Peacefully, on Sunday, November 24, in her 100th year, with family by her side, Mom departed for heaven, her earthly pilgrimage at an end.
Born in 1925, in Blackhawk, Ontario, Rainy River District, Mom was the second youngest of ten children born to William and Mary Whalen (nee, McCafferty) who had emigrated to Ontario from New Brunswick's Miramichi area the previous decade. She attended grade school in Blackhawk, and secondary school in Stratton, Ontario. Afterwards, she enrolled at King's Business College in Thunder Bay, acquiring the office skills that served her in good stead for all of her working life. On assignment with the Marathon Paper company, in Stevens, Ontario, in the early 50s, she met her future husband, John Essery. They married in 1953 and set-up house on the Port Arthur side of Thunder Bay. During that time she gave birth to two of her four children, Lois and Richard. Our father's work in mining exploration took him to Northwestern Quebec so frequently that he moved our family to Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, in 1959,to be closer to his work. There she had two more children, Paul and Barbara. Returning to Thunder Bay, in 1974, Mom was first employed by the CNIB, at Cumberland Hall, and then with the City of Thunder Bay, Homes for the Aged, retiring in 1990.
Mom once said that having and raising a family was her most satisfying achievement. There is no doubt that losing her daughter, Barbara, the youngest of the family, at age 28, to sudden illness, had to be the most painful event in her life.
Mom liked to travel, visiting Ireland & Great Britain with sister Ruby in the 80s, She traveled to many parts of Canada from Newfoundland to Vancouver, and enjoyed going to the United States, visiting New York City, Washington DC, Florida, California, South Carolina, Missouri, and Las Vegas. She particularly liked the senior-organized Happy Time Tours bus charters to various casinos in the area. Nickel keno was her preferred game.
A woman of firm faith, she donated countless hours of her time, especially in Noranda, in the service of the CWL, Catholic Women's League, that benefitted a host of good causes.
Anyone that knew Mom always had the same thing to say about her; that she was one of the nicest persons that they had ever met.
She was a dedicated mother and wife. She was generous with her time and resources. She was entirely humble and unpretentious just like all of her sisters and brothers. She was very trusting, and forgiving. She really did see the best in everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Survived by children, Lois, Paul, and Richard, grandchildren Andrew, Rachel, and Rain, and great grandson, Liam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, John, and daughter Barbara.
Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, December 27, at 1:30pm, at Corpus Christi Church, 664 Red River Rd. at Rockwood Ave, Thunder Bay. Following the Mass, interment of her ashes will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3200 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay. All are welcome.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
