ADELE “DELLA” MARIE CONDON
(CARLOW)
September 11 1938 – November 11, 2021
With tremendous sadness we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Adele.
Adele leaves behind Bernard, her husband of 64 years. She was a loving mother to Don Condon (Kim deceased), David Condon (Karen), Tammy Condon (Lexi). Adele (“Nana”) is survived by her grand children that she loved beyond measure: Ryan Ovenden (Cassie); Larissa Ovenden; Sean Ovenden. Tyler Condon (Alanna); Cody Condon. Meghan Beier (Nick); Brian Condon, Jimmy Condon. As well, “GG” is survived by her handsome great-grandchildren, Lincoln Ovenden and Finley Beier.
Adele was predeceased by her loving parents Rae and Katie Carlow (Houlihan); brother Elmer (Genevieve); sisters Madeleine Keating (Don), Bunny O’Grady (David), and Kathy Levasseur (Phonse). Adele had many happy times with the Condon clan and their families.
Adele loved and was loved by her many nieces and nephews and special cousin, Helen Edwards. She appreciated all the kindness shown to her in the phone calls, letters, and country garden treats from her extended family.
Adele and Bernard met in Douro, and were married there at St. Joseph’s Church. They eventually settled in their first home on Malaga Road in Oshawa, a short walk to General Motors for Bernard’s career, and a house to raise an extended family that included tenants like Bob and Clara Brasier, Pete Clark, and the Islanders: Armand and Gert LeClair that became family friends. Once Donnie, David and Tammy were all in school, Adele went back to school to become a Registered Nursing Assistant training at the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital. She was hired by the hospital and brought her sense of compassion, humour, and integrity to the patients and co-workers. Adele left the hospital setting to work with, and show her love to, the Special Needs children in the Durham Catholic School Board. She spent time at St. John the Evangelist School in Whitby, and joined forces with Brenda Parke at St. Christopher’s School in Oshawa. With Brenda and Adele, a dynamic duo was formed. The children were taught life skills, and were engaged in Special Olympics activities that Brenda and Adele helped organize.
The Oshawa home was a welcoming home, one where many nieces and nephews could find a place to stay in the summer while working at the Motors, and where friends of the children always found an extra potato in the pot, and there was always a warm welcome, especially for the Hruska family.
Adele and Bernard had a travel bug that took them to Australia to visit friends Euan and Marlene Perry, Hawaii, Ireland, Florida, New Orleans, and the West Coast of America and Canada (making sure to stop in to see Ira and Brenda Lewis and family) and many trips to P.E.I. to see their adopted family in North Rustico. While at home, Adele loved gathering socially with friends, and many card games and laughs were shared with Doug and Marg Thackeray and family. Adele enjoyed trying activities that were not available to her as a youngster. She took up skiing (specializing in “chaleting”) and had many attempts at learning to swim in the backyard pool (specializing in sinking). She enjoyed the excitement of crowds at a concert and was known to quip after seeing Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, and Pope John Paul II that, “I’ve seen the King, the Boss, and the Pope- I can go in peace.”
Adele and Bernard left Oshawa to return to Douro and built a home together on a part of the Condon farmland. Adele enjoyed her time with the Douro CWL ladies, and enjoyed the companionship from many old and new friends that Adele and Bernard made in Douro.
Adele and Bernard made the decision to move into Peterborough to have greater access to services and found a spot on Monaghan Road. At this new home, like all the other homes, there was always room for guests and visitors, a workshop for Bernard to putter in, and ample room for Adele’s flowers and plants.
After seeing Jimmy Buffet the first time, Adele embraced the Parrothead vibe, became more familiar with Buffet songs and was heard to quote Jimmy by saying about her journey, “Some of its magic, some its tragic, but I’ve had a good life along the way.” Adele will be missed dearly by family that are friends, and by friends that she made feel like family.
A special thank you to the nurses and caregivers arranged through the SE Health Palliative Care organization, and the care and guidance provided by Doctor Beamish and Doctor Moore.
Funeral service will be held at the Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road on Monday, November 15th at 10am. Proof of double vaccination and valid photo ID are required for entry. Interment to follow at St Joseph’s Cemetery, in Douro.
Adele would want us to take care of each other, hold somebody’s hand, share a story (and not leave out any details), tend to the flowers, and to gather together with family and friends for a meal. If so desired, donations can be made to one’s charity of choice.
Online condolences may be left at AshburnhamFuneral.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Adele Condon Carlow Thursday November 11th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario