It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Agnes Gertrude Hallahan on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. Agnes and her late twin Patrick were born on March 18, 1941, on a farm on the Brant-Greenock Townline, south of Cargill to John and Gertrude Spitzig. Agnes will be dearly missed by her husband Mike, and children, Chris (Corinne Johnston Hallahan) of Morriston, Patti-Jo Hallahan (Henry Vanderlaan) of Waterloo, Michelle Hallahan (Brad Taylor) of Kincardine, Kim Taylor (Jeff) of Walkerton and Heather Hallahan (Jason Brady) of Sebringville. Agnes was the proud and devoted gramma of 12 precious grandchildren, Sophia and Cameron Johnston Hallahan, Madison, Adam, and Katie Stoll, Natalie and Emily McClinchey, Nolan, Olivia, and Declan Taylor and Ciaran and Ronan Brady. She is survived by her sister Joan and husband Alf Ernewein, and her sister Pauline and husband Steve Cuneo, sisters-in-law Linda Spitzig and Betty Ehgoetz and brothers-in-law John Ernewein and Jim Hallahan and many nieces and nephews. Agnes is predeceased by several sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Agnes married the love of her life, Mike, on October 12, 1963, and they shared 61 years of steadfast partnership. Mike and Agnes raised their five children on their farm in Greenock, where family continues to gather to feel the love and comfort that Agnes so readily provided.
Agnes was instrumental in raising her family, always on task and teaching her children the value of hard work also imparting this quality in her grandchildren. Agnes not only held a deep love for her family, but she also worked tirelessly around the farm, growing produce, not just for their supper table, but also spending hours preserving all her home-grown fruits and vegetables and sharing most with family, friends and neighbours. It wasn’t unusual for her to bake half a dozen pies, work in the garden for a couple of hours and have a warm meal ready for the table, all while making those half her age exhausted just trying to keep up with her.
Agnes was happiest with family, especially when making and sharing a meal. Nothing pleased Agnes more than being surrounded by family and effortlessly preparing a delicious full-course meal for frequent family gatherings of twenty-four or more, often with four or five different kinds of pie for dessert. She would especially cater to the tastes of her sons-in-law, ensuring everyone got more than enough to eat.
Throughout her life, Agnes was the epitome of hard work and dedication. Agnes balanced multiple roles, always putting others before herself. Once the kids were older, Agnes took on the role of a personal support worker and cared deeply for her clients, providing them with the attention and compassion they needed. Her days were filled with long hours, but she never complained, always treating her work as a calling rather than just a job. Prior to this, she babysat and lovingly looked after neighbourhood children ensuring they were safe and well-fed. Additionally, as an Avon representative, Agnes hustled to build relationships and provide clients with the products that they wanted. Her work ethic was unmatched, whether she was caring for others, providing a service, or working to support her loved ones, she did it all with grace and a smile. Agnes’ tireless dedication to hard work was something to admire.
In her retirement, Agnes enjoyed travelling with her best friend, Mike. They travelled to many beautiful destinations around the world. Although, she always enjoyed these trips, she often commented that it was always nice to come back home. Agnes and Mike rarely went anywhere without the other and were proud members of the Bruce County Campers, with whom they travelled to various campsites throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada.
Agnes lived a full and wonderful life; her memory will be cherished in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends forever.
Friends and relatives are invited for visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Cameron’s in Walkerton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, Formosa. Fr. Emmanuel Azike officiating. Reception at Knights of Columbus Hall, Walkerton, to follow.
Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Formosa.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Saugeen Hospice or the Heart Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
