Bonita Jo Anne Drago

August 10, 1939 - January 3, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Bonita (Bonnie) Drago (née Norris) on January 3, 2025, after courageously battling a lengthy illness. Bonnie is deeply mourned by her beloved husband, Robert William, of 55 years. She was a loving mother to Ian (Lori), Michael (deceased) (Sandra), and Amy (Gee), and a proud grandmother to Ayden, Liam, Evelyn, Madeleine, Curtis, and Taija.

Bonnie was a cherished sister to Gayle (Bob, deceased) Meilleur and the late Don Norris, and a devoted godmother and friend to Inez Coleman. Born in London, Ontario, to the late Stan and Vera Norris, Bonnie’s vibrant spirit, wise counsel, and generosity touched countless lives. She will be dearly missed by her extended family, including many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A devout Catholic, Bonnie found immense joy and pride in her family, often sharing photos of her loved ones. Her life was filled with service, starting as a Bell Telephone operator at age 15 before joining the Canadian Navy as a WREN. She was called back to Dartmouth during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a Senior WREN. Bonnie dedicated her life to social justice and advocacy, working as a guide leader at Drouillard Place, a Trefoil Guild member, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and as part of the Naval Association and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Bonnie was a champion for Development and Peace, chairing the London Diocese Council, and was honored with the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Award for her service to others. For the past 25 years, she stood with the Women in Black, advocating for peace. Her legacy challenges us all to be better stewards of our world.

Funeral Details: Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel - Central (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E) on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A Legion Service will be held at 4:00 PM, followed by Parish Prayers at 4:30 PM. Funeral prayers will be offered on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10:15 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery.

In memory of Bonnie, donations may be made to the Canadian Development and Peace. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at Windsor Chapel. Visit www.windsorchapel.com.

Walter John Murphy

March 8, 1940 - January 3, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter John Murphy, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years after a brief illness. Walter is now reunited with his parents, Walter and Justine Murphy.

He is survived by his siblings Donald (late Albertine), Eileen Langlois (Lloyd), Glen (Theresa), and Jim (Carol). Predeceased by siblings Ovilda, Geraldine, Omer, Freeman, Doreen, and Emma. Walter will also be deeply missed by his in-laws, Muriel Murphy, Pierre Amyot, Jean-Guy Butler, and his many nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by his dear longtime companion, Carol Curran, and her children Danny (Tracey) and Lorilee (David). Walter was a loving “Papa” to Carol’s grandchildren Paige, Madison, Dalton, and Lennon.

For over 45 years, Walter was an active member of St. Anne’s Parish in Tecumseh. He retired from Chrysler Canada in 2000 and was also a talented brick mason. Known for his sense of humor and generous heart, Walter will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Details: Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel – Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd. E) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A second visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at St. Anne’s Parish (12233 Tecumseh Rd. E) from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery (5005 Howard Ave).

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Windsor Chapel.

Marlene St. Denis

February 12, 1940 - December 1, 2024

With saddened hearts, the family of Marlene St. Denis announces her peaceful passing on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 84. Marlene was a devoted and loving mother to Allan Dufour and the late Terry Dufour (1998) and Karen Ann Dufour (2004). She was a cherished grandmother to Robert and Ashley and a proud great-grandmother to Arya and Nero.

Marlene is survived by her dear sisters Donna Porter and Mary Ann Ouellette and is predeceased by her sister Shirley (1963). Her bravery in fighting cancer over the past three years was an inspiration to all who knew her. Marlene will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Windsor Chapel – Banwell (11677 Tecumseh Rd E), followed by a celebration of Marlene’s life at 4:00 p.m.

In memory of Marlene, donations can be made to the HDGH – Palliative Care (Changing Lives Together Foundation). Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at windsorchapel.com.

Elias Tabra

January 1, 1936 - November 30, 2024

Elias Tabra passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 30, 2024, at the age of 88. Devoted husband to Melada Abo-Zakhem, Elias was a beloved father to Lama (Steve) Pizzuti, Lamis (Mikail) Chahin, May Tabra, and Wael (Christine) Tabara. He was a cherished grandfather to Michael, Selena, Christopher Chahin, Syriana, and Elias Tabara.

Elias was predeceased by his parents, Sim’an and Salima Tabra, and siblings Fr. Michel, Dawud, Georgette, and others. He will be lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Elias was a distinguished Arabic Language Professor at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Damascus, Syria. He was deeply devoted to his faith, enjoyed reading, and was a regular card player at his local Tim Hortons and Church.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel – Banwell (11677 Tecumseh Rd E) on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Simeon Melkite Church on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Windsor Memorial Gardens.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in Elias’s memory may be made to the family, who will forward the funds to their chosen non-profit organization. Online condolences and memories may be shared at windsorchapel.com.

Peter Joseph Fitzgerald

August 7, 1937 - December 1, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Joseph Fitzgerald on December 1, 2024, at the age of 87. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Peter’s life was a testament to love, faith, and hard work. He passed away at the Village of Aspen Lake in Windsor, Ontario, surrounded by love.

Peter was the beloved husband of Barbara Fitzgerald (née Power) for 62 wonderful years. Proud father of Kevin (Lysa), John (Micaela), Marie, and Brian (Leslie) Fitzgerald. Loving Poppy to Jacob (Stephanie), Erik, Jodie, Jason (Olivia), Savannah, Charlotte, and Great Poppy to Thomas and Charlie. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Rosalie Fitzgerald (née Penney).

A lifelong learner, Peter earned his BSc in Computer Science and MBA while raising a young family. His career spanned various roles, from working in data processing to serving as Manager of U.S. and Canadian Payroll at Hiram Walker in Windsor. Upon retirement, Peter and Barbara enjoyed 27 winters in Florida, traveling, and being active in their community.

A devout member of the Parish of the Atonement Church, Peter was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, holding many leadership roles and serving his community with faith and generosity.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Windsor Chapel Banwell, 11677 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Atonement Church on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., followed by cremation. A private family interment will take place on Bell Island, NL, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Society, the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor, or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.windsorchapel.com.