Funeral details for the late Fr. Joseph P. Cameron (1932-2020)

The steady, spiritual light emanating from
Father “Joe” Cameron for nearly half a century in southwest Montreal has grown even brighter now that it’s shining from heaven.

Fr. Joseph P. Cameron died of cancer
December 11, 2020 at Verdun General Hospital; he was 88. Beloved son of the late Peter Cameron and Margaret Cole of Notre-Dame-de-Grace, he is survived by his sister, Margaret, wife of the late John Carley, and cousins Evans and Donald Cameron and Sr. Kathryn Cameron, CSC. He will be fondly remembered by many dear friends, including recent caregivers Tessie and Willy Alanor.

Ordained in 1963, Fr. Joe was first appointed a curate at his home parish of
St. Monica and four years later, curate at St. Thomas More Parish in Verdun, serving also as chaplain of Marymount and James Lyng high schools. In 1969, he began a four-year term in various diocesan postings, as secretary to Bishop Norman Gallagher, co-ordinator of English-language education, and director of the Catholic Information Centre. He is best known for his lifelong dedication as pastor of St. Willibrord Parish in Verdun from 1974 to 2009.

Fr. Joe, together with pastoral assistant Sr. Claire O’Neil, CND, led
St. Willibrord into a new era with the support of a thoroughly engaged laity, drawn from within and outside the parish. The inner-city parish was known for its unconditional welcome, extending both to the wider Catholic community as well as to anyone in need from the borough or beyond. A man of deep faith, prayer and action, his pastorate saw the establishment of the midday soup kitchen, seniors’ outreach, children summer programs and the sponsorship of many social justice, ecumenical and faith-enrichment initiatives. A knock on the parish door for aid or assistance rarely went unanswered and was met with a friendly greeting and a practical, compassionate response.

Following retirement at age 77, Fr. Joe continued to be of service wherever needed, particularly in southwest Montreal.

The celebration of Fr. Joe’s life will include visitation – observing public health guidelines – as indicated below:

Friday, December 18, 2020
from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.-7:30
at St. Willibrord Parish
351 Willibrord St.
Verdun, QC H4G 2T7
Tel: (514) 769-9678

*No registration is necessary but presence in the church will be limited to no more than 25 people at any given time.

FUNERAL SERVICE
The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on
Saturday, December 19, 2020
10:30 a.m.
at St. Monica Parish**
6405 de Terrebonne
Montreal, QC H4B 1A8
Tel: (514) 481-0267

**Because of Covid-restrictions, attendance is limited to 25 persons and will be by invitation only.

The funeral mass will be live streamed at:
https://www.youtube.com/c/StMonicasCatholicParishMontreal

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Willibrord’s Parish Christmas baskets program are appreciated (351 Willibrord St., Montreal, QC H4G 2T7).