SORENSEN, Ornella

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ornella Sorensen, on September 15, 2024, at the age of 71. Ornella passed away peacefully at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood following a lengthy illness. Ornella was the cherished wife and best friend of David Sorensen, loving mother of Chris (Monique), Lisa (Michael), treasured sister to George, wonderful grandma/”amma” to Jacob, Zachary, Eva and Audrey, and beloved sister in law to Patricia (Robert). Ornella is predeceased by her parents Camillo and Pierina Chiesa.

Ornella was born in Tarsogno, Italy, on October 20, 1952. At the age of 5, Ornella and her parents left Italy and settled in Montreal, Quebec where she would eventually work in computing and banking at the Royal Bank. It was here that she met her husband David and they fell in love. They were married in 1979 and welcomed their beloved children Chris and Lisa in the early 1980s. A few years later, the family moved to Markham, Ontario where they spent many wonderful years together. In their retirement years, David and Ornella moved to Collingwood where they found peace and enjoyment.

Throughout life, Ornella enjoyed travelling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. She was brave, dedicated, compassionate, and full of love. Ornella always understood that the little things in life mattered most and had an unmatched attention to detail. She was also a person who got what she wanted; whether it was stopping an Italian military convoy to get directions or pushing through hundreds of thousands of people to be at the front of the stage for her beloved Rolling Stones, when Ornella was determined, there was no stopping her.

Ornella will always be remembered for her profound love of family and her willingness to help those around her. Above all, she had a very special love and respect for her husband of 45 years, David Sorensen. Their bond and dedication to each other serves as a shining example of how two people can become not only spouses, but best friends, soulmates, and can share a deep love that continues to grow through the hearts of the generations that follow them.

The Sorensen family would like to thank Dr. Mark Quigg of Collingwood and Dr. Stephanie L’Heureux of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto for their care, patience, and thoughtful guidance. The Sorensen family would also like to thank the remarkable team at Campbell House Hospice who provided outstanding care and comfort for Ornella and the family with warmth and compassion in her final days.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 63 Elgin Street, Collingwood, on September 19th, 2024, at 10:30 AM with a light reception to follow. A private family committal will occur later in the day. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle or the Canadian Cancer Society. Friends may visit Ornella's Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com