OBITUARIES

Peacefully at the Colville Manor in Souris on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Shirley Belle Coffin (nee Townshend) passed away surrounded by love and family. Born on August 31, 1933, to the late Leith and Letty Townshend, she was in her 92nd year. She will be forever loved by her daughters Sharon McIntosh, Karon Coffin (Rob Bliss) and daughter-in-law Connie Coffin. Shirley was a loving grandmother to Jeannie (Andrew), Jolene (Tom), Evan (Heidi), Candice (Joey), Jennifer (Matt), Aaron (Jesse) and also to her nine great grandchildren Ava, Lucas, Jack, Frankie, Cohen, Austin, Emmett, Keegan, and Harper. She is survived by her siblings Betty Jay (Guy; deceased and Errol Wood; deceased.), Phyllis McKie (David; deceased), David Townshend (Bonnie), and Lillian Burke (Wayne). Also, sisters-in-law, Marilyn Townshend, and Hazel Cook. Predeceased by her husband Roy Ernest Coffin, son Blair Coffin, son-in-law Mike McIntosh and brother Bill Townshend. A big thank you to the Colville Manor, and especially to Lupin Lane, which was her home for the past four years. A very special thank you to the “Girls” of Lupin Lane who always treated Mom with kindness and patience where she was fondly known as the “Queen”. Over the years, she was an active member in her community, church, and clubs. She was passionate about her love for gardening and cooking. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. A graveside committal service will be held in the Union Cemetery, Souris West, on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00am. If so desired, donations in memory of Shirley can be made to the Union Cemetery or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor).

It is with very heavy hearts, the family of Mary Melvina Hebert (nee Mallard) announce her passing, which occurred peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 79 years. Mary grew up in New Zealand and met the love of her life Raymond who she married in 1965. She was a rock and often called the Queen of her loving children Lynn Ann (Richard), Joey (Mary), Jackie (Kelee), Lori (Frank), Jamie, Lisa, Jason, Joshua (Amber), Jeffrey, Lynda, Jonathan (Deanna) and Jeremy (Jolene). She leaves behind her brother Lloyd (Joan), sisters Jean (Leo), Gladys (Ralph), Linda, Janet (Wade) and sister in-law Emerentienne. She also leaves behind her loving 33 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Raymond, parents William and Helen Mallard, sister Margaret, grandson Kodiak, brother-in-law Cliff Sherren, parents-in-law Alex and Rebecca Hebert, and sister-in-law Eva Manning (Jim). Mary was an avid card player; dice player and she also took pride in canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society. She was a board member of Souris Hospital for a short time until her health declined. She lived her life to the fullest and would often say “One foot in front of the other, one day at a time”. Mary loved everyone who would come to visit her as she loved to celebrate every occasion. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff of the Souris Hospital and Dialysis Unit for the care and compassion shown to Mary during her time there. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home in Souris where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2:00pm-5:00pm. A Funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Souris on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:00am with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Cemetery, Rollo Bay. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital Dialysis Unit) or the Kodiak Hebert Memorial Bursary.

