Whelan Funeral Home Ltd.

11/11/2025

Remembrance Day Observance

Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with Canadians across our nation and honour those who have fallen in war and conflicts around the world.

They fought for our freedoms and helped to pave the way for the liberties and opportunities we enjoy. Thank you for your service. As we pause in silence in your memory, our hearts go out to all families who are affected by the loss of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

11/07/2025

KAPLAN, Stanley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stanley Kaplan on October 29, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Stanley is lovingly remembered by his sister Nella, and his sons Christopher and Justin (Julie), and by his cherished granddaughter Nella, who brought him endless joy. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Kveta and son Thomas, with whom he is now reunited.

Stanley dedicated his career to public safety as a Dangerous Goods Inspector and Special Investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, where he was deeply respected for his integrity, diligence, and commitment to protecting others. Known for his loving heart, generous spirit, and caring nature, Stanley always put family and friends before himself. Whether through quiet acts of kindness or gentle words of encouragement, he touched the lives of all who knew him.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Russell, Ontario, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In keeping with Stanley’s wishes, the service will be a small, private gathering of family and close friends.

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

11/07/2025

Conversations from the Heart

There’s that moment when two people who are talking truly connect. They share eye contact and they fully understand one another. Those who grieve seek to have these moments, knowing that others share how the pain of their loss has affected them.

Some tips to be that person are:

• Be open to their vulnerability. At times such as these, compassion is important.
• Be an active listener. Listen to understand and not to reply. Seek clarification if needed.
• Don’t rush the conversation. If it takes 10 minutes or 2 hours for them to express all that they are going through, this is a difficult time. Surely nothing is more deserving of your time.
• Be sure to express your thoughts well. So that they understand what you are saying.
• Remember this is about helping them discover. It’s not about offering advice.

Perhaps in your conversation with them there will be a moment of profound silence, a moment when a breakthrough occurs. Being that person, one with empathy is sure to help them at a time of need.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/03/2025

Funerals are often a sad, reflective occasion where mourners come together to remember a lost loved one, but they don't all have to be that way. These epic, weird, and just plain cool hearses are the perfect way to send the dearly departed off in style. Whether it's a converted E-Type Jag or a...

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

TREPANIER, Phyllis Margaret
(Loving Mother, Grandmother and Wife)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Trepanier (nee Dunford) on October 26, 2025 at age 76 years. Beloved wife of John Trepanier. Loving mother of Robert (Sonia) and Andrew (Renelle). Cherished ‘Gran’ to Norah, Noelle, Eric and William. Phyllis was the daughter of James Dunford and Tressa Belle (nee Gibson). Survived by her sisters Sharon, Ruby, Ruth, Darlene & brother Paul. Predeceased by brother Eric. Fondly remembered by many nieces.

Visitation will be held on Tues. Nov. 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper St. (between Bay & Lyon) with Mass of Christian Funeral at St. Patrick’s Basilica, at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. 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

10/29/2025

JOY, Kathleen Diana
July 17,1967 – October 27,2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Diana Joy on October 27,2025 despite a determined battle with cancer.

Kathleen was born in Ottawa but spent time in Washington, Tokyo, Vienna and New York while growing up with her dad being a member of the foreign service.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Michael, her children Connor and Kaitlyn and her brother Stephen (Jo-Anne). She also leaves behind her uncle Gerry Larkin, her aunt Janet (Charlie Gagnon), brothers-in law Paul (Donna) and Mark along with a sister-in-law Kathy (Murray Tough) and a host of cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kathleen went to the University of Ottawa and graduated with Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1991. Her career began in the labour and delivery unit of the Ottawa General Hospital and later the Civic Hospital. Prior to birth of her son, she transitioned to Ottawa Public Health. Over the following 25 years, she proudly worked in a variety of departments including the Reproductive Health and School Age Programs.

Her life touched many people and she will be greatly missed.

A wake will be held at Whelan’s Funeral, 515 Cooper Street, Ottawa (whelanfuneralhome.ca). Visitation times will be from 2-4 pm on Friday October 31st and also 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm on Saturday November 1st. A funeral service will be held at the St Maurice Catholic Church, 4 Perry Street, Ottawa on Monday, November 3rd at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, people can donate to Lung Cancer Canada in her honor (lungcancercanada.ca).
Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488

10/27/2025

Some Basic Funeral Planning Terms and Definitions

Funeral home professionals often use terms which the general public is unfamiliar with. Here are three such terms and an explanation of what each refers to.

