Truly saddens me to have heard about the news today.  I haven’t been around for a few years and I came to share the good news of my own success. 

As a past kid of Covenant House, she was always my life support. Her big smile and heart kept me safe during my transition as a homeless youth. She took care of everyone whenever the assistance was needed. 

Much love, Adriano.

We have completed a trip around the sun since you moved on to the next part of your journey.  We miss you and hope you are in the arms of those loved ones who have gone on before! I Love you Céline ❤️

I am sorry missed visitation, was in treatment at PMH.  Volunteerer at Covenant Hse from time Celine started there.  We walked the halls of Princess Margaret together and I was having my treatment the day she rang the bell - and was with her when she rang it - journeyed with her and the other Lovely Ladies with Wellspring programs 😢

I am deeply saddened by the news of Céline's passing. It had been a while since we saw each other but my memory of her has remained the same. I remember a kind-hearted person who brought her warmth and passion for life to the lives of the people she meets. An angel in disguise.  My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I had the honour of working with Celine at Covenant House. Celine lived her life with grace, friendship & gratitude. A consummate lady who shared her joy, her laugh with everyone around her, what a sweet & generous laugh it was.

Everyone who came into Celine's sphere were blessed by her personality, grace, skill  & truth of character. Truly a child of God.

Perfect love, blessings & timeless friendship this was Celine.

My deep felt condolences are sent to Celine's family, friends & associates.

Dear Mr Callender and Colin and family,

I am one of Celine’s friends (and former roommate on Harbord Street) from University of Toronto. 

I and my family are so sorry for your loss and send you our deepest condolences. 

We had the wonderful pleasure of re-connecting with Celine through Maria. She was at my 50th birthday and we saw ballets together in Oakville. She was such an incredible person, a true bright light. We enjoyed her friendship and were inspired by her work at Covenant House.   She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.   We can only imagine how much you will miss her. 

We just wanted you to know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. 

Anna-Marie Castrodale and Ken Corts and family

I worked at Covenant House with Celine for 17 years. She was always kind, thoughtful and supportive of everyone around her. We had many long conversations about numerous topics. I will always remember her wonderful laugh and beautiful smile. 

Celine, I hope you’re sitting at the right hand of your God now.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Céline's passing.  I remember her fondly from our days at St. Michael's College.  A free spirit, an adventurer, and someone who embraced all the things that life offered, big and small, with excitement and passion.  She left a lasting impression on all those who were blessed to spend time with her.

Celine was an amazing supervisor and a loving person…Thank you Cece for the times shared.

Lana

My deepest condolences to Archie, Colin and family. May you find strength in the wonderful memories you have, and consolation in knowing that Celine's pain and suffering is over, and that she is now at peace with her mom Sonia by her side. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings, and may she rest in eternal peace.
Jennylind Mauricette Paterson.

My deepest condolences to Archie, Colin and Susan and everyone who has loved Céline. It has been a joy to witness all the love Céline had in her life with her family by her side. Her absence is permanently felt. I will treasure all of the beautiful memories we’ve experienced together.

We both loved attending, Nuit Blanche, and I think this was the last one we attended together before the pandemic started, in the fall of 2019.

A moment in between wonder at the Light Festival at The Bentway in late fall of 2021. Céline, inspected almost every lightbulb in this room with wonder.

One of my favourite memories of Céline. I think this may be taken on our long walk in Tommy Thompson Park in the summer of 2022. Céline had perused  through the hiking app I shared with her and this was her first pick of trails she wanted to explore. Hopefully she is dancing on a beach somewhere out there, carefree.

Céline made this gondola ride a priority on our last trip to the CNE in 2022. Her excitement was palpable.

Us taking a break after a long walk from Kensington Market all the way to the end of Ontario Place in search of a rose garden, Céline was determined to see, in the summer of 2022.

Celine was a supportive and genuine friend, someone who was down to try and do anything to enjoy the time together. We were on the same frequency, her and I. Her specialness will never be forgotten. I honour her as my special sibling, here on earth and any in any dimension. You are admired and loved, Celine.

Celine's selfless love and service for those in need is an inspiration to all of us.  She leaves a legacy of love and compassion for the most vulnerable in our society.
Rest in peace dear Celine for your reward is great in heaven.

Timmy and Rita are deeply saddened at the passing of Celine and would like to offer our deepest sympathy to you George, Colin and Susan. Our fondest memories of Celine would remain in our hearts forever. We remember fondly the wonderful times we spent with the family over the years. Rest in Peace Celine until we meet again.

Celine  loved people,  collected experiences and created memories.
Rest well my friend.
-Fred

Celine had a greater impact on me in 2 hours one evening than some of my lifelong mentors.  She provided so much truth about the brokenness of us all and the need to love and be a light.  Her light will shine on through all she knew and touched.  So blessed and fortunate to have known her and know one day, I’ll see her again.

Auntie Sonya and my mom grew up together and remained close until Auntie Sonya's passing. Celine was like a big sister to me and helped me navigate some parts of my early University years in Toronto. The Callendar family have been and will forever be family to us. You were such a beautiful person and I am comforted knowing that you are no longer in pain and are at peace. 

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord-2 Corinthians 5 vs 8.

