Petros Despotas

March 1, 1932 - November 29, 2024

Petros Despotas, a man of resilience, humor, and charm, passed away on November 29, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in Kozani, Greece, Petros witnessed a life of adventure, challenges, and immense change, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Petros immigrated to Canada in pursuit of a better life for his family. Through hard work and determination, he built a fulfilling life, celebrated milestones, and saw his family grow with pride, witnessing the marriages of his children, the joys of grandchildren, and the arrival of great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held as follows:

• Visitation: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Brookhaven Drive, Toronto, ON.
• Funeral Service: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
• Interment: Beechwood Cemetery, 7241 Jane Street, Concord, ON, Section 4.

Margaret "Pat" Patricia Valley

December 6, 1940 - November 29, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Patricia Valley (née Sproule) on November 29, 2024, at Hospice Simcoe. Pat was surrounded by her loving family as she neared her 84th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of love, care, and compassion.

Pat will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 62 years, Donald Valley, her loving children Jocelyn (Alan Brown), Donald, Marsha, and Joanne Valley, as well as her adoring grandchildren Aidan and Jacob Brown. She is also survived by her sister Joanne Cunningham (Sandy). Predeceased by her parents Claire and Josephine, and her brothers Claire (Cathy) and Fred (Doris) Sproule.

Ken Battle

July 29, 1947 – November 18, 2024

Ken Battle of Ottawa passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, at the age of 77, after a courageous struggle with Lewy body dementia. Born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1947, Ken lived in Edmonton before moving to Ottawa as a teenager. He attended Bell High School and earned his B.A. (Hon.) from Queen’s University in Kingston. Ken was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, which led him to Nuffield College, Oxford, where he obtained an M.Phil.

Ken dedicated much of his professional life to social justice. He served as the director of the National Council of Welfare before founding the Caledon Institute of Social Policy in 1992. Under his leadership, the Caledon Institute played a significant role in advancing Canadian welfare legislation, including the development of the National Child Benefit Program. His tireless advocacy for social equity earned him the honor of Member of the Order of Canada in 2000.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughter Erin (Richard Chen), brother Murray (Louise Blouin), sister Ellen, nephews Tyler and Curtis, and former wives Ruth Jamieson and Melanie Hess. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues, friends, and the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally. He was predeceased by his wife Laurie McIntyre.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ken loved the outdoors, sharing canoe trips, cross-country skiing adventures, and foreign travels with his friends. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to loyal friends Ed Tamagno and Betsy Mann, his caregivers from Seniors on Site, and the staff at Amica Westboro Park for their exceptional care and companionship.

Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to organizations supporting social justice or dementia research. Condolences may be shared online through Basic Funerals.

Susan Coffin

April 17, 1961 – November 21, 2024

Surrounded by family, Susan Coffin, at the age of 63, peacefully passed away on November 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice in Kanata, Ontario.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Susan grew up in Lachine but considered Gaspé, Quebec, her heart's home, where she spent cherished summers during her childhood. A lover of the water, Susan found peace and joy along the shores of the Caribbean, her favorite destination for serenity and happiness.

Susan was the daughter of the late Jessie (Boyd) Coffin (2018) and Leslie Coffin (1970). She was predeceased by her sister Phyllis Rupsys (2011) and brother Stephen Coffin (2018). She leaves behind her two daughters, Jessica Gaudard and Rebecca Gaudard, and her beloved grandchildren, Darrien and Savannah. She will also be deeply missed by her partner of 18 years, Kevin Barton, her sister Mary (Terry) Oaten, and her large extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

In keeping with Susan's wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family will host a celebration of life in the summer of 2025, with details to be announced closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory can be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, whose compassionate team provided exceptional support during her final days.

Medina Semé Pierre-Louis

July 18, 1937 - November 19, 2024

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Medina Semé Pierre-Louis, lovingly known as Soeur Dina, on November 19, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec, at the age of 87. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Medina brought warmth, love, and strength to everyone she met.

Born in Jacmel, Haiti, to the late Délice Pierre-Louis and Hermane Plantin, Medina was the fourth of eleven siblings. After moving to Port-au-Prince at age 17, she built a life centered on faith and family, raising her children and stepchildren with unshakable love and care. In 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, Medina relocated to Ottawa, where she became an integral part of the community.

Medina was a gifted and passionate woman of faith, dedicating her life to God as a member of Église Évangélique d’Ottawa. Known for her love of prayer, singing, and family gatherings, her life was a testament to devotion, resilience, and kindness. She nurtured and helped raise nearly 100 children, instilling in them values of respect, honor, and faith.

Medina is survived by her children Ernst, Serge, and Suze; her stepchildren Wilner, Nadège, Arthur, and André-Lourde; their spouses Marie-Lise, Rolande, Varta, and Roberto; 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jean-Gesner Semé, and two of her children.

Funeral Arrangements:

• Visitation: Friday, November 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 156 Rue de Corbières, Gatineau, Quebec.
• Viewing and Service: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Église Évangélique d’Ottawa, 2930 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. Viewing: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, Service: 9:30 AM to 11:20 AM.
• Burial: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Saint-Joseph d’Orléans Cemetery, 2757 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, Ottawa.
• Reception: After the burial; address to be disclosed later.

In memory of Medina, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Basic Funerals.