Obituary of Muriel Elaine Pensa

PENSA, Muriel Elaine Peacefully at her home in London, Ontario, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, January 14th, 2005, at the age of 68. Elaine was the beloved wife of Claude, her husband of 46 years. A loving mother to her children Christine (Toronto), Victoria (Toronto), Marc (Lake Orion, MI) and Jonathan (Vancouver) and their spouses Blair Bowen, Michael Stewart, Lisa Pensa and Susan Pensa. Cherished Grandma to her 9 grandchildren, Emmett, Robert, Madison, Claudia, Allison, Emma, Monica, Francesca and Oscar. Proud sister of James Wettlaufer (London) & family [Mary Ellen (wife), Andy & Debbie]. Deeply missed by so many other relatives and dear friends, including the members of the London Ladies Literary League. Remembered fondly by the colleagues and community members she touched with her caring, compassion and tireless volunteer efforts. Since her early days as a teacher in the London system, program supervisor of the Continuing Education and Community Services Department at Fanshawe College, and as Judge of the Court of Canadian Citizenship, Elaine felt compelled to address social injustice in our community. Through a lifetime commitment to volunteerism Elaine changed attitudes and policies that marginalized members of London's diverse communities by championing such initiatives as the London Council for Services to Newcomers, Across Languages & Interpretation, London Multicultural Youth Association, Race Relations Alliance of Southwestern Ontario, Call to Action, London Race Relations Committee, Project 2000, the Feminist History Project, United Nations International Year of the Volunteer Steering Committee, Community Committee to Commemorate March 21st (the UN's Declaration for the Elimination of Discrimination), Hate Crime Bias Activity Steering Committee, Coalition for an Inclusive Community, The Gathering of Good Minds, London's Volunteer Sector Initiative and London Lawyers Feed the Hungry. Elaine was an inspirational force behind the Run for Ovarian Cancer, established two years ago, helping raise awareness about ovarian cancer and funds for research and education. Funeral service will be held at St. Peter's Basilica in London at 196 Dufferin Avenue at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 18th, 2005. Visitation will take place between 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Monday, January 17th, 2005 at Donohue Funeral Home at 362 Waterloo Street. In memory of Elaine, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Run for Ovarian Cancer, c/o 810 Maitland Street, Unit 5, London, Ontario, N5Y 5K3.