Vanessa Creagh Phelan

PHELAN, Vanessa
After a lengthy arduous battle with cancer Vanessa passed quietly at home early Sunday morning, November 24, 2019. Vanessa was such an interesting woman, a trait everyone quickly surmised upon first meeting.  She had an adventurous life stemming from England to Australia to Africa to right here in Canada.  Her love of animals and nature, her absolute command of the English language, historic facts and personal memory bank was beyond extraordinary.  Her stories and recants of life events captivated her audience. Vanessa dedicated over 30 years of her life to the Toronto Zoo as one of their valued animal care givers.  She is a pioneer in the field of gorilla care with immense knowledge pertaining to husbandry and breeding.  Upon retirement she travelled to Africa sharing her knowledge with people and projects helping orphaned great apes.  Vanessa was a devoted advocate to all animals and conservation efforts worldwide.   A real champion and heroine. Her caring compassionate nature, witty sense of humour, and absolute zest for life will be greatly missed by all touched by her. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Reception at Lakeland Funeral & Cremation Centre, 19 Moose Road, Lindsay on Friday, November 29 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.