Notice of PassingWe would like to recognize and remember the following Vincentians who have passed on during the past twelve months. Thursday, December 7, 2023 Our brother Msg Peter Schonenbach, National Council of Canada  Past National Chaplain of the St Vincent de Paul Society.Msgr Schonenbach was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. He went on to greatly impact the Ottawa Catholic community, serving as pastor of several parishes. He was also Rector of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa. He also served with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) as General Secretary. Monday, May 1, 2023 Our sister Catherine Mindorf, St Michaels Conference, Fort Erie  Surrounded by her loving husband and family Catherine passed away on Monday May 1st at the Greater Niagara General Hospital. Community and service to others were Catherine`s passion. She dedicated endless hours to St. Michael`s Church, St. Vincent DePaul and Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods to provide opportunities and to make the lives of those less fortunate better.Thursday, March 9, 2023 Our sister Ruth Heffernan, St. Peter`s Conference Peterborough Particular Council  Ruth passed away Thursday March 9 in her 85th year at PRHC with family by her side. She was a long time member of the YMCA, an Avid Skier which enabled her to travel the world. She was a volunteer at the soup kitchen, hospice and the hospital, and was retired from Marycrest.Sunday, January 15, 2023 Our brother Terry Cassidy, St. James Minor, Stirling / Belleville Thrift Store  Passed away peacefully, in his 74th year, on January 15, 2023, at Hospice Quinte with family at his side. Terry will be deeply missed
Terry was a champion of his community and the environment, devoting his life to working for others through his career in community development and local politics. He cared deeply about others, always fighting for those most in need, and making service to others a cornerstone of his life. As a politician, Terry served as City Councillor for Sidney Ward in Quinte West for more than two decades and was both a member of the executive and federal candidate (2015) for the Bay of Quinte NDP. Terry was an active volunteer, contributing many hours to various charities and non-profit organizations, most recently as the president of the local St. Vincent de Paul.Friday, November 11, 2022 Our brother William (Bill) Hanlon, St. Patrick’s Conference, Schomberg - York Simcoe Particular Council Bill was a dedicated Veterinarian (retired) who served communities in both the Chicago and Southern Ontario regions. Countless animals big and small have benefited from his compassionate care. He devoted his time to serve his community in Schomberg Lion`s Club, St. Vincent de Paul, and Knights of Columbus. He was a lifelong devoted parishioner of St. Patrick`s parish in Schomberg, Ontario. Bill`s family was the pride and joy of his life.Monday, October 3, 2022 Our brother Kenneth J. Trudel, Saint Bernard Conference, Ottawa  He was a dedicated Vincentian from St. Bernard Church. Ken was the face of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Bernard for many years and he will be missed.He worked tirelessly to help the needy. He was happy to haggle with others for donations to church causes. Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Our sister Mary McGurk, St. Catherine of Siena Conference, Mississauga  In 1957 Mary travelled to Kent in England to commence her nursing career, when she qualified, she returned to Ireland to work for a few years before embarking on her journey to her beloved Canada in 1965. Mary first worked in Kingston, Ontario where she made lifelong friends before travelling throughout Canada. Beginning in British Columbia, Mary worked in Vancouver before journeying to Quebec and from there she returned to Ontario, settling in Mississauga. Mary worked for many years specialising in palliative care. There she met many wonderful people who stood by her through all the years and who were with her to the very end.She also joined the choir at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, and did volunteer work with St Vincent de Paul. Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Our brother Dudley Merritt, St Patrick Conference, London  Dudley was born on October 10th 1931 in Nagpur, India and came to Canada with his family in 1968. St Patrick`s parish was a central part of Dudley`s life and he happily spent many hours greeting parishioners as an usher as well as performing a wide range of charitable activities as an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the St Vincent de Paul Society. He died peacefully in his 91st year. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Our brother Melvin Melnike, St. Dominic’s Conference, Mississauga, Peel Particular Council  Melvin Melnike passed away at the age of 85 about two weeks after his wife Patricia.After working for the City of Toronto Forestry Department for over 30 years he took an early retirement.Both Melvin and Patricia (see below, April 24) were very active volunteers in the church, they golfed, dined out with friends, went to dances and traveled together. Monday, May 9, 2022 Our sister Michelle Jenkinson, St. Kevin`s Conference, Val Thérèse, Rainbow Spirit Particular Council  Michelle was very involved in her community with both the church and spiritual care. She was a 10-year volunteer with VCARS and worked at the Hospital as the chaplain for 10 years. Michelle volunteered at the food bank, the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and was a diocesan order of women mandated in 1989. She loved meeting her extended family, les Trepanier at golf tournaments and family gatherings. She enjoyed camping at Providence Bay with our Island Friends. Michelle always enjoyed the company of our church family at St. Kevin`s.Friday, May 6, 2022 Our brother Lawrence Fournier, St. Simon and St. Jude Conference, Belle River, Windsor East Particular Council  Larry passed away peacefully following surgery. Larry was a member of St. Simon & St. Jude Parish, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Belle River Lions Club and the Good Neighbour Club. Larry retired from Ford Motor Co. as a millwright after 30 years of service.Wednesday, May 4, 2022 Our brother John (Jake) Fortier, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Conference, Windsor West Particular Council  Passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022 at 91 years of age.Jake worked with the City of Windsor at the police garage, as well as the Traffic Engineering Department for over 30 years. He was an avid golfer, bowler and loved to travel.He will be remembered for his dedication and time volunteering at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Windsor Goodfellows, Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. |
