The family of Angela Kepes is absolutely saddened and heartbroken to announce her passing, after a valiant fight with cancer, on September 28, 2025.
Angela was born in Fort Frances to Lydia and Clyde Ferguson. She grew up in a large Italian family with not only her siblings but her cousins and other children on Sixth Street - there was always someone to play with. She graduated from Fort High where she had a great time playing volleyball, basketball and various field events. After high school she went on to earn her Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Ed. and Bachelor of Education Degree from Lakehead U. During her time at Lakehead she played on the women's University basketball team, at that time called the Lakehead Nor'Westerette's, for five years. She was chosen to play on the women's basketball team to represent Ontario at the '75 Canada Winter Games in Lethbridge, Alberta. After graduating from university, she started her career with the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board and taught "little kids" for a few years before getting her dream job of being a Phys. Ed. teacher at the junior level. She coached many of the basketball, volleyball and track and field teams over the years. In her spare time, she played volleyball and curled with her friends. She also loved to golf with "the girls", enjoyed time in the pool with her "pool pals" and enjoyed fun times with the "Domino Ladies". She retired from teaching and volunteered for a number of organizations and events including Special Olympics, Staal Foundation Golf, Curling and Baseball events and the Regional Hospital. As a testament to her career as a teacher and after her retirement there were countless times when former students would talk to "Mrs. Kepes", their favourite gym teacher.
She was married to her husband John for 48 years. Being a wife and mother meant the world to her. She encouraged and supported Mark whether it was sports, education or life in general it was the teacher in her. She was so proud of him and the man he became. After retiring, Angela and John made a pledge that they would travel and see the world because "there would come a time when they couldn't ". In particular she and John were fond of cruising and they were able to visit many European countries, China, Russia, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America and many trips to Florida and the Caribbean - there were a few destinations still on the "agenda" before the horrible diagnosis of terminal cancer, however - there were no regrets "we did our best".
Besides "travelling the world" Angela and John's most memorable trips were with the loves of their life - grandchildren Clyde and Sylvia, son Mark and daughter-in-law Angela. This included a European cruise, Caribbean cruise, many trips to Florida, and recently a family trip to Hawaii, and finally a Disney cruise.
Angela is survived by her husband John, son Mark, his wife Angela, and as Nonna to the loves of her life - her grandchildren Clyde and Sylvia. Also surviving are her sister Marie (Seppo) Viherjoki, sister-in-law Jane Ferguson, brother-in-law Robert (Suzie) Kepes, nephews and nieces Stephen (Marjo), Paul (Jen) Viherjoki, Lana, Jason (Christine) and Christopher Ferguson and their families, cousins Tina (Les), Rob, Michael (Melissa), Kim (John), Kristan, David (Daryl) and Teresa (Jim) and their families, her cousin Shelley as well as Auntie Sandy (Bob).
She was predeceased by her parents Clyde and Lydia Ferguson, brother David Ferguson, uncle Louie DelZotto, uncle Cam and auntie Jo Belluz, uncle Bob Ferguson, Nonna and Nonno DelZotto, cousin Ricky Belluz, parents-in-law Wenzel and Frances Kepes, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Monroe.
The family is grateful for all the people who helped in her care including her sister Marie, her dear "Toronto" friend Marilyn as well as Michelle, Jennifer and Corie of Bayshore Nursing, Dr. Justine Tempelman, and the Doctors and Staff at the Regional Cancer Centre. As well, the family would like to acknowledge all the love and support from family, neighbors and friends whether with visits, food, calls and texts. Angela was truly loved.
A funeral mass will be held for Angela on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10.30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, Rosslyn Road, celebrated by Rev. Doug McClure.
If so desired, donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care Centre who provided absolutely wonderful care, or to the
Charity of Your Choice.
Condolences may be offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.caPublished by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Oct. 4, 2025.