Whitney, Ida 'Fay'
Fay passed away peacefully at Hollandview Chartwell Retirement Home in Aurora on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the age of 82.
Fay was the daughter of the late Eldon & Cora (nee Foy) Blackburn.
She was the beloved wife of the late David Franklin Whitney.
Fay was the dear sister of Clair (Sadie) Blackburn, Louise (Roger) Wagner, Leonard (Karen) Blackburn, Larry (Bonnie) Blackburn, Lyle (Lynn) Blackburn and the late Betty Blackburn.
She is fondly remembered by brothers-in-law Jim (Linda) Whitney and Bill Long. Fay was predeceased by her sister-in-law Ruth Long.
Fay was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews and their families. Many special memories were forged as Aunt Fay and Uncle Dave hosted family at the farm during the summer months.
She will be missed by her caregivers, ‘her girls’, who loved her dearly and were very much like family to her. Fay taught them about perseverance and didn’t let anything deter her from living her life to the fullest. With her girls and ‘Kit Kat’ by her side she enjoyed many adventures like swimming, pub afternoons and games, and she always played to win! She was able to go on an Alaskan Cruise with her family with the help of her caregiver Elissa.
Fay grew up on a farm in Feversham, when she was old enough, she moved to Toronto and worked on switchboard for a few years with Bell Telephone, she then moved to a customer service roll within the company. It was there she met David; they were married August 8, 1964.
From Toronto they moved to Kitchener where Fay worked for Bell Telephone for over 30 years, while working during the day, she and David also bought the family farm in Brunner. She would wake early to practice piano, clean the house and help with barn chores. Fay was a great gardener and her flower beds were stunning.
Due to David’s health the farm was sold and the couple moved to Wellesley. Upon their retirement they travelled to many places, their favourite was cruising through many parts of the world.
They later moved to the Maple Meadows community in Meaford, enjoying the local trails, sightseeing, biking and swimming. As a couple, they enjoyed playing music together, they also tended to a section of the Bruce Trail for a few years. They loved travelling to exotic places like Russia and Panama, which kept them young and active.
After David’s death in 2022, the condo in Meaford was sold, Fay moved to a retirement home closer to her family. She enjoyed her time there, walking, planting flowers and travelling with friends on short excursions.
A service will be conducted at the Meaford United Church on Saturday January 17th at 1:00 pm, interment Lakeview Cemetery.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Bruce Trail ConservancyDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
My condolences to the family of Fay.
I was so blessed to be part of your team. We had so much fun and so many adventures the past 4 years. You will be truly missed and you where so loved.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
FAY will be a welcome guest in heaven with her kind and caring way, condolences to those who will miss her here.
Monday, January 5, 2026
Almost 4 years ago; we started out as strangers but very quickly became family. I was honoured and privileged to be a part of your team. We certainly had many adventures that I will cherish always. You were one of my best life teachers and for that I am thankful. My family will miss you and never forget you. Enjoy your Creemore Springs in Heaven. Xoxoxo. Your girl, Grandma/Doris
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Doug and I enjoyed Dave and Fay at Maple Meadows. Lots of joking around and pleasant conversations with them. We enjoyed their gift of music at the Clubhouse on Thursday nights as well. Lots of memories!! Condolences to Fay’s family.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
I enjoyed working with Fay at Meaford United on memorial luncheons back in the day. She was a lovely person . I extend condolences to all her family. I am sure she will be deeply missed. I am glad to know her service will be held at Meaford United.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Dave and Fay were so generous to us Whitney kids whith their time, hospitality and humour. Personally, I always got a sense of fun and anticipation going to hang out at the Whitney farm in Brunner. She will be missed.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life over the past three years. You taught me so much, and I am grateful for every day we spent together. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
As Bruce Trail volunteers ourselves, we met Fay and Dave in their roles as proud and diligent Trail Captains. They spent countless hours making a very long and spectacular section safe and welcoming for hikers. Their part of the Bruce Trail was between Duncan and Metcalfe Rock. Hikers greatly benefitted from their hard work on this rugged portion of the foot path.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
I am sending the biggest hugs with both arms and a tight squeeze to Fay’s family. I had the honour of enjoying her company in aqua fit, drum fit, social activities and my favourite 1:1 encounters during her time at Hollandview Trail. She was a weapon of a good time and could fill a room full of spunk. Her patience, kindness, and humour I will always carry with me. Thank you Fay for filling my life up more than you know! Rest peacefully my friend, you will be oh so missed but never forgotten!