The passing of loved ones due to COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic continues to haunt families even almost five years later. The inability to be physically present during final moments, resorting to goodbyes over phone calls or through glass windows, and witnessing solemn funerals in snowy conditions have left deep scars in the hearts of those who lost someone dear as the virus began to spread.
As the world marks the fifth anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic on March 11, The Canadian Press connected with five individuals who shared their experiences of losing loved ones during the initial days of the crisis. With over 60,000 COVID-19-related deaths in Canada since then, the pain and trauma endured by these families are profound and enduring.
Simar Anand, whose father succumbed to COVID-19, highlighted the surreal and distressing nature of bidding farewell to a loved one during a pandemic, emphasizing the lasting impact and struggle to move beyond the grief and loss. Recalling the heart-wrenching moment when he had a brief encounter with his father, Anand expressed the agony of being separated by a glass window and the poignant memory of wearing a hazmat suit during their final goodbye.
Gurinder Singh Anand, the proprietor of a beloved restaurant in Montreal, experienced a sudden decline in health after temporarily closing his establishment due to pandemic restrictions. Anand’s son, Simar, reflected on his father’s journey as an immigrant and the profound connections he forged within the community through his culinary passion and warm demeanor. The abrupt loss of his father to COVID-19 left Simar grappling with the stark contrast between a world moving forward and his own sense of being trapped in the past.
Maureen Ambersley, a dedicated nurse who continued to serve on the frontlines despite the risks, tragically fell victim to the virus. Her daughter, Ashley, mourned the inability to bid a proper farewell to her mother, reminiscing about Maureen’s selfless nature and compassionate spirit that touched the lives of many. The profound loss underscored the sacrifices made by frontline workers and the enduring impact of their absence on loved ones left behind.
The quest for justice and accountability drives Erica Surette, who lost her mother, Patricia West, in a long-term care facility during the pandemic. Surette’s pursuit of a class-action lawsuit against the care home aims to shed light on systemic failures that contributed to the devastating toll of COVID-19 on vulnerable residents. The legal battle represents a poignant tribute to her mother’s memory and a quest for closure amidst the ongoing grief and trauma.
Samantha Monckton’s poignant recollection of her father, Garry Monckton, a talented musician who succumbed to COVID-19 in isolation, reflects the enduring impact of loss and the poignant efforts to preserve cherished memories. The symbolic gesture of playing music outside her father’s window underscores the profound bond shared between a father and daughter, despite the cruel separation imposed by the pandemic.
Phyllis Thompson’s daughter, Linda Gay, fondly remembers her mother’s vibrant spirit and resilient nature, epitomizing the strength and resilience of individuals impacted by the pandemic’s toll. Thompson’s passing and the challenges of bidding a dignified farewell in the midst of restrictions underscore the enduring pain and resilience of families navigating loss and grief in unprecedented times.
The stories of these families reflect the profound impact of COVID-19 on individuals and communities, underscoring the need for remembrance, justice, and healing as the world continues to grapple with the legacy of the pandemic.