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Posted Dec 16, 2024 | 7:52 AM
Ord, Frances Ardelle (Tommy) (nee Hunter) of Belleville, Ontario.
Tommy fought the effects of a congestive heart condition which she had managed to successfully navigate for 20 years, however through the past 6 months her condition deteriorated. Ever courageous, Tommy passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in the care of Belleville General Hospital with her family by her side.
Born in Belleville on May 12, 1938, Tommy was the daughter of Joseph Hunter and Christine Hunter (nee Frantz). She is also predeceased by her sisters Joan and Mary and brothers Jody and John. Tommy leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert (Bob) Ord and her three children John (Michelle), Susan Ord-Lawson (Christopher) and Rob (Sarah). Nana will be missed dearly by her grandchildren whom she said were the “love of my life” – Ethan, Amey and Holly (Devon) Ord; Nicole (Peter), Charlotte (Brian) and Alexandria Lawson; William, Rachel and Meghan Ord.
Tommy grew up on Foster Avenue alongside other Hunter relatives and attended Queen Victoria Public and BCIVS. The latter had a significant influence as she was an active participant in the movement to keep “BCI Forever”. She remained close to several classmates as they reunited regularly: the last 1957 BCI get together being this fall.
In the late 1950s Tommy attended Toronto Western Hospital School of Nursing and enrolled in Public Health Nursing program at University of Toronto. In addition to successfully graduating as an RN, two other significant events happened to mom during this time. First, she met a small core group of cherished friends to which she remained close her entire life. Secondly, she met Bob Ord, an engineer turned lawyer who would become her partner for life.
After a brief stay in Lindsay, Tommy and Bob moved to Belleville, eventually buying a house on Sunset Drive in the mid-60s. Very quickly, Tommy established herself as a trusted friend to neighbours, a dedicated and loving mother to her children and a steadfast foundation for her family. During this time, Tommy and Bob built a cottage on Lake Mississagagon. Mom enjoyed her cottage time, but a busy family schedule made it difficult to commit to long stays at the lake. What she didn’t anticipate was that she would later spend precious amounts of time with her grandkids here. All nine of them have their own unique memories of cottage life with Nana and Grandpa.
A move to a newly built house on the Rednersville Road ensued in 1976. Although this was a big change for the family, this is where Tommy and Bob would cement their relationship for eternity. Tommy always put family first – making delicious dinners, dessert included, or being the biggest fan for her kids’ figure skating, hockey, baseball and other activities. In fact, this aspect would continue as she transitioned to Nana for her grandkids. Tommy was continuously active in her community and church and was very proud of the work the UCW group accomplished at Bridge St. United.
After her youngest left home for university, Tommy re-entered the workforce to re-energize her nursing career. She treasured the opportunity to make a difference at Belcrest Nursing Home and as a Community Nurse. This provided her with a renewed purpose, fulfillment, and kept her mind sharp and spirit young.
In their retirement, Tommy and Bob spent time travelling the world as she organized various trips to Europe, Asia and Africa. These vacations generated many meaningful memories for Tommy and Bob.
Tommy always considered the interests of others before her own, making a meaningful impact on many lives. She was smart, talented, supportive yet unassuming. We are deeply saddened by her loss but will remain strong and resolute because that is what Mom/Nana/Tommy/Ardelle would want us to do.
We would like to sincerely thank the staff that cared for Ardelle during her hospital stays over the past 6 months at Quinte Health; and in the Community. We would especially like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and PSWs that supported her as she journeyed through palliative care in these last few days. We are truly grateful.
Arrangements entrusted to the Burke Funeral Home (613-968-6968), 150 Church Street, Belleville. For those who would like to donate in her memory, Ardelle suggested the following charities: BGH Foundation, CAMH or Bridge St. United Church in Belleville.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10:00am, Bridge St. United, 60 Bridge St E, Belleville. Funeral Service will be held immediately after at 11am, with a reception to follow.