Sadie ‘Johnena’ Sponagle (nee Hawley)
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On June 14, 2020 @ 3:43 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 32 Comments
August 22, 1940 – June 12, 2020
Johnena was born August 22,1940 to the late Annie Isabel (nee MacKinnon) & Benedict Hawley. She was predeceased by her siblings, Thelma, Donald Alex, Joe and Angus. Her surviving siblings are Evelyn (Angus), Bennie (Anne), Clara (Gerard), Doug (Neallee). Johnena is survived by her loving children, Thelma Marie (Wayne), Daniel, Floyd (Wendy), Maureen (Glenn), Angus Joseph (Stacey) and her husband Daniel Sponagle. Johnena was blessed to have 9 grandchildren whom she doted on and loved fiercely. Leo (Laura), Christopher, Dawn, Courtney, Curtis (Steph), Erin, Katie, Reece, Mitchell. And 6 Great Grandchildren who were the light of her life – Riley, Kieran, Sheridan, Leigha, Allie, and Bennett.
Johnena moved to Toronto in 1965, but her heart remained home in Cape Breton. The minute school was out she packed up the car and headed down east for the summer with all her kids in tow- even bringing a few other kids as well. She worked hard all her life taking care of others. She instilled in her children the values of honesty, hard work, but above all else, being kind to everyone, always giving to others.
Her sense of humour was no laughing matter. You didn’t want to be on the other side of it. Capers are known for requiring a victim for the joke, but it is all in good fun. All of her many nieces and nephews loved her like a mother and she treated them like one of her own. They would all attest to her love for life, spunk and mischievous personality.
She would give you the shirt off her back – if you said you liked her shirt, she would take it off and the next time she saw you, she would give it to you. Our precious Mom, Sister, Aunt and Nanny was blessed with so many positive talents she used to help others in need. Her love for cooking for crowds of people included all family, friends and neighbours. There was always an over abundance of delicious food especially her famous cheesecake. After all were fed, she liked to “skip out on doing the dishes.” Her recipes will never be known because they were right off the top of her head! Johnena was in her happy zone when everyone was fed. When she wasn’t making sure everyone was fed you could find her at the bingo hall, playing cards or knitting dishcloths for everyone. If the music was playing, Johnena was on the dance floor. Shoes were not a priority for her and she was frequently found bare foot..inside and outside.
As Alzheimer’s stole Johnena’s memories, we were grateful that it never stole her sense of humour and she always seemed to know that she was surrounded by love.
You will never find a freer spirit. A more loving and caring, generous and comforting, all round blessing and grace like Johnena. All of us who knew her were better for it.
The world was a better place because of Johnena.
She will be missed. God bless you Mom.
“Wherever A Beautiful Soul Has Been, There Is A Trail Of Beautiful Memories.”
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to Covid. Mom suffered from Alzheimer’s and received unbelievable care at her LTC home, Bloomington Cove. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations specifically to the Nursing Staff and PSW Staff. All contacts for donations can be made through the family.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Sadie ‘Johnena’ Sponagle (nee Hawley)
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Sadie ‘Johnena’ Sponagle (nee Hawley)”
My Family is so sorry for her Loss of Life. Although we never got together frequently, the times we did we will always remember her laughter, kindness and the East coast hospitality she so easily expressed. The Rawbon family truly is saddened to loss a family member. Maureen and Glenn, if we can help in any way please ask.
Sincerely. Audrey, Linda, Lenna, Gary &Karen
From the moment I met her she welcomed me and my kids with open arms just like the rest of the family. No matter if I hadn’t seen her in years when I did she had the same reaction very loving. She will be missed and my condolences to all the family. Rest In Peace Johnena
My thoughts and prayers are going your way. What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I grew up in Port Hood and although Johena was older than me she was always so kind to us. Recalling pleasant memories about the Harley family. May she Rest In Peace. Morag Macdonald Graham.
Such a beautiful obituary! Sincere condolences to all her family>
Angus and Family – really sorry for your loss pal. I definitely understand it and all I can really say is that time does help. Remember the good times!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jonhena at family gatherings over the years. I could see just how much her family loved her and know how much she will be missed. My love and condolences to.all of her family and friends.
Our dear sister , sister in laws contagious smile ,hug and pleasant ways will be missed by all. May god spread his wigs around you and pretext you forever. We love and will miss you dearly
Only have wonderful memories of Johnena i always remembered she never wore socks! Always makes me smile thinking of her RIP.
The Sponagle and Hawley Families have my deepest sympathy on the passing of Johnena a beautiful soul.My Mom spoke so well of her (Mary Jane Kennedy) spending time with Annie Belle and her during summer visits.Anne Marie Kennedy
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother, wife, sister, grandmother.
My memories of Johnena centre around visits to my parent’s home in Judique or Annie Belle’s, all included so much joy and laughter. What a wonderful legacy she has left!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love to everyone!
I’m so sorry for your loss.
To Johnena’s Family and to the Hawley Family in Port Hood, we offer our deepest sympathy. Met her several times when she visited in the summer and she was always so joyful and full of life. May you cherish the great memories you shared with her, RIP Johnena
Our condolences Maureen, Glen and family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May she RIP .
Julia and Ben Troina
So sorry to hear of Johnena*s passing. Always remember her as a fun loving person. To her family and her brothers Dougie and Benny, and sisters Claire and Evelyn , you have our deepest sympathy. May she Rest In Peace.
Johnena you will sure be missed Condolences To All The Family And All The Hawleys
Our deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost Johnena. She was a wonderful lady and may her spirit will live on through beautiful memories.
Shaun and Jen
Johnena was a fun loving person and we had many laughs with her , Thelma and Clara. Our deepest sympathy to all the family
No one could know Johnena and not love her. I loved her and her brothers and sisters as if they were my own family. Johnena gave her all to everyone, friendship, caring and lots of love. She was a very special person who brightened up any room she was in. She was a great cook and loved cooking up a meal with a delicious dessert. Her love for her family had no limits and she will be missed so much by them and everyone who knew her. I will never forget you my friend but I take comfort in knowing you are in the loving arms of your heavenly family. R.I.P. ❤️❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Johnena’s passing. Her obit says it all she loved everyone & life.My sympathy to her children & grandkids. Her siblings & all nieces & nephews who loved her dearly. Another good Port Hooder gone. Rest easy Johnena….
Johnena was certainly one of a kind, and had such a beautiful spirit. Many’s the laugh we had with her!Our condolences to the family. She is now in her happy place!
Maureen, I’m so very sorry for your loss. It is even harder in this Pandemic time that we should all come together and remember the special times and laughter you had with this special lady, your Mom. She is in a better place now and will always watch over you and your family and kids. Condolences.
So very sorry to hear of your loss Maureen, Glenn and family. We are thinking of you all during this time. It sounds like you have wonderful memories to hold in your heart forever more. May those memories help to comfort you all. With love, Linda Rawbon
My deepest condolences to the Sponagle clan. The times that I managed to see this lovely lady while visiting her sons she always made me feel welcome and at home. We always cherish our mothers.
Sincere condolences to all family members. Johnena was one of a kind.She could always put a smile on my face and her hugs were the warmest. She will be missed by all who knew her.RIP Sending love to all.
It is with heavy hearts that we offer our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers to your family at this extremely difficult time.
Johnena…
Beautiful memories of times together full of love and laughter will remain in my heart forever.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.
It was truly an honour.
Rest In Peace
Joey and Floyd and Sponagle family are deepest condolences from us Love David and Tracy Goba
Our deepest condolences to Joe, Floyd, and the entire Sponagle family. After reading the obituary, we realize what a incredible woman Johnena was. Our heartfelt sympathy during this very difficult time. XOXO
My deepest sympathy to the SPONAGLE and HAWLEY FAMILY in the loss of dear JOHNENA. She was a loving, sharing, caring person. She always enjoyed being around many people and also treated them like her own. I have a lot of good memories, joking with her and her good comebacks. I always enjoyed our visits to TORONTO and her coming to WINDSOR. Her FAMILY was always very important to her. I am going to miss you but I know there is a special place up in heaven for you. RIP Johnena Mary-Ann Knuckle COUSIN in WINDSOR, ONTARIO.
Dear Doug , Neallee and family
Sincere condolences on the passing of Johnena. Her obituary read like a life well lived and of someone that will be missed . Thought and prayers .
Janice and family
The words in the tribute were beautifully written. I have so many wonderful memories of Johnena and spend a lot of time at her house, growing up. Condolences to the family.
Urban and Theresa MacDonald.
Sincere condolences to the family of Johnena , she went to school with u s, the Dan Collin family. May she rest id peace.
May her soul and the all the sous of all the faithful departed rest in peace,
Article printed from Egan Funeral Home: https://www.eganfuneralhome.com
URL to article: https://www.eganfuneralhome.com/sadie-johnena-sponagle-nee-hawley/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2010 Egan Funeral Home. All rights reserved.
to Johnena’s Families, Such A beautiful tribute describing her to A tee she was certenly All that and more we sure share in your heartache and sadness on haveing to say A final good by to someone everyone loved so dearly, R.I.P. dear Johnena our loss is Heaven’s gain you left too much love in our Hearts & too many beautiful memories of our time with you to ever be forgoten love allways, Sharon & Family