Whelan Funeral Home Ltd.

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Whelan Funeral Home Ltd.

We are a local family owned, independent funeral home providing a full range of services to Ottawa a We are available 24/7 to support you in your time of need.

Whelan Funeral Home (WFH) is a family owned, local funeral home providing services to greater Ottawa and surrounding communities. Dedicated to providing personalized service and choice, we support families with a wide variety of options as they make decisions following the loss of a loved one. Whether you wish a traditional funeral, a memorial service or cremation services, we have options to meet

your requirements. Centrally located, our heritage building offers facilities which include visitation rooms and a reception area, suitable to accommodate services of all sizes. We offer audio visual aids and equipment that address the needs of today's families. Our experienced, compassionate and detail oriented directors and support staff assist families by providing options to suit their unique wishes.

07/23/2025

LOZANO, Julia Violeta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Julia Violeta Lozano (née Lozada), who left us peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born in Arequipa, Peru, she came to Canada in 1977, first settling in Sept-Iles, Quebec with her husband Pablo and their five children, before more permanently settling in Toronto, Ontario. Her final years were spent in Ottawa, Ontario, living together with her daughter's family.

She was a proud and loving mother to Javier (Maria), George (Liis), José Luis, Alberto, Claudia (Hannu) and Julio, and her greatest joy was being Grandmother to her beloved grandchildren Jessica, Rebecca, Ileana, Kasimiro, Mateo, Lilah and Shane. She was predeceased by her husband Pablo and all her siblings Ligia, Germán, Ruth, Luthgarda, Vilma and Juan, and will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Julia Violeta's strength, love for her family and inspiring spirit stayed with her until the very end and will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.

Friends may pay respects to the family on Wednesday, July 23 at The Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper Street (Between Bay & Lyon) from 2 to 4 PM & 6 to 8 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint George’s Church (415 Piccadilly Ave.) on Thursday, July 24 at 11 AM.
Interment to follow at the Pinecrest Cemetery.

Con profundo pesar anunciamos el fallecimiento de Julia Violeta Lozano (de soltera Lozada), quien nos dejó en paz el 16 de julio de 2025, a la edad de 97 años.

Nacida en Arequipa, Perú, llegó a Canadá en 1977, estableciéndose primero en Sept-Îles, Quebec, con su esposo Pablo y sus cinco hijos, antes de asentarse de manera más permanente en Toronto, Ontario. Sus últimos años los pasó en Ottawa, Ontario, viviendo con la familia de su hija.

Fue una madre orgullosa y amorosa de Javier (María), George (Liis), José Luis, Alberto, Claudia (Hannu) y Julio, y su mayor alegría fue ser Abuela de sus queridos nietos Jessica, Rebecca, Ileana, Kasimiro, Mateo, Lilah y Shane. La precedieron en la muerte su esposo Pablo y todos sus hermanos Ligia, Germán, Ruth, Luthgarda, Vilma y Juan, y será profundamente extrañada por sus sobrinas, sobrinos, familia extendida y muchos amigos.

La fortaleza de Julia Violeta, su amor por su familia y su espíritu inspirador la acompañaron hasta el final y vivirán en los corazones de todos los que la conocieron.

La familia desea expresar su más profundo agradecimiento al personal del University of Ottawa Heart Institute. En lugar de flores, se pueden hacer donaciones a la University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.

Los amigos podrán rendir homenaje a la familia el miércoles 23 de julio en la Funeraria Whelan, ubicada en 515 Cooper Street (entre Bay y Lyon), de 14:00 a 16:00 y de 18:00 a 20:00.

Se celebrará una misa de entierro cristiano en la iglesia de San Jorge (415 Piccadilly Ave.) el jueves 24 de julio a las 11:00.

A continuación, el entierro tendrá lugar en el cementerio de Pinecrest.

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

07/22/2025

Mobituaries: Podcasts that Shine a Light the Famous and Sometimes Not So Famous

CBS news personality Mo Rocca has always enjoyed reading obituaries and learning of stories of our dearly departed. In an effort to recognize and shine the light on celebrities and even those who were not day to day names, he has written a book and hosts a podcast where their lives are recognized and in his words: “given the send-off they deserve.”

In his weekly podcast, Mo shares stories of deceased individuals who left a mark on our world, shining a light on their accomplishments and legacy. Sometimes he presents on well know icons such as Michael Jackson or Audrey Hepburn, while other times the lives and accomplishments of lesser known or even obscure personalities are expounded on.

These stories can be found on the mobituaries.com website, which is subscription based, or alternately they are also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

07/19/2025

FRANCOEUR, Fernand ‘Fern’

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Fernand (Fern) Leo Joseph Francoeur, age 80, of Ottawa, Ontario, who peacefully left us in his sleep on July 9, 2025.

