Ethel Whitney

February 20, 1936 – July 26, 2026

Ethel Catharine Madeline Whitney went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Sunday July 26, 2026. The daughter of Norman and Catharine (Cairns) Whitney of Severn Township and beloved sister to George (predeceased) and Joan (Rev. Edwin) Smart. Devoted Aunt to Jennifer Smart, Jeffery (Jeanna) Smart, Emilee (Christopher) Thiessen, Evan (Christine) Smart, and GREAT Aunt to eight. She was a dear cousin and friend to many.

After graduating from ODCVI, Ethel briefly taught in the one room schoolhouse in Mount Stephen. She then changed paths and spent the rest of her career in secretarial and missionary fields, working at National Grocers, One Mission Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship and as school secretary at Orillia Christian School from 1979 to 2001 where she was loved by the staff and students. Following retirement Ethel volunteered at the Orillia library and hospital and at Camp Crossroads. She was an active member of the Christian Fellowship Chapel since its opening. She sang in choirs and led many Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible Schools and Backyard Bible Clubs. She loved to share Jesus with children and brought countless to a relationship with Him.

Ethel will be remembered for her quick dry wit that never left her. She loved cats, traveling, reading, her little spot in the country, and never said “No” to ice cream. Most of all she loved her Lord, big brother, little sister, family, and friends. She will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Christian Fellowship Chapel, Severn, Sunday August 2 @ 2pm with visitation and reception to follow.

Thank you to the staff at Spencer House for their care over the last 15 months. If desired, donations can be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship.