Predeceased by husband Frank in 2008, and sister Carol in 2018. Survived by son Terry (Janis) and son Mike (Cherie), five precious grandchildren, Fiona, Jack, Frank, Elley & Jenney, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
" Born December 22, 1939, in the middle of London, England, three months after the Second World War began. My mother was left at home with two-year-old Carol and newborn me while dad worked as a skilled tool and dye maker making armaments. Mothers with babies this young were offered the opportunity to leave London and evacuate to safer areas billeting with families in the North. My mother refused to leave my father, so they spent the war in London spending many, many hours in bomb shelters. Many, many hours ballroom dancing as well! Rations were very scarce, but they somehow made do.
After the war we emigrated to Canada in 1948, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax. We ended up in Hamilton. I attended Westdale Secondary school, graduating from grade 13 in 1959. My parents emigrated to Michigan while I was in grade 10. Not wanting to leave my school and friends, I was able to stay with my best friend Judy Spragg and her family until I graduated. Still not wanting to leave Canada, I decided to go into nursing training at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, halfway to where my parents and sister were in Michigan.
After graduation in 1962, I finally moved to Michigan and worked at a hospital in Grosse Pointe. Meanwhile, going back and forth between there and London in my little red Pontiac Tempest to party with friends, I met and soon fell in love with Frank who was a second lieutenant in the Canadian Military police. We married in 1964. Then the adventure began! Over the next 26+ years, we had 7 postings across Canada, 2 years in England and one year in Gaza. I joined him there for six months and left 5 months before the war there in 1967. Meanwhile I worked, primarily in operating rooms, ERs & ICUs in 8 hospitals, welcomed the amazing gift of son Terry in 1969 and then Michael was born 18 months later in 1970. In the early 90s I finally received my BScN degree from the University of Ottawa. In 1998, I took the opportunity to retire from my VP position at Riverside Hospital as three of the Ottawa hospitals amalgamated. Frank, now retired, also allowed us to travel extensively, often with dear friends Grace & Brian Kent. We spent winters exploring Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, and cruising around South America. After Frank’s passing in 2008, I discovered the luxuries of river cruising in Europe. It has been a wonderful and fulfilling life. "
Friends are invited to gather and celebrate Zenia's life on Wednesday September 11th, 2024 at the Borden & Fleming Suites of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Care Ottawa - May Court Hospice will be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Albert White
Susan Phaneuf
Wow! What an extraordinary life - and woman! I thought I knew Zenia, having met her several times - as well as Frank- , during their passage in Montreal visiting Frank’s cousin Madeleine (who is also cousin to my recently late husband Marc Phaneuf). But I had really no idea of what her childhood and early marriage were like! Terry and Michael and the five grandchildren must be VERY proud of Zenia - and her beloved husband, Frank, who had a fantastic outgoing personality.
My sincere condolences to you all,
Susan Phaneuf
Susan Leigh
I'm very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Shirley Westeinde
I am a nursing classmate of Zenia, so I have known her since 1959. We had 81 classmates, and Zenia participated in everyone of them. She was the main organizer of our 50th reunion here in Ottawa. She had amazing organizational skills, and was so competent. We went on several cruises together, and I like our other classmates will miss her very much.
Marybeth Freele, nee Doherty
Zenia was such a lovely person, so very kind and considerate. It was a pleasure to work with her in our nursing days.
Mary Carnie
What a great gal. Our friendship began at Gartshore Nurses Residence in September 1959. Our lives took very different directions but we kept in close touch throughout the years. I miss her already!
Christine Beelen
I knew Zenia during her time as a volunteer with The May Court Club of Ottawa where she took on the important position of the Property Management Director on the Board. She took care of the building, guiding its contractors and caretaker with dedication and good humour. Answering calls and dealing with all the challenges of a 1929 building with multiple uses.
Her creativity was also on display in our Aberdeen Artisans Committee where she knit and painted and encouraged people to share their talents. I did not know Zenia for a long time but I enjoyed all our time together at events and meetings and social gatherings. I learned her story at the Memoir Writing Class we attended and marvelled at the life she led. I will miss her spirit and love of life. I extend my sincere sympathies to her family who she loved so very much.
Sue McDonald
I have fond memories of working with Zenia in her many nursing leadership roles at the Riverside Hospital. Her organizational skills and high standards in ensuring quality care for our patients made her an excellent role model for all of the nursing staff. I send my condolences to her family.
Cheryl Cable
Mike and family. My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. She had an incredible life & she will be missed by all of you. Thinking of you.
Sharon Rodgers
I knew Zenia for a short time at the MayCourt and in that time bonded with a fellow nurse and wonderful human being…so easy to know!
As I have Covid I was unable to be there on Tuesday which I really regret.
To her family I send my condolences.
I married Frank"s cousin Joyce Leigh in 1966. Over the years we saw them occasionally when they came to Ottawa or Montreal but after they came to Ottawa we saw them frequequently and travelled together, After Frank died we saw Zenis often and after Joyce died I played bridge with Zania with Joan and John MAC GUINNESS She will be sadly missed'
Zenia and Frank were very good friends and we met frequently and travelled widely together. After Joyce died my friendship with Zenia continued and for a while we played bridge with Joan and John MacGuinness. She will be sadly missed.missed,