Fern was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maureen. He is survived by his son Kevin (Shannon) and his daughter Laura (Abdulai), who will cherish his memory and the love he shared with his family.
Fern was a kind and caring soul, whose warmth and presence touched the lives of those around him. His legacy of love, humor, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A service and celebration of Fern’s life will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper Street (Between Bay & Lyon) Ottawa, Ontario. Family and friends are welcome to gather and honor his memory.

Fern’s spirit will forever remain in our hearts. He will be dearly missed.

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

07/18/2025

SPEARMAN, Douglas

It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Alan Spearman in Ottawa July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Predeceased by his parents, he was born the first son of Alan Lloyd Spearman and Ila G. Wraight in Brantford, Ontario December 29, 1943.

Doug was well known for his witty humour, his love for music and his brilliant and tenacious demeanour. He moved to Ottawa to establish his family and became a well respected businessman and engineer in the industrial and commercial field of refrigeration and air conditioning. As a master and mentor in his field, Doug’s knowledge and expertise and commitment to his multiple apprentices and employees resulted in many successful technicians and business owners.

Doug and his legacy as a kind, compassionate and humanitarian will continue through his family and friends.

He was dedicated to his family, friends and professional community for many years.

He leaves behind his devoted wife Ginette (Pellerin) , his loving daughter Cheryl-Anne (Don Ash), his two grand-daughters Alexia (Chris Henderson) and Olivia (Alex Hartley) and his five great grand-children (Ryker, Lennox, Hendrix, Lochlan and Chloe). He also leaves behind his siblings Linda Spearman, Colleen Shail, Deanna Tapley, Maureen Mestan, David Spearman and John Spearman along with George and Helen Spearman, his aunt and uncle. He is predeceased by his brothers Brian Shail and Michael Shail.

We invite you to join our family as we remember and celebrate Doug’s life on August 11, 2025 from 11am to 2pm at ALE (Amberwood Lounge & Eatery) located at 54 Springbrook Drive, Stittsville, ON K2S 1B9.

Please come and share your memories and stories of the time we shared together.

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

07/16/2025

Cemetery Bylaws
What they Mean to You

All cemeteries operate under a set of rules and regulations which are in place to ensure a respectful, peaceful and safe place for the community at large.

Examples of some of the typical regulations which cemeteries have established pertain to the dimensions of burial plots, the sizing of memorials and markers and guidelines on planting. It is important to remember that bylaws have been developed over time and reflect best practices.

When a family purchases a location, they are also agreeing to abide by the bylaws of the cemetery. In doing so, all those who own a cemetery plot are confirming that they (as well as others) will abide by a standard set of rules which governs all activities at the cemetery.

Note that bylaws may vary from one cemetery to another, given the size of the cemetery and the municipality in which it is located.

If you have a question about cemetery bylaws, or what is permissible at a cemetery, it is recommended that you contact the cemetery directly and talk with an official. Some cemeteries have Bylaw books which are available to the public on request.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

07/11/2025

Country music can soothe the soul in times of grief and mourning.

07/07/2025

How to Support Parents after the Death of a Child

Grieving the death of a child, no matter at what age, can be an extremely painful experience. This type of loss can shake the foundation of a person’s life. Their hopes, dreams and plans for the future get turned upside down. The natural order of how life is supposed to unfold is suddenly shaken. The roles and identity of a parent unexpectedly need to be redefined.

You can imagine that grieving a child can be one of the most complicated losses to deal with. It is important for the parents to feel supported at this time, but often grieving parents are left alone because friends and family just don’t know what to say or do to comfort them.

The greatest tool you have when supporting a grieving parent is your ability to listen. It is important to listen without trying to fix and without judgement. Just being there for them and bearing witness to their pain can provide them the ability to honestly reflect on their feelings. This helps them to build a foundation to accept natural shifts in emotions that surface as they process their loss.

Providing help to surviving children as they grieve is another way to support parents who have lost a child. Children need support, patience, love, attention, and care throughout this time. Often parents are caught up in their own grief reactions and the feelings of surviving children are overlooked, leading to a sense of abandonment. Be aware that young minds process grief differently, that they feel pain and can become confused, so be gentle and understanding when interacting with them. Always aim to be a good role model when in the company of children who are grieving.

Support for a grieving parent includes many simple gestures. Honour memories and share stories about the special qualities of the deceased child. Do not be afraid to use their name in conversation, as this helps to keep the memory of a child alive in a healthy way.

