CHENETTE, Willa Elaine (Irwin) - Elaine (Irwin) Chenette, born February 21, 1929, passed peacefully at Southlake Village Longterm Care Facility, Newmarket on January 20, 2021, in her 92nd year.
Willa was the only child of Cleve and Hazel Irwin of Rosemont, Ontario where she was raised on her parents' family farm. She had many aunts, uncles and cousins that were an important part of her childhood. She attended Bantom Memorial High School in Alliston, Ontario and developed to become a fun-loving, strong, independent woman.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Gerry Chenette (1994), who she met when she left the farm to work and live in Toronto. He was the love of her life.
Willa is survived by her children Joan (Guy) Burgess, Marie (Bruce) Perrier, Richard (Kathleen) and Peter (Karen).
She enjoyed her grandchildren Chad, Jenny, Kathryn, Michael, Jeremy Kristin and Lucas. She was a Great Grandmother of 10. She was also a beloved Aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Willa was a hard worker and a longtime employee of Eaton’s Canada in Toronto. She moved to Eaton's at the Newmarket location when it opened at Upper Canada Mall. She and Gerry had moved from Toronto, to King City and finally Aurora where they both retired. She established and maintained many friendships through her work, especially the one with Jan Bonin, who remained a faithful, and much loved friend over many years. Willa loved her Aurora neighbours and was significantly supported by them after Gerry’s passing. She was very grateful.
In the early days, Willa loved to dance with Gerry, jiving to the Big Band sounds and pop music of their time. As a senior, she particularly enjoyed country music and became a devoted Shania Twain follower, complete with Shania T-shirts advertising her enthusiasm.
She was also an ardent hockey and baseball enthusiast and could name the players of her favourite teams by heart. She was an animal lover and took great pleasure in the company of her pets, especially Ritchie and Minoo. It was a love she passed on to her children.
We would like to thank the many Health Care Providers at Park Place Manor and the Southlake Village Long Term Care facility, who lovingly supported Willa in her final years. A private burial will be on January 27th, 2021 and Willa will be laid to rest with her beloved Gerry. A funeral mass and celebration of Willa’s life will be held at a future date when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, and given the current pandemic, donations to the Newmarket Food Pantry and Southlake Village Long Term Care Facility Newmarket would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Thompson funeral home, Aurora.
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