Mona Brennan-Coles
Obituary
BRENNAN-COLES, Mona…
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mona Marie Brennan-Coles on January 10, 2025, at Victoria Hospital in her 76th year of life. Mona was predeceased by her parents and her brother. She was the beloved wife and soulmate of her spouse Robert Coles.
She is survived by brother-in-law David Coles and his wife Marny Coles of Sarnia. Also survived by niece Shannon Coles Castillo, her husband Charles (Chuck) Castillo, and great nephews Jason and Eric Castillo of Guelph; also survived by nephew James Coles, his wife Bryanna Coles, and great nephews Howe and Nash Coles of Strathroy.
Originally from Blind River, Mona had a variety of careers after moving to London. She worked as a research chemist for the fledgling heart transplant team at University Hospital before moving on to perform data analysis and conference planning for the Multi-Organ Transplant group. It was during this time that she met her husband Robert, and they married in 1991.
Fascinated by the future of technology, Mona began working for Western’s Information Technology department where she assisted in data base migration moving on to telephony where she was instrumental in the selection of Western’s next telephone system. Mona also helped to coordinate the shared telephony services provided to Western, London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Fanshawe College. Always passionate about learning and professional development, Mona obtained her Project Management Professional certification and soon after joined the Board of Directors of Insight 100, an international telephony support group as a director then becoming Conference Planner responsible for planning their large yearly conference. Mona later rose to become President of the group. While still at Western, Mona joined the faculty at Fanshawe College and began by teaching Emergency Management. She next changed faculty to the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business teaching courses on Project Management.
Mona, an avid theatre goer, enjoyed seeing as theatre productions in the local area as well as in the United States and England. Mona was an avid supporter of local amateur theatre and she spent many an evening and weekend working in back stage roles such as Costume Designer, or Stage Manager, or as Producer. Mona joined the Board of Directors of WODL first as an area representative and later became President of the group.
During her working career and her social life, she met many people, and many became fast friends. Mona always had a smile on her face and thought highly of those she encountered. Mona gave amazing hugs freely to everyone she knew. She continuously strived to broaden her knowledge and to pass this knowledge onto others. She held everyone she met in high esteem and always encouraged and supported them to also dream big, be adventurous, expand their life experiences, and live life to their fullest.
Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. A private internment service will be held Jan 29, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2025 at the Palace Theatre, London, Ontario. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Rob, family and friends of Mona…I am so, so sorry for your loss. Mona is such a bright light and I know she is shining ever brighter now, with deep care, love and connection with you. Thinking about your all today and sending my own love and support for the internment, and each day forward as you move through your grief. I am right along with you. With all my heart, Deb
Mona was a force for good in community theatre. She got stuff done. She was a respected colleague at Fanshawe College. In the theatre, she produced and stage managed too many plays to count. She helped WODL theatres survive and stay hopeful during the covid closures. She got stuff done. Sending deep sympathy to Rob on the loss of his partner and to all her friends in the theatre world. Brava, Mona, brava!
To Rob and both families and close friends. I was saddened to learn of Mona’s passing and trust that she is resting peacefully. I remember her fondly and recall the many curling adventures that came our way. I interacted with Mona several times in my work at University Hospital. I always appreciated her quickness,candor, and infectious spirit in every interaction. I have had fun telling my wife Licia about Mona and Rob as she did not have the opportunity to get to know her due to timing , location etc. Rob I hope you are holding up well and look forward to seeing you in May.
With heartfelt sympathy and best wishes in this difficult time,
Steve Elder
Rob, your family and friends: Please take comfort in knowing that our memories of Mona will remain in our hearts always. She was a very positive and caring person who always enjoyed some fun. I’ve been looking at photos of Mona from curling, movable feasts, backyard gatherings and other days of good friends enjoying each other’s company. I’ll miss her greatly and wish you strength as you grieve.
Rob and Families.
Our condolences. I will always remember Mona as a kind, caring sole. Our deepest Sympathy.
Dave and Jack
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mona. She was one of the first people I met at WTS when I switched departments. She was always a wealth of knowledge and I never saw her without a smile on her face. What I will remember the most about Mona though is her love of shoes. Her loss will be felt by many.
Dear Rob,
I just found out about Mona’s passing and I can’t believe she is gone. She always seemed to be able to conquer anything and everything in her path 🙂 and would live forever. I cant even remember when we first met but somewhere in the 80s . Fondly remember all those Fridays at the grad club! She was special and am truley sorry she isn’t with you, her family and friends but will always be in our hearts.
I just heard of Mona’s passing via previous workmates at WTS.
Mona was such a Tiger in the way she went after life; many will impacted by her passing, all will remember her!
I consider myself fortunate in knowing she considered me as one of her countless friends.
Rest peacefully, Mona. You are on the Biggest stage now.
Dear Rob and families, we were so sorry to hear of Mona’s passing. We remember Mona fondly. She was always so cheerful, positive and encouraging. Best Wishes from Carol and Paul