(submitted by Julia Geerts)
Elizabeth Whelan (1909–1998) emigrated from the United Kingdom around 1956 with Frank and Joan Morgan and family. They lived for a time in Sarnia and then moved to 8673 Egremont Rd. east of Arkona Rd. Miss Whelan taught at St. Christopher Catholic School at the corner of Hwy 79 and 7 from 1961 to 1963. She instructed 37 students from grades one to eight.
Miss Whelan’s favourite motto was “Cheer up. You will soon be dead!” All students were scolded with “‘Ain’t’ is not a word.” Elizabeth had an English accent and she insisted that one does not call a squirrel “scwirl” but “squeerl”.
Elizabeth continued to teach primary grades at St. Peter Canisius in Watford after St. Christopher’s was closed. She developed the primary curriculum for the Lambton Roman Catholic School Board and started the kindergarten program at St. Peter Canisius. Elizabeth retired after 45 years as an educator, having taught many of the children of former students as well.
Having married late in life, she was called Mrs. Parkinson before she retired. After retirement she tutored students in her home. She had moved to Watford in the early 1970s to the corner of Victoria St. and Nauvoo Rd. Mr. Parkinson unfortunately died within a few years of their marriage. She passed away in Meadowpark Nursing Home in London at the age of 89.
Chapter 24 of 25 - Whealan, Elizabeth
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