Peacefully and surrounded by her loving family at her home in Stratford on Friday, May 23, 2025 the death occurred of Susan Winnifred Chaisson (MacAulay) of Stratford, age 93 years.   Loving mother of Darrell (deceased), Debbie MacDonald (Victor), Brenda MacCormack (Peter), Sharon Chaisson, Mary Lee Larkin (Larry), Marlene Robichaud (Herbie), Michele MacAulay (Ron) and Frances Mahar (John). Cherished grandmother of 30 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Sister of Helen Brown and sister-in-law of Kitty MacAulay and Everett MacDonald. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Joe and Julia (Doyle) MacAulay, husband Emmett Chaisson, brothers John, Eugene (Frances), sister Joanne MacDonald and brother-in-law Ivan Brown. Susan grew up in Sheep Pond, where she developed a love for the family farm. She later attended school at the convent in Souris. As a teenager, she became independent, living and teaching school in Johnston’s River, where she formed lifelong friendships and connections. In 1956, Susan married Emmett and found great joy in raising their family of eight young children.  Tragically, in 1963, Susan lost Emmett. Despite the loss, she persevered, working tirelessly to provide for her young family and keep them together. Throughout her life, Susan faced numerous hardships and struggles. Yet, she consistently demonstrated resilience and gratitude, embodying a mantra that guided her until her last day.  Susan’s philosophy of faith, acceptance and focusing on the positive aspects of any situation, will be cherished and carried on, by her children ‘Little Darlings’, grandchildren and great-grandchildren ’Hugabugs’, all of whom she held so dear. Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home from where visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Transferred from Hillsboro Funeral Home to Dingwell Funeral Home for visiting hours Tuesday from 5-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held from St Mary's Church Souris Wednesday at 3pm. Interment in St Alexis Cemetery, Rollo Bay. Memorial donations may be made online to PEI Association for Community Living or the Home Care Integrative Palliative Care Program. Arrangements entrusted to Hillsboro Funeral Home, Stratford.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James Cyril (BB) Chapman announces his passing, which occurred peacefully at Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 82. We are honoured to celebrate the life and legacy of this remarkable man. Cyril was born on April 18, 1943, to loving parents Joseph and Loretta (Sutherland) of Black Pond, PEI. He will be forever loved by his wife of 56 years Gloria (MacDonald), his four sons Craig (Rachel), Jeffrey (Cherie), Jason (Marise), Jamie (Tracy), his 13 grandchildren: Jessica (Devan), Danika, Drew, Tori Jayne, Rebecca, Alex, Daniel, Renée, Marc, Jalyn, Marybeth, Sarah, Bryce, and his great-grandson Turner. Cyril will be missed by his brother Reggie (Betty) and his sisters Eileen (Kenny) Murphy, Anne MacPhail, Florence (Ferdie) Gallant and Margie (Larry) Crown. He is predeceased by his brother Merlin (Marie), his sisters Mary (John) MacCormack, Jean and Elaine (George) and brother-in-law Ronald MacPhail. By age 12 Cyril knew he wanted to be a hockey player or a businessman/contractor. The seed of Chapman Brothers was planted in the 1960s when Cyril sold his car to buy a dump truck so he could join with his brother Merlin (Buddy) and go into the construction industry. His drive, dedication and passion for asphalt paving led Chapman Brothers to become a successful road building and paving contractor in the Maritimes spanning the last 60 years. In 1989, Cyril and the family were devastated by the tragic death of his brother and business partner, Buddy. With the support of his wife, Cyril was committed to continuing the business. In the 1990s, Cyril’s four sons joined the company, making the Chapman Brothers name whole again. Sunday evening meetings became a ritual he loved and always looked forward to. Cyril’s joy and pride grew over the years as his grandchildren started working with Chapman Brothers. Cyril was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was a man of integrity and unwavering faith. He was proud to live in and support his community. His passion for hockey led him to coach and manage numerous teams to Island championships. His support of local minor hockey, other sports teams in the community, and personal support to people in need or disadvantaged spanned decades. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care and compassion given to Cyril during his time in Souris and Montague Hospitals. Resting at Dingwell’s Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 3 – 6 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, May 26 at 2 pm and a livestream can be viewed at service time here: https://youtube.com/live/RtVBPqv7_kE Interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Cyril can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation.

It is with sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Allison Grace Walsh, announce her passing which occurred surrounded by her loving family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Born on July 31, 1957, she was aged 67 years of Canavoy PEI. She will be forever loved by her best friend and husband Mark, and deeply missed by their children Andrew (Samantha) and Sarah (Kenny). She is survived by her dear siblings Jennifer McGrath (John), and Beverly Carlaw (Doug). In addition, she is remembered by nieces Emily, Charlotte, Jackie, Meghan, and Monica. Predeceased by her parents Desmond and Valerie Chatterton. There won’t be a day that will not be the harder because Allison does not share it. Whether as a wife, mother, sisterly companion, Aunt to her nieces or beloved friend she touched our hearts. She was our ardent fan and our most blessed life companion. She left us on angel’s wings and her faith lit the way. +++++++ Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Peter’s Bay Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00am, with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay. If so desired, donations in memory of Allison can be made to The St. Peters Catholic Church Restoration Fund.

Peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the death occurred of Ron Milas “Buster” McMillan. Born on April 20, 1947, he was aged 78 years of East Lake, PE. He will be forever loved by his spouse and partner Tamy Campbell. Buster is survived by his sons Dennis (Melissa), Daryl (Michelle), and grandchildren Jack, Jessica, Logan, Jacey and Jalen. He leaves behind his brother Earl (Marion) and brother-in-law Ron Picco. Predeceased by his parents William and Mae (Acorn) McMillan, and sister Dorothy Picco. By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. If so desired, donations in memory of Buster can be made to Fox Aid PEI.

It is with sadness, the family of Margaret Lillian Gillis (nee Coffin), announce her passing which occurred with family by her side at the Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Born on November 30, 1935, in Kingsboro, PEI, she was aged 89 years. Margaret is predeceased by her husband Joe and will be forever loved by their children Donnie (Beverley), Eric (Jean), Rena Grant (David), Walter (Anita), Murray, Kent, and Sheldon. Margaret will be remembered as a loving grandmother to 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Shay, Weston (Kay), Eileen Sweeney, Birdie Rose, and sister-in-law Lorraine Coffin. Predeceased by her parents Percy and Louise Coffin, son Blair, 9 siblings, granddaughter Jennifer Grant, brother-in-law Sheldon Rose, and sister-in-law Doreen Coffin. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11am-1pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00pm with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Margaret can be made to the St. Columba Cemetery Fund .

