LaLONDE, Catherine “Rena” (nee Donaldson)
August 10, 1928 – June 30, 2024
Mom has shouted “BINGO!” for the last time. Rena (or “Auntie” – as many called her) died peacefully in her sleep at the young age of 95, only 41 days shy of her 96th birthday. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Rena was the middle of 11 children. She is predeceased by her parents James and Martha, her 10 siblings John, Mattie, twins May & Nan, Jim, Tess, Josephine, Grace, Ted, and Frank, her grandson Johnny (in 2023), and the two loves of her life – John Love and Daniel Lalonde.
Mom moved to Canada in 1958. She lived in Vancouver and Toronto but eventually settled in Whitby in 1967, where she provided daycare for many kids over the years. She was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed watching tennis and soap operas. She loved a good dry joke and country and western music, and a wee nibble of cheese.
She is survived by children Cathy (Al), John (Bev), and Danielle (Masud); grandkids Matt (Teresa), Justin (Kelly), Nabeela (Reaj), and Mashiat (Sajid); great-grandkids Madison, Ethan, Madison, Landon, Fallon, Aidan, and Miles; special nieces Ellen, Yvonne, Terri, Maureen, and families.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Fairview Lodge, where Mom resided for the past few years. Their care and love, especially through Covid and lockdowns, made her feel safe, and we are forever grateful for you.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Operation Smile.
Visitation will be at W.C. Town Funeral Chapel (110 Dundas St E, Whitby) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, followed by a Catholic Mass in the chapel, then burial at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery (Rossland Rd and Civic Centre Drive, Whitby). Nibblies and social time to follow at Charley Ronick’s (3050 Rossland Rd, Whitby).