Preneed: this refers to any funeral or cemetery plans which are decided on in advance. Preneed arrangements are recorded wishes with a funeral home. Essentially, the individual will have a preneed file which contains a list of decisions made… such as: the selection of a casket or urn, the desired location for the funeral service and clergy who will preside at it, and sometimes even more specific information such as what music is to be played and which readings or poems will be recited. Preneed arrangements can be prefunded or left till when a person passes.

Prefunding: This is formalizing prearrangements with payment. In this scenario, the person makes decisions on the details of a service and prepays for these services. Two important aspects to prefunding need mentioning. Firstly, any arrangements prefunded will not incur any additional charges when the person passes. These funds are held with a third party and earn income offsetting the effects of inflation. Secondly, some individuals choose to partially prepay for services. They may pay for funeral services, but not cemetery fees. Or, in some instances the funeral home will not take prepayment for services which are not offered directly through them, such as an obituary or catering. These services will need to be paid for at the time of need, when the person passes.

Atneed: This is when decisions are left until when a person passes. Surviving family members make choices about funeral services for their beloved at that time. The decision-making process is typically brief with atneed arrangements. In many instances decisions need to be made immediately when meeting with the funeral director. We are very experienced in working with families under this scenario, so service details will unfold naturally. That said, this is a difficult and emotional time for those entrusted with these arrangements and leaving decisions till this time will add some anxiety and stress to the process.

We have individuals and families who make their arrangements in all of the above ways. If you have questions about preneed, prefunding or atneed arrangements, please contact us. We’re here to help.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

10/25/2025

TOMIC, Dusan (Duke)
March 27, 1941 - October 22, 2025

With sadness, the family of Duke Tomic announces his passing at the Queensway Carleton Hospital on Wednesday, October 22. Predeceased by his parents, Petar and Angelina (Gina) of Glavcice, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Duke is survived by his sister Radojka Ivanic (Pero, deceased) of Pilica, Bosnia, and brother Stevan Tomic (Ivanka) of Ottawa. He was the proud and loving father of Amanda Houle and devoted father figure to William Rogerson. Duke will be missed by his nieces, nephews and their families in Canada and abroad, by his many friends and by his church community at St. Stefan - Serbian Orthodox Church, of which he was a founding member. He will be remembered for his cheerful outlook, generous spirit and willingness to help, however he could.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m, St. Stefan - Serbian Orthodox Church, 1993 Prince of Whales Dr., followed by a memorial service at noon, then interment at Capital Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Whales Dr. and finally, a lunch reception at St. Stefan’s church hall. Duke would have appreciated any donations in his memory to St. Stefan - Serbian Orthodox Church.

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

10/25/2025

GOWAN, Marie (née Stanton)

Marie was born April 25,1943 in Quyon, Quebec to parents Thomas and Kathleen Stanton. Marie grew up in Ottawa, attending Immaculata High School, and began her working years with Morrison Lamothe, part of the catering business. She took time away from work to raise her family, then continued with her career working at Transport Canada until her retirement.

She lost her husband (John) of 62 years this past June. The two were inseparable, and had a unique unbreakable bond. She was a very proud, caring and determined woman who put the needs of others before hers. In retirement, there were many trips abroad as well as experiences at the cottage. This was a place that gave them over 45 years of great memories and many friendships at the lake.

Marie cherished her family, leaving behind daughter Debbie Taylor and her family including granddaughter Katie (along with two great grandchildren (Cohen and Avery) and granddaughter Samantha. She also leaves behind her son Todd Gowan, his wife Kim and two grandchildren Jessica and Joshua.

Marie spent her last months living at Symphony Orleans Retirement residence. A special thank you goes to the staff that provided a level of care for Marie each and every day that is deeply appreciated. Marie passed away October 13, 2025 after a battle with Cancer. May she rest in eternal peace and joy.

A private service will be arranged by Whelan Funeral Home.
Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

10/22/2025

Removal of Floral Arrangements and Personal Keepsakes at Gravesites

In preparation of the onset of winter, grounds crew will ensure the cemetery grounds are made ready for the upcoming season and remove debris. In addition to leaves, tree branches and landscape trimmings… they will also remove items from gravesites.

This is in order to make sure the cemetery remains as safe as possible over the winter months. With snowfall, anything remaining at gravesites may fall onto the ground, get covered in snow and pose a trip or safety hazard.

If you have personal items at your family’s gravesite, or floral arrangements, or mementos of any type, it is best that these are removed at this time and brought home for safe keeping.

Please check with your local cemetery to see what their bylaws are and what is permissible with the placement of any personal items at graves, including flowers.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online