With her loving family by her side, Connie Elizabeth Whalen (Mann) passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Connie was born in Fort Frances Ontario on July 18th, 1960 to Dean and Gladys Whalen. Left to cherish her memories are her beloved partner of 39 years Leonard Mann, and their children Josh (Taylor), Jaimee (Jeff), Brody, Brett (Shelby), Step-son Billy (Dawn); Grandchildren; Aubree, Kinleigh, Layla, Beckett, Theo, Cameron, Kai and Rosie, and her fur baby JoJo. She is also survived by her siblings Carol Spuzak, Kathy (Peter) Spuzak, David (Diana) Whalen, and Bruce (Kym) Whalen. Predeceased by her lovely parents Dean and Gladys Whalen, her brother Richard Whalen, her sister in-law June Whalen, and her precious fur baby Gracie. Connie also leaves behind many special brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews and friends who she always held close to her heart.
Anyone who spent time around Connie knew how much her family meant to her. The amount of love she held for them was immense. Connie loved to watch her children in all things they succeeded in and she was their biggest supporter. She also loved to spend time with her beloved grandchildren who referred to her as their “Onnie”. Onnie was a firm believer in “what happens at Onnie & Papa’s house, stays at Onnie & Papa’s house”, this meant always being spoiled with special treats that Onnie had hidden away for her grandbabies.
Connie loved nothing more than camping with her family in the summertime, spending days on the lake, relaxing on the beach, spoiling her family with her delicious gourmet camp food, having regular lunch visits with her sisters, hosting family bbq’s/dinners and gathering with the people she loved. Connie also loved having movie nights in with her best friend and daughter Jaimee Lee.
Connie was a loving mother and an excellent role model to her children. She was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did. She was selfless and resilient, and always made sure everyone else was well taken care of before ever worrying about herself. Connie always went out of her way to brighten someone’s day and never expected anything in return. Her smile was infectious and something we will never forget.
As our eyes fill with tears and our hearts feel heavy, we also find ourselves smiling and laughing at all the memories we have of our “Onnie” that we get to hold so close to our hearts.
“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
All donations in Connies honour can be made to Riverside Foundation- Palliative Care; https://www.riversidefoundation.ca/RFHC/Donate-Now/Give_to_a_Cause.aspx?ItemId=PALLRR
A celebration of life will be held for Connie in the summer time, her favorite season to gather with family and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd.
