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Sophie BREEN
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Sophie BREEN

Sophie Margaret BREEN

Sophie Margaret BREEN obituary, Toronto, ON

Sophie BREEN Obituary

BREEN, Sophie Margaret (nee FELTES) On March 4, 2020, 27-year old Sophie Breen was the 12th person in a matter of days to overdose on fentanyl in Guelph, Ontario. Her cause of death makes her one of far too many. But to her family, she was one of a kind: a powerfully intelligent, passionate, talented, independent, resilient woman. For many years, through terrible suffering caused by mental and physical illness, she did absolutely everything in her power to heal and to be healthy. She found the strength to resist drug misuse for the better part of 6 years. When she was feeling well, her impact, her achievements and her lust for life were formidable. When her depression worsened, she mustered all her strength to try to dig herself out of it, and she never stopped seeking help. Nor did she ever stop offering help and advocating for those around her. She experienced severe and chronic physical pain, and after trying everything else, one night she was desperate enough to take a terrible risk in the hope of finding even a moment's relief. For that, no one can fault her. We, her family and friends, can take comfort in the fact that Sophie knew she was deeply loved. She was generous with her appreciation of this love – especially the love she received from her mother Mary Breen, from her sister Emma Feltes and from her fiancé Brendan Kartash, whom she looked forward to marrying with great joy. She loved us back, fiercely. Sophie did everything fiercely. And we are going to honour her memory fiercely. For now, the family has chosen to have a private service. Later in the spring, we will host a public memorial in Guelph; we will share these plans when we have details. In the meantime, if you would like to honour Sophie, please consider donating to one of the following organizations where Sophie was a dedicated volunteer: Sanguen (https://sanguen.com), a community health agency offering mobile community health vans, opioid harm reduction/Naloxone training, and Hepatitis C testing and support. CMHA Self-Help and Peer Support (https://cmhawwselfhelp.ca), which offers support by and for people who have experienced mental health or addiction issues.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Mar. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Sophie BREEN

Not sure what to say?

7 Entries

Debbie

September 28, 2024

I did not have the pleasure of knowing this remarkable young woman, but I admire her courage after reading her story - she has now found the peace she so deserved in this life..

Dawn

April 24, 2024

I do not know Sophie but you have written such a beautiful, respectful, compassionate and honest telling of her life. Thank you.

Ruthie Neustifter

March 25, 2020

I remember Sophie as a dedicated member of our research lab, and as someone always willing to help others. Sometimes she would need time away, but she kept coming back. She did excellent work and was so very smart and caring, and I looked forward to our one on one meetings. Having her there made our lab better for everyone. My heart is broken, too.

megan

March 21, 2020

Sending sincere condolences. You have given an important voice to one of innumerable reasons people succumb to substances that have the potential to destroy lives. Addiction is not well understood by many people who are not touched by it. The ripples of Sophie's life have touched many of us deeply through your words.

J. Ainsley

March 21, 2020

My condolences to everyone who knew and loved Sophie. Thank you, Mary, for this incredibly moving and honest obituary and for speaking to the media about your daughter's death.

Edward Parent

March 11, 2020

BREEN, Sophie Margaret

You do not know me.

I came across Sophie's obituary this morning while looking for information about a friend.

Her photo struck me, and her life story drew me to further reading. This is a terrible tragedy of our drug infested culture.

Death by fentanyl overdose is an increasing issue in our culture and although we are attempting to address the issue with Naloxone, we do not seem to be addressing the root cause of these tragediesmental illness.

I commend you and your forthright acknowledgement of Sophie's illness and the cause of her death. It is a brave disclosure.

I read with compassion of the support and love you provided and which she accepted while dealing with her illness.

Fentanyl overdose has killed many Canadians, mainly young Canadians, many more than Coronavirus, yet we do not appear to be aware of this killer, and we do not allocate the health care funding to support those with addictions.

In April, several hundred doctors will play in a 3 day hockey tournament in Sault Ste. Marie.

This year the funds raised by Docs on Ice 2020 will be dedicated for community-wide programming that will help to reduce youth substance exposure, reduce youth drug use and treat youth who are suffering from the effects of addiction in Sault Ste. Marie.

It is a significant event raising funds and awareness.

I will be attending this tournament and I will be thinking of your family and Sophie.

May she rest in peace.

John Pepper

March 10, 2020

Thank you to Sophies family for your provocative and touching words. John

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Memorial Events
for Sophie BREEN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.