While the loss of a child is extremely painful especially at the beginning of the grief journey, being able to share with the parent is particularly helpful at this time and will provide opportunities for them to begin the mourning process. In the long run this will aid with healing and the ability to move toward a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their life.

This is bereaved parent’s awareness month. If you know someone who has experienced the loss of a child, reach out to them. Your gesture will be noticed and appreciated.

Margaret Lorrie Beaton, MA, C. Hyp
Bereavement Counsellor

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

07/05/2025

GOWAN, John

Born in Ottawa October 27, 1942, to parents Stanley and Doris Gowan, has passed away on June 14 at the age of 82.

John leaves behind his wife Marie (Stanton) with whom he spent 62 years.

John leaves behind daughter Debbie Taylor (Halifax) and her family including granddaughter Katie (along with two great grandchildren (Cohen and Avery) and granddaughter Samantha. They all continue to live in the Halifax area.

Todd Gowan, his wife Kim and two of John’s grandchildren (Jessica and Joshua) all live in the GTA.

John was always there to be an advocate for his kids - he taught them to be strong and independent and to always stand up for themselves. It can’t go without mention that he also taught them all how to play checkers - a skill passed on by his grandfather.

His sense of humour always provided for funny stories that will definitely be retold well into the future.

John started working when he was a teenager - helping deliver milk on a horse driven wagon, just as that practice was ending. He went on to the plumbing trade out of high school, until his career path took him into public service. He retired at 52 years of age after a rewarding career with Transport Canada. Some of his early career highlights included serving as Duty Manager of Toronto Pearson Airport and then as Airport Manager in Windsor, Ontario.

John's best memories came from he and Marie's time at their cottage in Quebec. Beginning in 1979, it was a place where lovely memories were made, and cherished friendships created.

Grandpa loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He made them all feel special. They all have good memories and stories to cherish.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Symphony Orleans Retirement residence where John spent his last six months of life. The staff are second to none. Thank you to Dr. Vincent and the entire team. You showed John great care that words cannot describe.

May he rest peacefully. Arrangements entrusted to the
Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
http://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

07/03/2025

McKAY, Margaret Christine
April 16, 1957 - June 28, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Christine McKay on the evening of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the age of 68.

Christine dedicated her life to service - as a social worker, addictions counsellor, and author - and was deeply committed to advocacy and justice. A lifelong activist, she believed that every voice mattered and that individuals have a responsibility to build a more equitable and compassionate world.

During her courageous 12-and-a-half-year journey with lobular breast cancer, Christine became a respected patient researcher and advocate, lending her insight and voice to the pursuit of better care, greater awareness, and improving outcomes for others facing cancer.

Christine was also a voracious reader and a devoted supporter of public libraries. She had a deep love of travel and expressed her boundless creativity through mosaic-making, gardening, and collecting art, jewelry, vintage clothing and furniture - with a particular fondness for sofas. She also had a special love for dogs, which brought her great joy throughout her life.

She will be lovingly remembered by her partner, Richard Ballance, her niece, Caroline Cormier, her cousins, Richard’s sisters, niece, nephews and cousins, and her wide, eclectic circle of friends. She was predeceased by her parents, John (Jack) McKay and Muriel MacMillan, and her younger sister, Kathaleen McKay.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Centretown United Church, with the date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Christine would ask that you write to your MP and MPP to support causes rooted in social justice, continuing the work that defined her life and legacy.

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

07/01/2025

Happy Canada Day!

Today, when you see the Canadian flag flying high, take a moment to reflect on our Canadian way of life and our people. We are recognized around the world as a nation with citizens who understand what it means to be compassionate and generous.

We help those in need and protect our elderly. Often we place the needs of others before ourselves and in doing so, we make this country a better place in which to live.

Have a wonderful day!

06/26/2025

Kristina CHOLICH

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kristina Cholich whose journey ended on June 24, 2025 at the age of 74, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind her husband Srdjan, son Marko (Sarah), daughter Maja (Jason), granddaughters Mila and Lily, niece Sandra (Saša), nephews Marko and Matej as well as extended family and many dear friends in Canada and Bosnia.

Born in Laktaši, Republika Srpska, Kristina carried the spirit of her homeland, Krajina, with her - first to Sarajevo as a young woman in the early 1970s and then to Canada in 1993. Regardless of where life took her she was always a beacon of strength and resilience for her family, facing life’s challenges with grace and an unwavering sense of hope.

Kristina played many roles, but her proudest were that of wife, mother and grandmother. She shared a beautiful 44 year partnership with her husband, Srdjan. They were an inseparable pair, navigating all of life’s joys and struggles together.

As a mother, she was simply the best - nurturing and guiding her children, and instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, hard work, and perseverance. Her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren who carry her spirit and teachings in their hearts.

While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

As we mourn the loss of Kristina, we also celebrate her remarkable life and indomitable spirit. Her struggles, including those of the last 5 years as she lived with ovarian cancer, didn’t define her. Instead, they highlighted her resilience and strength of spirit. Her motto “idemo dalje” - “let’s keep going,” - will echo in our minds and hearts in the difficult days ahead.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church, followed by burial at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery (Orthodox Garden) and a 2pm luncheon at the church where family and friends are invited to honour Kristina’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada or the Ottawa Hospital - Cancer Centre.

The Cholich and Marriott families would like to thank all of the nursing staff at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus (7th floor West), the palliative care team, the gynecology oncology team, the emergency room team, all of the staff at the Ottawa Cancer Centre, the Shirley E. Greenberg Women’s Health Centre, her family doctor, and the many other physicians and nurses who worked tirelessly to prolong her life and ensure her comfort.

———————

S dubokim bolom obaveštavamo rodbinu i prijatelje da je Kristina Čolić (rodj. Savic)preminula 24. juna 2025. godine u 74. godini, okružena svojim najmilijim.

Rođena u Laktašima (Republika Srpska), Kristina je nosila duh svoje domovine, Krajine, sa sobom - prvo u Sarajevo ranih 1970-ih, a zatim u Kanadu 1993. godine. Bez obzira na to gde je život odveo, uvek je bila svetionik snage i optimizma za svoju porodicu, suočavajući se i sa najvećim životnim izazovima sa dostojanstvom i neprekidnom nadom.

Kristina je igrala mnoge uloge, ali su joj najdraže bile one kao supruga, ponosna majka i baka. Provela je prelijepih 44 godina sa svojim životnim saputnikom, suprugom Srđanom. Bili su nerazdvojni prolazeci kroz sve zivotne bitke i djeleci sve trenutke sreće i radosti.

Kao majka, bila je jednostavno najbolja - negovala je i odgajala svoju decu, usađujući im vrednosti poštenja, plemenitosti, truda i istrajnosti.

Iako će nam njeno prisustvo nedostajati, njen duh će zauvek zivjeti sa nama.

Ispunjeni tugom nakon njene smrti, slavimo njen optimizmom ispunjen život i nepobedivi duh. Njene borbe, naročito u posljednjih 5 godina života sa karcinomom, nisu je promijenile. Čak naprotiv, istakle su njenu otpornost, istrajnost i snagu. Njen moto „idemo dalje“ bice naš putokaz ali i podstrek u teškim danima koji predstoje.

Sahrana će se obaviti 30. juna 2025 u 12 sati u Srpskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi Sveti Stefan u Otavi gde pozivamo rodbinu i prijatelje da upute posljednji pozdrav. Umesto cveća, predlažu se uplate donacije za Ovarian Cancer Canada ili Ottawa Cancer Centre.

Porodice Čolić i Marriott takodje žele da se zahvale svom osoblju Generalne bolnice ( General Campus, 7th floor) u Otavi, posebno timovima za palijativnu negu, ginekološku onkologiju, hitnu pomoć i svom osoblju Ottawa Cancer Centre, Centru za zdravlje žena Shirley E. Greenberg, njenom porodičnom lekaru, kao i mnogim drugim lekarima i medicinskom osoblju koji su neumorno radili da koliko je moguće učine njen život duži i bez bola.

Ožalošćeni: Suprug Srđan, sin Marko, kćerka Maja, zet Džejson, snaha Sara, unuke Mila i Lili, porodica Majkic (Sandra rodj. Colic, Saša, Marko i Matej ) i mnogobrojna bliza rodbina i prijatelji u Bosni i Kanadi.

06/25/2025

Leaving Love Notes

It was always that part of your day which you looked forward to the most. Maybe it was concealed in your lunch, perhaps it was hidden away in your pocket where they knew it would be discovered when you searched for your keys, or possibly it was stashed away somewhere special, in a place where only you would find it… your daily love note.

When it didn’t appear, there was sadness and disappointment. How could they have forgotten? Then a day or two later, two notes would turn up, and give you twice the joy. It was a bonus day! You couldn’t remember exactly when it started but it was a part of you now. Every day was just a little bit better with these little messages, some that inspired and others that showed affection.

To have someone think about us and then put their thoughts in written words can be so special to us.

If you have a friend or family member who is having a difficult time with the loss of a loved one, why not leave a note that shows you care. It just might make their day. It’s times like these that small gestures go a long way.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

Address

Dafter, MI

Telephone

+16132331488

Website

http://www.WhelanFuneralHome.ca/

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