CORNWALL, Ontario – The husband of a woman tragically killed while walking on Brookdale Avenue says his family is touched by a tidal wave of community support – but they don’t want any money.
Peter Brodka’s wife Claudia Ordonselli was killed Friday, while on a trip to purchase groceries, after being pinned among vehicles involved in a traffic accident on the busy street.
Brodka was surprised to learn that a gofundme fundraiser had been initiated online, as neither he nor his family had authorized such a plan.
“If you hadn’t called me I would have had no idea it had begun,” he said.
Brodka believes the confusion began when supporters reached out to him late Saturday and asked if he and his family would accept money raised to help with funeral costs and other bills. Brodka said it was too late Saturday to respond, so he waited until Sunday to phone back and say thanks but no thanks.
In the meantime, though, the gofundme account had already been created and had been circulated hundreds of times on social media – raising more than $700 in the process.
The fundraiser has since been cancelled and the online page removed.
“That money should go back to the people who pledged it – or to the next deserving family,” said Brodka, who conceded he and his family experienced some tough economic times, but things are better now. “I’m now working, and I have an income coming in. My work is in Montreal.
“Our funeral costs…we have it covered. We’re not destitute.”
His wife, 61, who worked at Tim Hortons on Brookdale Avenue, was loved by all who knew her, Brodka said.
“Over the last couple of years she’s been at Tim Hortons and she developed quite a reputation,” he said. “She was loved by everybody. She wouldn’t harm a fly. She was the best individual – she was never down or anything.
“She was just doing groceries, minding her business. It was the wrong person at the wrong time.”
Organizers of the online fundraiser have told Seaway News refunds have been issued to those who wish their money returned.
Police are still investigating the crash.
Brodka and his daughter Kristen will celebrate Claudia’s life in a funeral that will take place in Montreal closer to family and friends.
