Whelan Funeral Home Ltd.

06/08/2026

Traditional Funerals:
The Farewell Moment and our Memory of Saying Goodbye to Them

One function of a funeral is to provide a dignified place where families and their guests can say their goodbyes with the support of one another.

Two key moments in the traditions that occur are:
• the closing of the casket
• the lowering of the casket into the ground

For individuals who were close to the deceased, these times represent the last opportunities they will have where they share the physical bonds that unite them with the deceased.

We remember, the last time we touch them, the last time we kissed them and the last time we will see them in their human form. These thoughts and images embed themselves into our human experience. We mourn our loss and reflect on the relationship we shared.

Funeral services include many intangibles, including the saying of goodbyes, which is so important when thinking about those we love.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

06/04/2026

Online Memorial Websites

People are utilizing the online world for communications of all types, more and more often. Funeral homes have provided websites that explain their services and contain their obituary listings. Social media pages are being used more frequently to share information with local communities.

Online memorials are another way to pay tribute to a loved one. They offer an easily accessible platform to share stories about the deceased while providing a place where messages can be left. An online memorial, in essence, is a community board, one which is reachable by anyone using the internet.

Some of these memorial pages and platforms are free, some carry a monthly subscription and some are available for a one-time payment. Each platform offers features which serve to highlight special memories from the life of a beloved. It is recommended to compare both costs and desired features when selecting a platform.

Some of the more common providers this service, in no particular order, follow:
• Forever Missed
• Never Gone
• MyKeeper
• Memories
• Remembered
• GatheringUs
• Tributes

With a quick search using key words: ‘’Online Memorial Websites’’ many providers for this service can be found. If you’re looking for a permanent online locale to share information, memorial websites are a natural extension of present day services when honouring someone close.

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/29/2026

05/27/2026

PLUNKETT, Daniel

Unexpectedly in Kingston on May 24, 2026 in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Janet Plunkett (nee Clements) for 56 years. Cherished father of Jamie (Natalie) and Melissa Mains (Jason). Proud grandfather of Kyla, Danny, Katie and Matthew.

Survived by his sister Penny Romeo (Tony) and sister-in-law of Carol Hrudey (Terry). Pre-deceased by his brothers Jack, George and Steve and his sister Joan.

Lovingly remembered by many nephews, nieces and friends.

Son of the late George and Laura (nee Stimson)

Dan was the business manager for the Ottawa Local 7 International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers until he retired in 2007. Since retiring, Dan and Janet traveled extensively, including trips to Holland, Belgium and France, three trips to Ireland, several Civil war trips where he had the opportunity to be an “extra” in the movie “Gettysburg” and his dream trip; Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach where his father landed in 1944. They spent every winter in the south as snowbirds, and when they were home, loved to entertain and spend time with friends and family – he never missed an opportunity to celebrate his grandchildren’s milestones and successes.

A very heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff in the intensive care unit of the Kingston General hospital. Their superb care for all of us will never be forgotten.

Friends are invited to pay respects to the family on Friday June 5, 2026 starting at 2 pm at the Bells Corners Legion Branch 593, 4026 Old Richmond Rd.
Prayer service led by Father Joe LeClair will commence at 3:30 pm followed by refreshments and a time to remember Dan and celebrate his life.

In memory of Dan, donations to the Arthritis Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488

05/25/2026

Keeping Your Family Together
Purchasing Family Plots, Reserving and Buying Adjoining Niches.

In the past, the decision to purchase a family plot was more automatic in nature. Families were bigger, traditional funerals and burials were more commonplace and there was less mobility from one generation to the next. Having an extra spot for an unmarried son or daughter was often part of the purchase decision. “They can go in the family plot.”

Times have changed, but given the choice, wouldn’t it be better if family can have a final resting place together? Many families are doing exactly this. Some purchase a family plot where either casket burials or cremation urns can be placed. They identify the location with a family monument, where the names of family members who are interred at the grave are inscribed on the memorial.

Sometimes families who choose cremation will purchase 2, 3 and sometimes more niche locations or urn garden spaces adjacent to one another. This keeps everyone together and makes it easier to visit in the future.

It takes a family discussion and a bit of planning to make this choice. If given options, wouldn’t it be better to be interred beside relatives, rather than people you don’t know?

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/20/2026

KEATLEY, Heather Gwynne

The family of Heather Gwynne Keatley (née Sprott) 83, of Ottawa, Ontario, sadly announces her passing on May 16, 2026. She was born on March 24, 1943, in Ottawa, the first child of Helen (née Pope) and Harold Sprott. Heather was first married to John Done (deceased) and had two children, Steve (m. Vicky) and Tracy (deceased). Her second husband was Gareth Keatley (deceased) with whom she had a close and strong connection.
Heather will be fondly remembered by family members with whom she developed and maintained close, loving relationships, in particular, her son Steve, and grandsons Sean (m. Ada) and James Done (Janice), children of her daughter Tracy. Heather is also survived by two other grandchildren, Steve’s children, Ben Done (m. Hhyejin) and Grace Done (Nick) ; her siblings and their children - Nora Wood (daughter Kelly and four children, and daughter Tricia and one daughter; Dee Dee Blake (daughter Andrea and two children, and daughter Dana (Mike) and two children) and Ian Sprott (m. Michele) (child, Emma).
Heather was always physically active - she took courses in general fitness, yoga, and aquafit, and went for walks most days. She worked for Imperial Oil for a number of years and applied her office skills to subsequent volunteer jobs. Heather’s artistic side was demonstrated in her ongoing enjoyment of painting, and participation in several choirs during her adult life. For the last two years, Heather enjoyed the loving company of Peter Stevens, a resident at The Ravines retirement home.
Heather was a lovely person who radiated a warm and positive energy.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE : Friends may join the family on Monday, May 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Ravines - 636 Prado Private, Nepean, Ontario

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

05/20/2026

Coping with Survivor’s Guilt

Sometimes the circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one have the survivor(s) experiencing guilt. Perhaps the death is accidental, a car accident for example. Some family members die and some live.

Not only are survivors experiencing grief, they are also questioning the fairness of what has happened. They are burdened with lingering questions such as, “Why them and why not me?” Could something have been done to have a different outcome? Self-blame is experienced and this complicates the griever’s ability to accept their loss.

Some strategies to cope include:
• Exercise self-compassion and patience. Know that what is being experienced can be managed.
• Allow emotions to be experienced such as guilt, sadness, anger and grief. Suppressing feelings can prolong the pain and the journey to heal from grief.
• Share feelings with trusted individuals who are compassionate to your experience. Being part of a community can provide a sense of relief.
• If struggling or unable to cope, support from a mental health professional may be needed. They possess the training and have experience with others who have also experienced loss. They can provide strategies to help better manage grief and overcome survivor's guilt.

Some individuals choose to channel their feelings of guilt to stoke their own desire to make a difference in someone else’s life. For some the act of helping others brings immense benefits to them - providing new purpose and meaning to their life.

Anne DeButte
Grief Coach and Podcaster
“Let’s Talk About Grief with Anne”

© Whelan Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/16/2026

ARTEMIEFF, Vera
1923-2026

Vera Artemieff is at peace and on new adventures. She left us, May 12 2026 and is finally reunited with her beloved husband, Svetislav Artemieff; her first born, Catherine, and her last born, John (Suzanne Artemieff), leaving her daughter Mary (Michael Moroska) and her grandchildren Matthew (Melanie Hugron) and Maxim (Stephanie Asmar) to carry on. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral (15 Lebreton St. N.). Viewing is at 12:00. Service is at 13:00. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to PAWS Canada, MIRA or any dog-related charity. A deep appreciation for the compassionate care Vera received at Alta Vista Manor in Ottawa.
https://give-can.keela.co/paws-main-donation-form
https://www.mira.ca/en/donate

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

05/16/2026

MARLIN, Randal R. A.
1938 - 2026

Died on May 15, 2026 at the age of 88 years. Dear husband of Elaine (née O’Brien), a wonderful partner for 57 years. Loving and proud father of Christine (Michael), Alex, Gregory (Maria), Nicholas (Anna), Laura, and Margie (Myles).
Randal was an inspiration to his children for his intellectual curiosity and learning, his religious faith and commitment to social justice and community activism, and notably, his great sense of fun and adventure. Fond grandfather of Carl, Eric, Catherine, Evelyn, Marlin and Theodore.
Randal was very close to his siblings and parents: Brigid, John (Alice), and Lis (Cliff), and Olga and Sheila who predeceased him. Parents Spike Marlin (d. 1994) and Hilda van Stockum (d. 2006) were a strong influence.
He will be greatly missed by his O’Brien in-laws, especially Archbishop Brendan O’Brien (retired), Michael (Marie), Gregory (Beth), Rosemary, Nora, and Edward, recently deceased (Michelle).
Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, McGill, Oxford, University of Toronto (where he completed his PhD) and the Institute for American Universities in Aix-en-Provence, as well as studies with Jacques Ellul in Bordeaux, all were formative in his development as a philosopher, and academic.
Randal taught in the philosophy department at Carleton University until the age of 84. Best known for his course on Truth and Propaganda and his book Propaganda and the Ethics of Persuasion.
He was a thoughtful and loyal friend, staying in touch with numerous and varied comrades, often over many decades. Playing fiddle with various musical groups gave him immense pleasure. So did writing letters to the editor.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 21 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Whelan Funeral Home, 515 Cooper St. (between Bay & Lyon). A funeral mass will take place at St. Patrick’s Basilica, Kent at Nepean St., on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10 o’clock. A time of refreshment & fellowship follow in the Parish hall.

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html

05/14/2026

ROBERGE, Roger Adrien
(Professor Geography- University of Ottawa)

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Dr. Roger A. Roberge, who died peacefully on April 29, 2026, at the age of 86 years.
Roger is the loving husband and best friend of Doris (nee Lamontagne). Devoted father of Roger Jr. (Nancy), Jonathan (Angela) and Alicia (Tim). Loving grandfather or Pépére to Nathan, Marissa, Jude, Russell and Tess.
He was the son of Archille Roberge & Adrienne (nee Bibeau). Dear brother of Leo and Roland Roberge. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Roger was a Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Ottawa, where he devoted decades of his life to teaching since 1964. He was deeply respected by colleagues and admired by generations of students.
Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass to take place in downtown Ottawa at: Notre Dame Cathedral -385 Sussex Dr., (between St. Patrick and Guigues), across from the National Gallery.
Date/Time: Thursday, May 28th at 2:00pm. A reception will follow the Mass at the Cathedral.
Dr. Roger Roberge will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father and Pépére, for his dedication as an educator, his quiet wisdom, and the many lives he enriched through his work and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the Glebe Centre long-term care facility.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/19868

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html