportive care during Earl’s final hours. Their kindness brought comfort when it was needed most.

Earl’s legacy is one of deep devotion, immense love for his family, unwavering strength, a calming presence, and a heart that gave endlessly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 20th, at 190 Glen Park Dr., Gloucester, Ontario, K1B 5A3, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Earl are warmly welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in support of the ICU.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

12/10/2025

EMERY, Joseph Michael (Joe)
May 10, 1964 – Dec. 1, 2025

Peacefully, on Monday, December 1, 2025, after a 3 year struggle with liver failure, in his 62nd year, Joe Emery; beloved son of Mary Bergin Emery and the late Norm Emery. Dear father of Brandon (Emma). Predeceased by his dear son, Ryan, in 2020. Grandfather of Ryker and Skyler, Ryan's sons, in Arizona. Dear brother (Irish twin) of Jim (Maureen Aubé) and Patricia Emery. Loved uncle to Annabeth Perry, Samantha Emery and Nathan Emery.

Before illness took over his life, Joe had a very quick wit and a wide circle of friends from school and work. He loved to reminisce about old times in Belair Park, St. Raymond's and Laurentian High Schools, telling many a wild tale (only slightly embellished) to make people laugh. He could work a room in his own charming way. He had a way of endearing himself to most of his mother's friends, a survival tool used on an “as needed” basis.

Joe was always so happy to reconnect with any of his boyhood pals. He worked primarily in sales but, prior to that, he and his (No. 1) friend, John Roberts, had a DJ business (Laser Sound). He sold furniture at Sears, Eaton's, La-Z-Boy and Bad Boy. He enjoyed working on a commission basis and took pride in caring for his customers. He loved music, especially Genesis, and was an avid sports fan cheering on his Ottawa Sens (followed closely by the Montreal Canadiens), Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Dolphins. He considered himself a fairly good golfer, a game he loved.

Special thanks to Dr. Selwyn De Souza, Dr. Silvana Bolano and Dr. Sarah Davies. The care, kindness and compassion Joe received from the exceptional nurses and doctors at the ICU, Queensway-Carleton Hospital, was appreciated and will never be forgotten by his family. They were with him when he needed them most.

If desired, donations to Serenity Renewal for Families, McArthur Rd.; Rideauwood Addictions and Family Services, Parkdale Ave.; or the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, Carp, would be appreciated.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Funeral at St. Basil's Church (Maitland between Carling and the Queensway) on Saturday, December 20, at 11 a.m. A time of refreshment and fellowship will follow in the parish hall.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

12/10/2025

Supporting Those who are Grieving During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for celebrating, sharing traditions with family and friends, good food, exchanging gifts and love. For a griever, this excitement and anticipation of the holidays is often mixed with sadness, sometimes self-pity and dread. Their loved ones witness their anguish but are often at a loss as to how to best provide support.

It is important to differentiate between the griever not faring well and the griever doing their best under the circumstances. Signs of not coping include an increase in self-medication, a personality change and repeated negative emotions. Often family members and close friends are not always objective enough to hold conversations with the griever, without attempting to impose well intended personal views. This provides little benefit to the bereft.

For those who are close to a griever it is important to realize that grief cannot be fixed. Grief must be experienced, even during the holiday season. To have an open and non-judgmental conversation with the griever about what they are experiencing helps provide direction as to if their grief is simply being expressed in the best way they can or the griever is unable to cope and professional help is warranted.

Jim felt that his father should join the family for all of their holiday gatherings after his wife died so he wouldn’t feel alone. Had a conversation between them occurred, Jim would have discovered that his dad actually felt lonelier surrounded by family and appreciated the quiet reflection time being alone offered him. Always seek input from the griever as to what they feel comfortable doing over the holidays.

It is also important to prepare all family members to recognize the fact that persons are changed by the grief they are experiencing. They have lost someone very important in their life. Opening a dialogue in advance minimizes any misunderstanding that may occur as holiday events unfold. As an example, is it ok to mention or talk about the person who has died, subsequently addressing the elephant in the room?

Perhaps preparing a gift for the griever, one which honours the deceased, will show them they continue to be supported and loved. Sometimes children can be part of this, as they often have great ideas on making the griever comfortable and they come from a place of honesty. Grievers do like to hear the name of their loved one and are comforted by stories and memories. Sharing tales about how the deceased brought joy, laughter and perhaps even mischief can add some well needed levity to holiday events.

When someone close dies, we all have a role in helping each other. Remember the needs of those who were closest to the deceased are paramount in the way any traditions unfold. Together, by respecting one another’s feelings and limits, the holidays can be experienced in the most optimal way.

Bertha Brannen
Bereavement Group Leader

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online