Elizabeth Whelan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabth B. R. Whelan on August 31st, 2024. Fondly referred to as “Liz” by all those who adored her, she was born in Newark, New Jersey in September 1940, to Gabriel and Josephine Riggio.

Elizabeth passed away at her ‘forever’ home on August 31st in her beloved city of Toronto. She was the beloved wife of Peter Whelan and the cherished sister to her two brothers Donald Riggio and Joseph Riggio.

Elizabeth was devoted to her husband Peter who she met while working at the 1967 Montreal World Expo. Following his passing in 1999, Elizabeth found new meaning and passion in numerous social events and community initiatives, whether local in nature or more global in their aspirations. In all that she did, Elizabeth embraced life with a level of energy and sensitivity that made her such a remarkable person.

Elizabeth was loved and cherished by so many in her community, her eagerness to support others was ever present and her desire to stand with others was evident in all that she did, whether through her Church vigils and celebrations, her environmental initiatives or maintaining that a City and it’s neighborhood should exemplify the best qualities in a community.

Elizabeth could cook like no other, for if you were fortunate enough to be invited to lunch or dinner, the meal she prepared was often a sheer delight. It was often commented by guests, much to her delight and amusement, that the world should be so lucky as to sample Elizabeths culinary creations.

Elizabeth’s genuine kindness and love of her family and friends will endure forever in the hearts and minds of all those that were so privileged to known her.

There will be a Memorial Mass in remembrance of Elizabeth, followed by a gathering of family and friends on Sunday November 10th, 2024, from 11am (doors open at 10.30am) at Monsignor Fraser Annex, 700 Markham Street, Toronto, ON. Please RSVP attendance to the following email address la.watson1972@gmail.com