With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our mother Lenore Ann Arnone on June 19, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer.
Lenore was born on January 27, 1940 in Port Arthur, Ontario to parents Frank and Martha Fraleigh. She attended Pine Street School and Port Arthur Technical High School. Upon graduation, Lenore began her secretarial career at Lakehead Freightways. Since then, she was employed at various workplaces with the longest time spent working at Equipment World Inc. and Assante Capital Management. Her strong work ethic typically went above and beyond her job role, and she would often bring her work home as she took on more duties. Her "give it all you got" attitude truly was an inspiration, and if she could encourage you to further your own education and career - she surely would!!!
As a young teenager, Lenore met Victor Arnone. They wed in 1960, and together had two children, Lisa and John. Lenore was extremely passionate and determined in all things. Although she led a busy life, Mom always made time for her children. You would see Lenore skiing with Lisa or with John at a hockey rink, and one could often hear her cheering them on from the sidelines!! Our camp at Warnica Lake was Lenore's happy place. There was always a 'project on the go' that brought the family together. Recollection of a certain blueberry pie made out of desperation in order to stay another night at camp has a special place in our memories. Other recollections include Lenore's love of sewing, which led her to make matching outfits for Lisa and John, which they reluctantly wore to school.
Lenore's biggest passion was dance and she craved to perform. Meeting Fay Gleeson opened up her dancing world and brought her to the stage. She loved sewing her costumes, getting dressed up, putting on her bling, walking up to the stage and cheering "It's SHOWTIME!” She loved clogging which led her to win awards at the Arizona Senior Olympic Games. She participated with the North McIntyre CanCan Dancers and they performed across the city and the region. She shared many fond memories with wonderful groups of friends. While she was at work- even though she was working away diligently - if you looked closely, you would find her feet moving under her desk as she practised her dance moves.
Lenore was especially proud of her volunteer work with Magnus Theatre for 45 years, keeping her love of the stage. Lenore's passion for life and learning led her to try her hand at a wide range of hobbies and skills: "trying" to figure skate until she was 50, playing and refereeing ringette, skiing, playing tennis, teaching power skating, doing macrame, gardening, teaching fitness, and going to clown school at Magnus. As busy as she was, Saturday nights were reserved for her to offer a listening ear to those calling into Telecare. These are just a few of the activities that she took on with zest and determination. She loved hockey, never missing Hockey Night in Canada to watch and listen to Don Cherry. This led her not only to cheer for John, Victoria, and Michael during their hockey games, but also micromanage their play according to Don Cherry. She was their biggest fan cheering loudly from her favourite spot right at the net behind the glass!
Lenore was of Scottish descent, and travelling to Scotland with longtime companion Neil Robertson was one of the highlights of her life. Lenore taught aqua fitness for 25 years - until she was 80!! Her single-minded focus to excel and provide the best fitness class drove her to spend hours looking for the perfect musical rhythm to motivate and inspire her classes. She spent hours in the water practising her routines to ensure a perfect fit between movement and music. Committed to learning and giving her best, she studied body structure and included movements in her classes to support those who were recovering from medical procedures. The smiles and sense of accomplishment on the faces of participants in her class inspired her to keep pushing herself, despite her own declining health.
Lenore is especially proud of her grandchildren and great granddaughter. They called her “NeeNee”, and she maintained a strong and active connection with them. She supported them, shared tidbits of valuable wisdom, cheered them on in all of their endeavours, and loved them deeply.
Lenore was predeceased by her parents Frank and Martha Fraleigh.
She is survived and will be sadly missed by her children Lisa and John (Maria), grandchildren Sergio (Lisa), Marcel (Courtney), Victoria, Michael, and great granddaughter Cecilia Joy Lenore Lacoste, her sister Frances Zanni (Jim), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Peter Beitz.
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Lenore’s team of doctors: Dr. Probizanski, Dr. Prowse, Dr. Boake, Dr. Chan, Dr. Simpson, and their staff, with special mention to Donna Topatigh for always making time for Mom whenever she needed her. To the staff at TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospital for your kindness, care, and compassion you gave to Mom, we can’t thank you enough. To nurse Jan from Bayshore - thank you for your daily visits, it was definitely the highlight of her day.
At Lenore's request, in lieu of flowers, a donation to TBRHSF Northern Cancer Fund, City of Thunder Bay Trees of Junot Park (where her tree ‘Elmer’ resides), or Magnus Theatre would be greatly appreciated.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11am, at the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Lenore will be laid to rest in the Fraleigh family plot in Riverside Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
