With heartfelt sorrow we announce the death of Patricia (Trish) Elizabeth Antonucci (nee Williams), on December 4th, 2021 and simultaneously celebrate her time with us. As wife and cherished partner of Peter Antonucci, precious daughter of Elmer (Pete) and Henrietta Williams, she was treasured by her brother Peter and sister-in-law Carol Williams (Smith), loved by her nephew Peter Matthew Williams and niece Leanne Morris (Williams), and by her grand nieces and nephews; Peyton, Lucas, Rachel, Josh and Paxtyn. As Peter’s soul mate, Trish was quickly embraced as an Antonucci family member. In a myriad of ways, she blessed all of them with her lively and engaging nature and commitment to them.
From Patricia’s earliest days as a newborn in Chapleau, Ontario on March 4th, 1954, she brought joy into the home of the young Williams family. She grew up in a household filled with positive stimulation and character-building lessons. Early summers were spent at the family cottage on Black Lake, Perth ON where Trish experienced her joy of boating which provided her with the means to socialize with all the young people on the lake. Her Dad’s joie de vivre and her Mom’s sensibilities gave her the appropriate set of ‘guard rails’ and ‘leash-length’ needed to experience personal, social and professional opportunities and challenges with an innate confidence, strength and clarity few people posses.
After attending Rideau High School and completing her formal education at Carleton University and Ottawa Teacher’s College, Trish quickly translated her schooling and talents into what became a passion for public broadcasting and a valued career at CBC. Her clear thinking, collaborative nature, superior writing and strong communication talents led her up the ranks in human resource development to positions influencing the Corporation’s workplace hiring, equity and behavior policies programs. It also earned her the respect and trust of many colleagues who eventually became some of her dearest friends.
Together, Peter and Trish crafted a beautiful home and social environment built around shared tastes in art, friendships, travel, and boating. They spent a considerable amount of their most treasured time with close friends and family plying Ontario’s heritage waterways with the steady hand of Captain Trish at the helm, the navigating prowess of Peter selecting routes, and the attentive eyes of their Schnauzer, Chelsea, ever on alert. So much was their magic elixir of navigational competence, stylish marine attire, and jovial demeanor evident during these voyages, that they were treated akin to ‘Cruising Royalty’ by many of the lock and dock masters ensuring their safe passage.
Many personality traits shaped and polished through life experiences made Trish a treasure for those who knew her. Her clarity of thought, readiness to confront challenges, empathetic ear, meticulous eye for detail, quick and dry wit, and sensitive emotional IQ made her a beautiful person to know. Trish had many close and treasured friends, who were with her and Peter during her battle with cancer and in her final days. Many of them travelled from far-flung places across North America to share precious last moments and much love with this very special lady. Ottawa’s incredible medical support team – doctors, home care nurses – unselfishly provided amazing care during Trish’s cancer treatment and in her final palliative stage.
When our tears of sadness over Trish’s passing eventually subside, may we all replace them with moments of spontaneous smiles and tears of joy spent with ‘the cutest girl that Chapleau’ ever produced. As one of Trish’s friends so aptly expressed:
“A friend of mine once said that she believed when people cross over, they bring all the love they had in life with them. Be prepared to carry a heavy load, my dear friend, because you’ve been so loved.”
A visitation will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON) on Tuesday, December 14th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A celebration of life will take place on December 15th, 2021 at 1pm, followed by the inurnment. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Trish’s memory.
*Due to COVID restrictions, please ensure proof of vaccination upon arrival*
My deepest condolences to you Peter. I have the fondest memories of Trish's bubbly personality and laughter from fun times spent with the both of you and Michael along with my parents(Murray and Brenda). Take care!