Obituary of Anita Whelan

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Anita Gertrude Whelan (McCabe), wife of Fred Whelan. Her death occurred on July 10, 2016 at Rocmaura Nursing Home. Anita was born on January 3, 1929 in Stanhope, PEI and was the daughter of the late Thomas J.W. McCabe and Gertrude (MacAulay). In addition to her husband of 63 years, Anita is survived by: her sons Dr. John (Dr. Margaret MacCallum) Whelan of Saint John and their children Dr. Alex, Jennifer and Jonathan; and Dr. Tom (Heather) Whelan of Saint John and their son Padraic; and her daughters Beth Whelan of Saint John; and Dr. Anne Marie Whelan (Gregory Drodge) of Dartmouth and children Mitchell and Stacey; and her oldest grandchild Kathleen Chapman. Also survived by sisters Clare Weatherbie (Jack deceased) and Sister Laura CSM and brother Joseph (Miriam) McCabe and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Anita was predeceased by her first born child Janice Marion Chapman (mother of Kathleen). Also by sisters and spouses Mary and Ignatious Murphy, Marion and Reginald McDonald, Agatha and Bill Whelan, Kathleen and Maurice Creed and Caroline and Courtney MacDonald. Anita was a woman of strong faith, a member of the Our Lady of the Assumption Church. She attended Prince of Whales College and St. Dunstan's University and was a Medical Technologist. She had a strong sense of style and was a gifted seamstress until afflicted by debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Anita handled her disease with grace and dignity and was an example to all. She was one of the first volunteers of Romero House Soup Kitchen and throughout her life quietly sought to help those in need. Thanks to special care givers Hazel Clarke and Debbie Hewey as well as the staff of Rocmaura Nursing Home. To Monsignor Brian Sheehan for his ongoing and unwavering spiritual support over the years...a heartfelt Thank You. The family is also so very grateful to Dr. Chris O'Brien for his compassionate care of Anita over these many years. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, Fallsview Chapel, 309 Lancaster Ave. with visitation on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm from Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Dufferin Row. Reception to follow at Castle Fallsview Reception Centre. Private family Internment at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Whelan Family Pharmacy Award, Romero House or charity of one’s choice. www.castlefh.com