Citizen was woman’s trusted friend

On April 24, we lost a beautiful and inspirational woman. Irene Delaney passed away peacefully of complications related to COVID-19. Irene was 96 years old and young at heart. Although her memory was not as sharp as it used to be, her wit and humour surely were.

Every day, for her entire adult life, she read the newspaper. In fact reading was her favourite activity. She passed on her appreciation of reading to her children, grandchildren and her first great-grandson. At eight months old, he had already been reading books with her for months. When we would visit, Irene would be sitting on her little sofa, devouring every word on every page of the newspaper.

The delivery of the Ottawa Citizen was never more important than during this time of isolation. She read her beloved Citizen without fail, every day, at her long-term care home. When no one could visit her, the Citizen was there to keep her company. She read her paper up to the day she was admitted to hospital.

The Ottawa Citizen was a trusted friend, and for that our family is very grateful. Thank you for the countless hours of companionship that the newspaper provided during this exceptional time. Our wish is that Irene continues to enjoy her daily newspaper, reading alongside those whom she longed to see again.

May this message reinforce the critical importance of a printed newspaper and the role it plays in providing company to those who are isolated.

Thank you to every person who delivers the newspaper daily. Your work is essential and makes a difference in someone’s life. Alfred and Leslie Anne Patry and family, Cumberland