Obituary of Agnes Jane Dulong
Agnes ‘Jane’ Dulong, of St Catharines, passed away on August 20, 2024 at the St. Catharines Site of Niagara Health at the age of 92. The exceptional care and kind hearts of the staff helped her passage to heaven be as peaceful as possible.
Cherished daughter of Jack and Maude (Cunningham) Gallagher. Growing up mainly on Wolseley Avenue she enjoyed beautiful friendships with all of the Fitzpatrick family throughout her life. Predeceased by her husband, John (2015) who was the only one that got to call her ‘Aggie’. Loving mother of 5 children, Sharon, Marilyn, Stephen (Alexis), Philip (Michelle) and Susan. Most awesome grandmother of 12 beautiful grandchildren, Sydney (Joe), Isaac, Ryley (Becky), Ashley, Nicole, Hayden, Nathalie, Andre, Monique, Xavier, Luca, and Gemma. Super special great grandmother (GiGi) to twins, Emme and Rio xox Our mom was the best mom anyone could ever wish for. She loved us all unconditionally. She loved all people unconditionally, always. Her smiling, welcoming kindness and zest for life reached many souls throughout her lifetime and will be cherished by each and every one.
She was a lifelong member of St Catherines of Alexandria Cathedral and celebrated 60 years with the CWL there. Jane attended Loretto Academy in Niagara Falls. Her career began in banking but she quickly learned where her passions lie. She entered nursing school at St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Her treasured friends from there remained part of her life to this day. Joyce (Bill), Fran (Bill) and Joan (Morris) were our constant companions at the annual Grape and Wine Festival Parade, along with friends, Robbie and Bobby Ann. She specialized in Paediatrics at Hotel Dieu Hospital for many years and paused to raise her family. The next phase of her career saw her join her daughter, Marilyn, at Mack School of Nursing where Jane took the refresher course and focused on occupational health and geriatric nursing until the end of her career. Jane was one of the founding leaders of the Niagara Region Right to Life that began in 1977. She remained an active member for many years. Throughout her entire adult life, Jane was a proud member of the Merry Makers, a solid group of friends who supported each other throughout their lives with frolic and laughter. We all witnessed our mother’s ‘turn’ to host the lively monthly group that never missed a gathering for decades. Her and John were ferocious card players, having a Sunday night league and regular games in between with Knights of Columbus and other friends. It drove our dad crazy that our mom would win the most loner hand trophy when she just chatted her way through the games! They also brought the game ‘marbles’ into play early in our lives and we all enjoy playing with our families and friends. Friday night at home was games night followed by popcorn and favourite TV shows. No wonder we are still all addicted to popcorn!
Our mom had the traveling bug, from Turkey to Ireland, Egypt to the Holy Land, to England and France (her favourite and most frequented city in the world was Paris, last trip 2018), the Oberammergau Passion Play was one of many enjoyed with Ineke Brinkman travel. Most recently, at the grand age of 84, she hiked almost 100 km of the Camino walk in 4 days with several of her family.
Throughout these last four years, Jane moved to the Mount Carmel Retirement Home and then into the United Mennonite Home in Vineland, due to advancing dementia. Her shining spirit always shone through. We are greatly appreciative of the expert and loving staff at both places. She could not have been better cared for in either. God called her home peacefully with her family holding her hands and surrounding her with love. The family invites you to celebrate her life at George Darte Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 585 Carlton St for visitation on Monday, August 26 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherines of Alexandria Cathedral 3 Lyman St at 1:30pm Tuesday, August 27. Reception to follow the Mass at Rodman Hall, 109 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines. All are welcome.
Memorial donations can be made to Niagara Region Right to Life or Wells of Hope.