Sarah Della Whitehead
July 14, 1941 – February 20, 2026
It is with profound love and gentle sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Sarah Whitehead on February 20, 2026 at 84 years of age. After a long and courageous battle with Dementia, she passed away in Hospice care, surrounded by her family.
Daughter of the late Napoléon and Lucia (Gagnier) Leblanc, she carried forward the strength, devotion, and deep family values instilled in her from a young age.
She was the beloved spouse of 52 years to Leo Whitehead and was predeceased by her first spouse, Luc Rivest (1971).
Sarah was an adored and devoted mother to Patricia (Clayt) Sparks, Diane Boismier (Tom Tourangeau), Denise Rivest (Will Lewis), Deborah (Al) Hawkins, and Sarah (Rob) Whitson. Her children were her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into guiding, encouraging, and loving them unconditionally.
She was a cherished grandmother to Clayton Sparks, Shawn Sparks, Brent (Cat) Sparks, Kalvin Sparks, Christopher Woodrich, Jean Luc (Sterling) Woodrich, Kyle Woodrich, Tim Woodrich, Mike (Amber) Paonessa, Amanda Hawkins (Cameron), Robert Hawkins (Kate), Jennifer and Grace Hawkins, Jon (Courtney) Whitson, Alex (Danielle) Whitson, and Aimée Zuberbuhler. She was also a proud and loving great-grandmother to many.
She was a dear sister to Ursula (Bob) Soullière and André (Elaine) Leblanc. She was predeceased by her siblings Alida (late Gene) Zecman, Albert (late Jeanne) Leblanc, Florian (late Mary Jane) Leblanc, Arcade (Pauline) Leblanc, Thérèse Soullière, Robert (Magella) Leblanc, Jérome (Mildred) Leblanc, and Charles (late Jacqueline) (late Louise) Leblanc.
She was a dear sister-in-law to Kathleen (late Clovis) Coté and was predeceased by Benny (Annette) (late Louise), William (Betty), Donald, Robert, Harvey, and Diana (Larry Murphy). She was also a dear sister-in-law to Laurencia Lajoie and was predeceased by Gerard Rivest, Julia Arbour, Maurice Rivest, Hector Rivest, Bertha Diemer, Anna Pinsonneault, Rene Rivest, Alice Blain, and Theresa Sauve.
She will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A devoted French teacher with the CSC Providence Board, she spent her career shaping young minds and inspiring a love of language and learning.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League and the Cursillo group, she lived her beliefs through service, prayer, and fellowship.
Longtime member of Wildwood By The Lake, Morpeth, ON
Though Dementia slowly took pieces of her memory, it never erased the love she gave so freely. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those who went before her, and resting in the eternal embrace of the Lord she served so faithfully.
Memorial donations to St. Annes Parish or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.
Visitation to take place on Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Families First 1065 Lauzon Road. Parish and CWL prayers at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday February 26, 2026 at 10:30 am at St Annes Parish, 12233 Tecumseh Road East until time of funeral mass at 11 am. Interment to follow at St. Anne Cemetery.
By:- Kathy Gallagher
Email:- inniaudi@gmail.com