Antonia Elta Fagan

Antonia “Elta” Fagan (Darroux). Born January 8, 1932 in Delices in the country of Dominica, passed away March 10, 2023 in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Predeceased by her parents, her two beloved sisters Mamo and Ruthine, and her dear friend Tina.

Elta left Dominica in 1963, heading first to England. Having spent several happy years there she then moved to Canada, arriving in Cambridge in 1970 and making both Cambridge and Canada her adopted home ever since. She worked for Walker Exhaust and considered herself lucky to have made so many good friends there over the years.

Elta was always a larger than life presence, probably because of her larger than life heart. She was generous to a fault. Though never a wealthy woman, she shared whatever she had with those close to her, those in need. She loved to laugh and was very good at it. She liked the simple things in life, spending time with friends, going to parties and social gatherings, sewing, crocheting, crafts, and of course her jigsaw puzzles. She was a woman of very strong faith and this kept her going in rocky times. Her Lord, her prayers and her rosary were the spiritual tools that supported her during the darker days. Her belief that this life was only a one piece of a greater picture meant that illness, though troublesome, was only temporary. She was ready and eager to meet her creator whenever He came for her. Elta was a fiercely independent woman, living in her own home until the very last week of her life when she agreed that it was finally time to accept help. She moved to Lisaard House hospice, where she was treated with love, dignity and care. “I am so happy” she said on her first full day there. The wonderful staff and volunteers made her feel safe up till her very last breath, whereupon she could enter the welcoming arms of her creator and all her beloved family and friends who had passed before. She was then born again.

Elta has left behind many to mourn her. Her dear friend Ursula, her much beloved "accidental" friend Ruth, her friend and cook extraordinaire Ziggy, her right hand man Carl and his wife Judith, and Linc, her partner in Casino high jinks. She has many long distance friends, as well as too many others to list but they know who they are. She was extremely grateful for the care and compassion of the Palliative Elder Care team made up of Dr Celine Sandor, Michelle, and Allison, who supported her at home for the few months preceding her death. We witnessed and appreciated all of the PSWs who helped her but special mention must go to Haley from Genesis Health Care, who just had “a way” with Elta. Elta loved and laughed right to the end with the staff and volunteers at Lisaard House as they gently supported her transition to the next life.

There will be a small memorial and celebration of Elta’s life at the T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main St. in Cambridge on March 23 at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. As per Elta’s wishes, if you have suitable mourning clothes (black) please do wear them. Those who knew Elta will be able to imagine her saying sharply, “I don’t want people looking like they are going to Carnival!” In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Waterloo Region Hospice to support others experiencing – as Elta did – a safe and peaceful haven at the end. www.lisaardandinnisfree.com