Obituary of Tena Brunelle

BRUNELLE, Tena Marie Born, January 1, 1958. It is with great sadness we announce the tragic death of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Tena Brunelle, 63. Struck by a vehicle while walking on a sidewalk in London, Ontario, Friday January 8, 2021. Known for her big smile and cheery laugh, her sweet sense of humour helped make light of things when the situation needed it. Tena loved the outdoors and walked everyday covering many kilometers each week, wearing her trademark hand-knit sweater to keep her warm. Tena was born in Campbellford, Ontario and the family moved to Springfield then to Aylmer in the early 1960's when her father (Paul Brunelle Sr.) was working on the construction of the new Highway 401. She attended Assumption Catholic School and East Elgin Secondary School. She had many good friends growing up and cherished memories of Debbie McKinnon (Leblanc), Lynne Cooreman (Versnick), Rhonda Sprague (Odanski), and Rita Ruth among others. Shortly after leaving high school, Tena met and married Tom Wilson, the mandolin player from a local bluegrass band Shady Grove. Good music and fun times - a memorable time in her life. During this time, she gave birth to her first daughter Renée. The marriage didn't last and Tena became a single mother, jumping many hurdles to make ends meet. Always with a smile and an optimistic attitude she became best friends with Rowan Poots. Tena, Rowan and Renée moved to Calgary to start a new life together. There were many people from this area who made that same journey and they were lucky to have the support and friendship when they arrived. Tena's daughter Jessica was born and Tena's life was so full and happy. Becoming homesick they moved back and settled in London, Ontario in the mid 1980's. She and Rowan went their separate ways when their children were grown. Tena never remarried but always kept an optimistic attitude. At times there were struggles but she worked hard to overcome them. She focused on her grandchildren and new great-grandson and they helped to bring her joy. She found COVID lock downs were especially lonely and difficult. For many years Tena was a volunteer at The Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Hamilton Road, London which helps community homeless and families in need. A donation of your volunteer time or a donation in her memory would be a wonderful way to support what she was passionate about. Tena leaves her daughters Renée Wilson (Richard Balsdon) and Jessica Poots (Devon Bond); grandchildren Trinity Loucks, Nadine Wilson, Joshua Bond and Layla Bond; great-grandson Banks (Boobis) Henry; and her loving kitty Honey. Brothers Michael (Cindy) Brunelle, Paul (Susan) Brunelle, Philip (Cleo) Brunelle and sisters Michelle (Paul) Barrett and Pamela Brunelle. Stepmother Myrtle Brunelle, along with many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by younger sister Christine (2010) and parents Patricia Brunelle (1999) and Paul Brunelle (2010). Tena will be cremated with a private service for immediate family and a livestream public service taking place Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12 noon at Donahue Funeral Home in London, Ontario. donohuefuneralhome.ca Published on January 13, 2021 Those who wish to join the live streaming of Tena's service on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:00pm may do so by copying the following link into your browser https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b0f11d70-4cae-41c7-bdb5-5b812cd77c60