Dear George
Sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter Céline. She will be missed by all, & I hope that remembering happy times spent  with her will give you comfort & joy.
You have my sincere sympathy. Renée

@Christmas-time at CHT with Santa and Friends

@ Christmas-time at Covenant House Toronto with the Sears Choir

Mr. Callender 
I was saddened to read of the passing of your daughter.  It has been many years since you were my teacher at OCHS, but I remember meeting her as a toddler at some events at the high school. 
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Wishing you and all your family strength in the coming days. 
With caring 
Annamaria (Monego) Maccarone

Dear George & Family,

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear daughter.  As one of your history students many moons ago, I recall you asking me to babysit Celine and what a lovely girl she was.
Thinking of you and sending you much love and comfort in the days ahead.  Sincerely, Maureen (Kirkland) Zavesiczky

Our condolences to the Callender family from the Bramble family - Idabell, Henry, Natasha, Shumerdo. We will miss Celine dearly.

Our sincere condolences to The Callendar family! May your beloved daughter rest in eternal peace!
 Doug, Claire Steele

Mr. Calendar, Colin and family
Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to all of you during this sad and difficult moment. I am so saddened to hear the news of Celine’s passing! May she rest in peace. We had kept in touch from time to time on Facebook which was lovely. She shared her illness. I knew she was ill but i thought she had gone into remission. I was shocked to hear this news from a friend! I will miss to see her posts to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely Grace and Franca Bontà

CeCe you touched so many people with your smile, laugh, compassion, empathy and your loving soul. A life of service to others. Now you are wrapped in the arms of the angels. Blessings

George and Colin,
My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  May God continue to bless Celine and all of you.

Joe Szekeres

So sorry to the Callender family on your loss, Céline was and will always be a beautiful lady 
My sincere and deepest condolences, may she RIP 🙏🙏❤️

Will miss your passion for life, your smile and your laughter. You told that it doesn't matter the amount of time you are given because you choose life. 
When one says that they shine on behalf of the Divine, I know that God's light did dim in your transition. It still shines here with the many lives you touched and continues now with the ancestors. Rest in Love because it is Love that encompasses all things.

Dear George,
We send our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved daughter.  Whenever the subject of Covenant House came up, we would remember that Céline worked there.   Not only was she compassionate but faithful and certainly will earn her eternal reward.
Love and prayers,  Jack and Judy Cole

Celine is a beautiful person, inside and out. I am so sorry to hear of her untimely passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Celine while working in covenant house years ago, and while I was away from home, Celine always had a smile on her face and a welcoming word for me. May you rest in peace , beautiful Celine. My love and thoughts are with your family and friends who will find strength through you to get through this sad sad time. Love Aoife x

I worked with Celine at Covenant House.  She was a real gem, and the youth she supported benefited from her kindness and caring. Her smile and laugh were infectious.   Her life will continue to resonate with all the people she touched.

The world is a lesser place without Céline, a caring and loving person whose very presence made one smile and who passed far too young. We shall miss her very much. 

Barry Norris

Mr Callendar, Colin & Susan, and Celine’s extended family- my deepest condolences to you all. And thank you for being the first to care for Celine & sharing her with her friends. She had so many passions- yoga, the art gallery, theatre, travelling, spending time in Kensington Market. Nearest to her heart were serving the youth of Covenant House in Toronto & New Orleans & spending time with friends & family. 

During her illness she continually opened up, trusting her friends & family to care for her when she was vulnerable. I will treasure the two visits I had with her in 2023, and our almost daily phone conversations. 

I will miss her so much and think of her daily. My heart will be with you as you say goodbye to Celine. God Bless.

My deepest sympathy to the family.  I met Celine  when I was in the Faith  Community in Toronto back in the late 90's.  She had energy and passion for her work with "the  kids ' and they knew it by her deep care and concern  for each one of them.  I close with a promise of prayer for her and  her Dad   brother and sister  on law  and  the many friends whose lives were  touch by this  woman in her short life.  From a Sufi blessing:  "It is thought that illness is not the reason for our loved  ones death.  
  It is that the work they were given to accomplish while on earth is done and it is time for them to return to Me."  May she rest in peace.    Sister Ann MacDonald. csj London

On a recent winter walk we found this appropriate sign.

A Christmas greeting from the patient. A recent walk, last winter, and an appropriate sign to describe Céline. ❤️

Céline had more energy than I did and nudged me to go to the Modern Art Gallery.

Our Wednesday coffee and walk during treatment. Such wonderful talks.

My deepest sympathies to you Mr. Callender and Colin. 
Prayers to you and for Celine at this time!

I know this will be one of so many notes written by the numerous people who have been lucky enough to have Celine impact their lives.  Many years ago when I was new to Toronto she took me under her wing and was an amazing "landlady" and roommate.  She taught me about being independent and to live life without fear.  She was so kind and giving but also embraced being a flawed human being who made mistakes and experienced genuine emotion.  To her family and friends, please know Celine made a difference in the lives of all the people she interacted with.   She displayed her love of her parents, her brother and his wife, and her close friends and talked about how much you meant to her every day.  Thank you for sharing this amazing human being with  the rest of us.  You will never know how much of a difference she has made in the lives of so many people and what an amazing legacy this is.

Such a lovely lady with a fabulous smile and big heart. Heaven has a new angel 💕

OBITUARY

Céline Elizabeth Callender

6 June, 1967 – 14 September, 2023

Oshawa Funeral Home

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