Obituary of Cecilia Whaley

<h1>Cecilia Whaley</h1> (nee Zettell) 1921 – 2009 Eldest daughter of Herbert M. and Annie (Robson) Zettell died peacefully on February 9, 2009 at Lanark Heights, Kitchener. Cecilia was the beloved wife of the late John (Jack) M. Whaley, who predeceased her in 1970. Precious mother of Marianne Ackland, Jay Whaley (Lorraine), Richard Whaley (Teresa), Patricia Crosby (Gary), Mark Whaley (Charlotte), Kasey Locke (Steven) and Janice Buttee (Gary). Delightful grandmother to Kristin, Amanda, Ben, Tyler, Luke, Courtney, Karen, Jake, Jordan, Craig, Sharon, Sarah, Jessica, Brian, Adam and Christien. Great-grandmother to Alex, Natasha, Skylar, Ashlee, Indigo, Jack, Ava, Cairo, Evan and Lily-May. Cecilia was predeceased by her brothers, John and Walter Zettell, and her sisters, Georgina Zinger and Rose Lee. She will be greatly missed by her surviving sister, Kathleen Grundy, and her brother Jerome Zettell and her many very dear friends. Cecilia said her life was an adventure. Married in 1940, she had her first child in 1943 and her last in 1955. During these years she became a Brownie Leader at St. Michael’s Church in Waterloo, as well as a member of the Catholic Women’s League and Christian Mother’s Society. After the war, she became a member of the 404 Wing Ladies’ Auxiliary, of which she was still a member at her death and the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. Following the death of her husband, Cecilia took up the reins of Jack Whaley Cleaners and ran the business for several years until ill health caused her to close up shop. She then started to travel eagerly in Europe and Asia. While on a trip to India, Cecilia visited Father Abraham’s Orphanage in the mountains of Khatmandu, where she adopted seven children (one for each of her own children) whom she sponsored until they were old enough to look after themselves. Her only regret was not going to China. The Whaley family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Maple Neighbourhood at Lanark Heights for the tender and loving care given to our Mom during her stay. God bless all of you. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held at St. Michael’s RC Church, 240 Hemlock St. (at University Ave.), Waterloo, on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11 a.m., the Rev. Cornelius J. O’Mahoney as celebrant. Reception to immediately follow in the Parish Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul can be arranged through the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St., Waterloo, www.ergbood.com or 519-745-8445. In living memory of Cecilia, a donation will be made to the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.