Olivia Traynor

Olivia Helen Traynor (nee Castella)
(March 14th, 1947- April 29th, 2021)

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Olivia Helen Traynor (nee Castella) on April 29th, 2021 (predeceased) by her loving parents Reginald Reuben Sullivan Castella & Megan (nee Evans from Wales, England). Olivia was not alone in her final hours. She was connected with her children, and in contact with her many grandchildren and friends. Olivia battled an aggressive cancer over the past year, but always kept her chin high and fought hard to stay positive throughout her treatment. Her beloved husband Don passed peacefully just one week before her, perhaps so he could open the door for her as he always did.

Olivia was born on March 14th, 1947 in Pouch Cove Newfoundland, in her paternal grandparents’ home (predeceased) Reuben and Susie (nee Sullivan) on Castella Lane. Olivia spent her childhood days surrounded by family including her sister, (predeceased) Valrena Van Belle (nee Castella) and many cousins before the family moved to Toronto. In Toronto, her father, mother, aunt and uncle raised their families together in one big house on Broadview. Olivia often reminisced of the many childhood memories they had in their family home.

Olivia was not able to have her own biological children, but she was always empathetic and maternal through and through. After the sudden passing of her sister Valrena and brother-in-law (Eduard Van Belle), Olivia raised her niece and two nephews: Kimberly (nee Van Belle) (Marshall Porterfield), Reggie and Troy with her then husband (Ed Low). Together, they were raised alongside Olivia's adopted daughter Jennifer (nee Low) and the four children grew up as siblings.

In 1982 Olivia married the love of her life, Donald (Don)Traynor. Don’s children Susan, Bruce (Susan) and (predeceased) Donald Jr. grew their family to seven children together.

Olivia and Don loved to play baseball and were involved in multiple leagues in the Brampton area. Their teammates became life-long friends of the couple. When they weren't playing baseball, they were out at “the property” entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. Olivia enjoyed a wholesome life there and loved cooking meals for friends and family outdoors and tending to the beautiful vegetable garden that Don and she grew for years.

Olivia found immense joy in raising her children and she enjoyed her job at Sears where she worked in the jewelry department until her retirement. Olivia never met a stranger. Her gift was to making people feel right at home. She connected with people and made everyone feel like family through her positive attitude and loving non-judgmental demeanor.

Her grandchildren were her joy. “Nannie” as she was fondly called, spent so much time creating special memories for each grandchild. She loved to hear every detail of what was going on in their lives. Melissa and Brittany Traynor, Shane Van Belle, Megan Ebel, Haley O’Brien (nee Ebel) (Anderson O’Brien), Nathan Van Belle, Noah Van Belle, Ella and Brody Feltrin will miss their beloved Nannie dearly. Olivia also had four great grandchildren: Irys and Talia Van Belle (Shane), Josh Goltz (Brittany) and Lorin Helgeson (Megan Olivia).

Olivia was blessed to have a loving brother, Regan Castella and step-sisters Tracy Nash and (predeceased) Karen Gillies (Nash). Nothing brought Olivia more joy than to be apart of Regan's life growing up and having him over each week. She could not have done it without the loving support of Tracy and Karen.

Olivia was known for her infectious laugh, enormous heart, love for her family, and her constant generosity. She would not hear of someone in need without offering a helping hand, even if it meant putting her own need aside. Other’s happiness was her hearts fulfillment.

Though Olivia joins many family members in heaven, for those on earth, we look forward to the days when we can all be together again. We will cherish the memories and take comfort that our Mother is at peace and has received her angel wings in Heaven.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for mw the crown righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.

Respecting the current situation and pandemic restrictions, the funeral services will be private. Cremation has taken place.

We thank you for your understanding and encourage you to provide your condolences to the family through her memorial page.