It is with sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Betty Bruce (nee Ching) announce her passing, which occurred surrounded by love and family at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Born on September 18, 1942, she was in her 83rd year of Kingsboro, PEI. She leaves behind her loving husband of 61 years, Merton Bruce and will be forever loved by their children Rhonda Grant (Danny) and Vance Bruce (Michele). Betty was a most loving Nana to Allyson Gallant (Ryan) and Erin Grant. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Ching. Predeceased by her parents Lowell and Florence (nee Hayden) Ching, brother Walter Ching and infant daughter Laura Christine. Betty was a devoted wife and the heart of her home. She and her husband Merton were true best friends, rarely seen far apart. They loved taking drives to Montague, BBQing in the summer, and could always be counted on to keep the neighborhood foxes and cats well fed. She was a gifted quilter, knitter, cook, and baker, she shared her talents generously ensuring no one ever left her home hungry or empty-handed. She was known for her unforgettable turkey dinners and legendary gravy. Betty’s greatest joy was showing love through food. Summers were a special time when she welcomed Vance and Michelle home with trays of squares, cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and hearty meat-and-potato dinners each night. Every holiday, birthday, and anniversary were marked by a homemade gift, often accompanied by a handwritten note stitched into a quilt or tucked beside a fresh pair of mittens. Some of her most treasured memories were spent on girls' days in Charlottetown with Rhonda, Allyson and Erin—browsing for the best fabric deals at the thrift stores, shopping for new clothes, and ending the day with Swiss Chalet. Betty also had a soft spot for her grandson-in-law, Ryan—though she’d say it was mostly because of his hair, which she absolutely adored and complimented at every chance she got. Betty was known for carrying a purse like Mary Poppins—anything you needed, she had. But what she carried most was a genuine interest in others. Conversations with Betty were never just small talk—she had a gift for connecting with people. One of her favorite conversation partners was her son-in-law, Danny. The two shared a special bond rooted in their mutual love of chatting, when they were in the same room, silence didn’t stand a chance. Their lively banter and shared laughter became a beloved part of every family gathering. Betty’s gentle spirit, creativity, and love touched many lives. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness-and a little sparkle- in every heart that she touched. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 2-5pm. A funeral service will be held at the Kingsboro Baptist Church, Kingsboro, PEI, on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 3:00pm with interment to follow in the Kingsboro Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Betty can be made to the Kingsboro Cemetery Fund or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Home Care).

The death occurred peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, of Kevin Adolphus Conway, at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his sister Roma MacDonald and numerous nieces and nephews. Kevin was born in Rollo Bay on July 19, 1947, and remained there for the majority of his life. However, he moved to Perrin’s Marina Villa in Montague in October of 2023. Kevin will be remembered by many for his love of hockey cards, and especially his favourite hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks. Kevin is predeceased by his parents Adolphus and Ethel (nee Peters) Conway, and siblings Ernest MacDonald, Ruth Crispin (Earl), Frank MacDonald, Clifford MacDonald (Yolonda), Lois Gregory, and Mary Irene at infancy. Also predeceased by his brother-in-law Hugo (Don) Malfara, nephews Bradley Gregory (Godson), Frank MacDonald, and grandnephew Shawn Evan Gregory. By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A graveside service will take place in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00pm. If so desired, donations in memory of Kevin can be made to the St. Alexis Cemetery Fund.

Peacefully at the Colville Manor on Sunday May 4, 2025, Mary Catherine “Kay” MacDonald (nee Mallard) of Morell, passed away with her loving family and caregivers by her side. Born on Christmas Day 1933 in New Zealand to Garfield and Judy Mallard, she was in her 92nd year. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Merlin MacDonald, and will be lovingly remembered by their children, Heather (Kerry), Blair (Janie), Clayton, Brian (Brenda) Lynn (Shelley) and Jacinta. Kay was a grandmother to Christopher, Steven (Laurie), Stefanie, Kyle, Jamie, Andrew (Emily) and Chandler. A great grandmother to Ty, Seth, Liam, Alice, Casey, and Lennon. She is survived by her brother, Clarence Mallard (Sabina dec.), sister-in-law Juanita (Frank Lechowich) and brother-in-law Donald MacDonald (Pat), as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Garfield and Judith Mallard, sister, Emma Anderson, and brother Earl Mallard, in-laws, Andrew and Mary Ann MacDonald, Sabina Mallard, Irma MacDougall, Milton (Jean) MacDonald, Bernice (Lornie Kelly) and Edna (Andy Mckenna). Kay will be remembered for her love of family, friends, animals, flowers, and music. Her home was always welcoming, and she loved to entertain. A gracious host she took great pride in her home and flower gardens. Kay was a generous community person, often delivering meals discreetly to people in the community. A lifetime musician, Kay was a former organist at Saint Theresa of the Little Flower and for many years played piano in a local band. She donated her time and talent to many community benefits, dances, and parties. Kay enjoyed traveling in particular her shopping get aways. In later years Kay enjoyed attending music events across PEI and was always up for a house party. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved Kitty and the pups. Kay was a devoted member of her church, prayed the rosary daily and had a special love for the Virgin Mary. She took many trips up the hill to light a candle for a family intention. When she would come home she would announce “I laid it on the line with Mary.” Resting at the Dingwell Funeral home where visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. A funeral mass will be held at the church of The Little Flower in Morell on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11 AM with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired donations in memory of Kay may be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor) or the IWK children’s Wish Foundation.