WHALEN, Mark Edward

WHALEN, Mark Edward - August 8th 1957 - January 11th 2013 The Whalen family announces with sorrow Mark's untimely passing in Newmarket, Ontario on January 11, 2013 at the age of 55. Mark is survived by his parents Gordon and Betty Whalen (nee Letendre) of Sudbury, his in-laws Alfea and Gino Rovinelli of Sudbury, Ontario; the beloved husband of Paola Whalen (nee Rovinelli) of Newmarket and father to his beautiful children Tyler and Amanda. He will be greatly missed by his sister Donna Larone (Barry) of Sudbury and brothers Terry (Toby) of London, John (Donna) of Garson and Tim of Sudbury, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Mark was born in Sudbury where he attended St. Charles College. He later attended both Laurentian and Western Universities and obtained his teaching certification from Nipissing in North Bay. He enjoyed a successful teaching career which began in Sudbury, continued in Elliot Lake and concluded with the York Region Catholic School Board. Mark taught at St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School in Newmarket for the last 25 years. Mark was a wonderful, passionate and devoted educator. He excelled in many sports such as hockey, baseball and golf and enjoyed music, poetry and reading. He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, renovating his home and sharing his humorous and insightful poetry and stories with colleagues and family. Mark loved golfing with his dad, brothers, and family members. He meticulously organized the fiercely contested, annual family golf tournaments. Above all, Mark was a loving, giving person and a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and son-in-law. He was a loyal friend to many and will be deeply missed by all. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 1250 Barrydowne Road in Sudbury, Ontario. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mark are asked to consider the Canadian Mental Health Association.